Will I need goggles for this?

[Rotk]

Hiya, I'm planning to build a 2.6 watt 808nm laser pointer, was wondering will I need a pair of goggles for it. Many thanks in advance.

 

[ARG]

OEM laser systems has good goggles. You don't want to be trusting Chinese goggles, especially with IR wavelengths.

Edit: Misread the question, yes you WILL need goggles for this.

 

[lasersbee]

You need Laser Safety Goggles/Glasses for any Laser
over 5mW....


Jerry

Bump
Don't you haver any comments about it?

 

[luccax]

May i ask whats the purpose of this build? IR for me is basically for industrial use but i have seen many people building theme as hobby and i cant see the point of building an extremely dangerous invisible laser..

 

[Rotk]

Thanks for the goggle recommendation and reply everyone.

May i ask whats the purpose of this build? IR for me is basically for industrial use but i have seen many people building theme as hobby and i cant see the point of building an extremely dangerous invisible laser..

I was hoping I wun need goggles for them since they seem the dimmest out of all lasers that can burn some stuff, but now I'm afraid to build them after finding out.

 

[sopark4000]

Thanks for the goggle recommendation and reply everyone.



I was hoping I wun need goggles for them since they seem the dimmest out of all lasers that can burn some stuff, but now I'm afraid to build them after finding out.

Judging the strength of a laser based on brightness. :banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:

I hope you haven't been using this laser already without goggles. Just because a laser isn't bright doesn't mean it isn't powerful. We (humans) can't see in the infrared spectrum. I have a 40W (40,000mW) Co2 laser that can light wood on fire in a second, the beam is completely invisible. Here is an IR Co2 laser similar to mine. If you have been using your laser without eye protection it's very possible you have done damage to your eyes already.

 

[luccax]

Actually you didn't answer me, im still curious. You want to build that laser for what reason? If its only for hobby there are many more interesting wavelenghts that you can build, they are less dangerous and a visible laser beam is just awesome

 

[DrSid]

Is this troll ?

 

[luccax]

Now I understood what he said. I think he wants a 808nm because its not bright so he wouldn't need to use protection goggles.

My advice: Don't even try to build this laser, build some reds and blues before you adventure yourself on the IRs. You are going to hurt yourself.

 

[Rotk]

@sopark4000

I haven't built my laser yet so far, but now I'm thinking about trying something else, and thanks for warning me about this.

@Luccax

Thanks for the recommendations Luccax, think I'll just stick to some weaker blue lasers first before attempting to build anything else.

 

[CapeClover]

@sopark4000

I haven't built my laser yet so far, but now I'm thinking about trying something else, and thanks for warning me about this.

@Luccax

Thanks for the recommendations Luccax, think I'll just stick to some weaker blue lasers first before attempting to build anything else.

Follow the advice given here. The IR lasers are extremely dangerous. The beam is invisible but still powerful and dangerous. Try building other types that operate in the visible part of the spectrum.

And, as far as goggles go, yes, you need goggles for any type of laser you build. And the goggles must be specific for the wavelength of the laser you are using. Not using goggles is an invitation to permanent blindness. Don;t even think of turning a laser on unless you are wearing the appropriate goggles.

 

[Mrcrouse]

Welcome! If it is over 5mw you need goggles specific to the wavelength. If the laser is able to burn wood etc. it is definitely able to burn your eyes as well no matter how dim it may be. Do some reading on the forum, and I'm sure you'll find the information you need. :beer:

 

[InfinitusEquitas]

As a general rule of thumb, if you are dealing with something where the issue of safety comes up, and you feel the need to ask... yes you need the safety equipment.

Personally I find IR lasers to be kind of scary... so a big big YES, on needing goggles.

 

[Fiddy]

Pretty much if your not using them for night vision equipment or pumping crystals then.....