Would this be a wise purchase?

[dantheman]

Hey everybody,

I am new and green as fresh cut grass (well almost, maybe a day old after being cut) when it comes to Lasers, how they work, safety and uses.

I have read the stickies, I have learned a few things and using that knowledge I came up with my first Laser "pointer" product that I would like to purchase, but Before I hit the buy button I wouldnt mind another pair of eyes (or a few pairs would be better) to check and see if my choice was actually that wise or if there is anything better out there (BTW i am aware SAFETY FIRST):

My goals:
1. Burning (i know i am lame, cant help it though)
2. Star pointing (i love space)
3. science maybe? (if i can figure out how)


So far I have come up with a Blue 445nm 1000mw Laser, as this is apparently better for burning, and if I am correct can still be used for Star pointing.

Thanks to this review: laserpointerforums.com/f52/sky-pl445-1600-review-burning-video-87195.html
and many posts/comments I have decided to go with this:

HL 405,445,450nm (as the HL version has better casing/cooling apparently than the PL but sadly less watts)

and these goggles: for UV blue green laser (style #2 cause they look better imo)

batteries/ charger i would get locally.

So finally to get to my question:
Is this a "good" setup? Or can i do better? My absolute price limit is $400 if it really comes down to it, so if anyone has a better laser with more watts and etc in mind I am all ears.

Mind you I am not skilled in electronic building, so building my own "rig" is out of the question for now.

Also just curious IF i were to use a 1Watt laser and point it at the stars would goggles still be required? how far away would be safe enough to ot be blinded anymore? Or should I just get a separate Green laser for pointing?

Sorry for the long post, thanks for the help in advance.
Safe pointing,
Danny

 

[Keiichi tsuchiya]

Hello and welcome to the forum ! Those glasses will be OK and it should be the first thing to buy if you want a laser.
So you say that you want a laser for burning,star pointing, or science. Those are good choices !! But are you sure that a 1watt blue laser is necessary for those applycations? First off , do you have any idea of the power of a 1watt blue laser ?!?!?!
Since its your first laser i wouldnt recommend you buying it ! For a 1watt blue lasers those glasses are not going to cut it completely, they will work fine but its not proper.
The best laser for burning are 405nm , any 405nm at almost any power will burn much more than any laser above its wavelenght but they are not that visible like 445,520 so they are a no go if you want them for pointing. So what can you get ?! Hmmm ??...
Your budget is $400 and thats really good !!!!!! So my best advice is for you to get a focusable green laser no more than 100mW, that laser will give you the stargazing experience that you are looking for plus it will burn. PL 532nm 100-700
I wouldnt recommend you to go any higher than that until you get experience with the laser. But at the end you are the one that can decide wether to get the blue, violet or green. 100-150mw of green will be enought for what you want IN MY OPINION .
And yes for a 1watt laser i would use gogggles for almost anything. If you want to see the beam i dont think it will be an issue.
Forgot to mention that you can also contact some of the LPF members that build lasers. They can get you a laser for a really good deal and customize it. With that budget you can get a descent laser with a good power to start on the pointing hobby. But please be very careful if you are going to buy a 1watt laser !!
Take care
Mr.Mu

 

[Polonium210]

It may also be a challenge purchasing a complete handheld laser over 5mW.
You are in Vancouver right?

Canada coustoms loves to cease handheld lasers coming into Canada.. Trust me I've had several lasers taken by the nice people at Canada customs.

Buying all the parts to make one however is not illegal so I build my own.

 

[trencheel303]

Hi dan,

If I'm not mistaken, that link you posted is my review

Btw, the PL host has better heat sinking than the HL - it's bigger and has a more pronounced heat sink area. Just thought I'd let you know that.

I will elaborate more when I'm at a proper computer and sober :beer:

 

[Blarg King]

I've never had problems getting my lasers in Canada.

Seems like a decent setup. I have a 1.4 watt 445 laser and I use it for star pointing (watch out for aircraft!) without goggles, and its been fine.

 

[dantheman]

Thanks for all the replies!

It may also be a challenge purchasing a complete handheld laser over 5mW.
You are in Vancouver right?

Canada coustoms loves to cease handheld lasers coming into Canada.. Trust me I've had several lasers taken by the nice people at Canada customs.

Buying all the parts to make one however is not illegal so I build my own.

crap i just found this laserpointerforums.com/f44/canadian-restrictions-portable-lasers-official-info-release-laserglow-73129.html

Talk about a "free" true north....... i'm sick of "BANmocracy" tbh...oh well

Alrighty, I guess then I will have to build my own after all, since the regulations talked about fully assembled laser only I'll guess i order the parts then and start reading more about building them. YAY more fun then!

If I'm not mistaken, that link you posted is my review

Btw, the PL host has better heat sinking than the HL - it's bigger and has a more pronounced heat sink area. Just thought I'd let you know that.

Yup that was your post, ahh I read that HL vs PL part on a different website, oh well ty though.

@ Keiichi tsuchiya:

Ty very much for your input, as I stated I am new to this, and I usually like to "go big or go home" hence the 1watt choice thinking it would be a good idea, but since I will have to build my own I will for sure start small, with many different wavelengths.

On a side note, think its possible for an amateur to make a "laser gun"? 100+ Watts? 1000+?
I would like a new window in my room........just kidding.

Thank you all!

Definitely see you around!!!

Safe pointing,
Danny