What laser and where should I buy it?

[Norge]

I am sorry if this has been brought up before... I tried googling the forum but I could not find any similar info..

So, my question is what laser should i buy, and where should i buy it from?
It is important that the laser is about 200mW and focusable.
It can cost up to 100$ Free shipping like DX is a bonus..

I was also wondering how much more effective red lasers are at burning, compared to green or other colours?

Thank you
PS: No trolling about google please...

 

[AndyR]

At least you tried searching before posting, so you might be spared from the "use the search button" lecture. Also, if you click the Search tab in the bar at the top, 3rd from the left, it is much more effective than the generic one on the left side of the screen.

First of all, which color are you looking for? Green is much more visible than red and very impressive , although quite more expensive. About burning power, it all depends on what you are burning. For example, green will not burn green and red won't burn red, however both will easily burn dark material. All colors have their strengths and weaknesses in burning capability.

A good 200 mW red can be found on o-like.com (but the site is down temporarily, just wait until it comes back up). This laser has been bought (me included) by many of the members here and has proven to be excellent for its unbelievable price of around $45.

You can always look on Rayfoss / O-like for cheaper, but still decent quality lasers. Additionally, their customer service is amazing. Personally, I would avoid places like DX and focalprice because of their inconsistencies in quality and customer service.

A decent 200 mW green will probably cost you around $150-250~

You can also look through Optotronics for slightly higher priced but better quality lasers. You can also keep an eye out in the Group Buy, or Buy, Sell, and Trade Section on the forum for a great deal.

 

[Norge]

Thank you!! I was anticipating a google is your friend answer...:wtf:

Ok but does o-like sell green 200mW lasers? And at what price? Site down... I want a laser capable of burning and of doing some experiments, like optical trapping... A green one would be cooler but not if it costs over a 100 bucks.

I have looked in the buy/sell section but it seems all the good lasers get snapped up fairly quickly..

Thank you again kind sir!

 

[AndyR]

O-like does indeed sell 200 mW green lasers. Rayfoss is kind of like the "sister" company to o-like, with similar prices, quality and customer service so you could always look there. I'm afraid a decent quality 200 mW green will cost more than $100.

$130 sounds like the cheapest, stable 200 mW green you could probably buy (new, of course.) Another option would be to go for a slightly lower power like 150 mW, which can still do all of the burning and the visibilty will not vary by much.

Also, if you are interested in doing experiments that involve keeping the laser on for an extended period of time be sure you don't buy a pen style. Try to look for the "duty cycle", the longer the better. This just means how long you can keep the laser on before it heats up so much that it could potentially damage it, and then how long you have to wait until it cools down.

 

[Norge]

Ok, I just saw a red one on rayfoss' site! rf660 50$!
It has an unlimited duty cycle? And it is focusable..

I think that is my best bet...

I am probably going to break it anyway after a couple of weeks.. So there is no point in getting a really expensive one at first right?

I bet I will get even more hooked now. Till now i have made my own... without drivers and have burned through diodes like a dick through water... Not that I didnt know I needed a driver, I just didnt want to use money on it..
But now I am hooked!!

Thnx!:bowdown:

 

[AndyR]

No problem, and I'm sure this will last you much longer than a few weeks

 

[Norge]

Hmm:thinking: I see they have a discount system.. How does it work??? Something about an email...

I love discounts!

 

[nikokapo]

Have you examined the Review Compilation thread on the review section? You can find a link to it on my signature.

 

[Norge]

Now I have... I'd be happy to write a review for your list.. I see you are missing the RF660-"200mW"-FPT/FBT from rayfoss.

I am ordering the RF660-200mW-FPT and the RF532-100mW-B03

Also I must say your reveiw thread is a fantastic tool for noobs like me, and maybe for pros too?