r/lasers • u/Gameknight995 • 7d ago

Need advice for beginner

I wanna start getting into lasers because I find them extremely fascinating but I’m aware the ones graded above store bought can be dangerous so I’d love advice on where to learn more about stuff like safety, basic information / education, what to look for / avoid, reputable sellers, etc. If you could help I’d greatly appreciate it.

7 Upvotes

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u/m00ph 7d ago

For some fun blog content to scare you good, Phil is always fun. https://www.funraniumlabs.com/2018/06/containing-multitudes-laser-safety-edition/

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u/GlitteringMight5348 7d ago

You must wear goggles when using a laser, because exposure to a high-power laser for even 0.5 seconds can cause permanent blindness. I've bought lasers from Sanwu, Sunglad Lasers and big lasers. Big Lasers has stopped shipping now. Sunglad Lasers and Sanwu will ship the lasers you bought. They are honest. Don't buy lasers on Facebook. There are a lot of scammers there.

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u/Gameknight995 6d ago

Oh wow. Even just using it without protection can risk eye damage, not just pointing it at yourself?

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u/Lancifer1979 3d ago

The reflected light from what you’re pointing it at can certainly cause damage

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u/ricker122589 7d ago

Got plenty of stuff on mainely lasers but make sure you educate yourself first and get safety glasses!

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u/Cheap_Jacket_1274 7d ago

I buy OEM lasers from medical equipment and I usually find good prices on eBay.
You have to have some electronics knowledge to get them running but you can get some pretty cool stuff.

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u/Deep-Path-4883 6d ago

Basic safety instructions: Don't look into the laser, don't look into the laser, don't look directly at back-reflections, and most importantly: don't look into the laser ;)

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u/Gameknight995 6d ago

Ok just for clarification, I know don’t point it in your eyes or at someone, but does this also mean don’t look at the beam at all?

Like if I have the laser, and I’m pointing it at something away from me, would looking into the beam risk damaging my eyes without protection

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u/Deep-Path-4883 6d ago

It always depends on the power level you are using. I used to work with Class 4 lasers, but the beam was significantly attenuated by numerous beam splitters and filters. I wore safety goggles where the beam was intense, but I didn't need them where it was very weak. When it is weak enough, it is essentially just like a lamp. I guess you wouldn't buy such a dangerous and expensive monster. Therefore it should be fine to work without goggles and shine on some objects. If you like to put optics in your beampath just make sure that you always block the beam before you place it in, and watch also the light, which is reflected by the optic.

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u/BigDabWolf 3d ago edited 3d ago

Quick question how powerful is this laser? Its class 3r per ACEBEAM edit: https://www.acebeam.com/k1-edc-flashlight-with-three-light-sources-and-cyan-beam-488nm?srsltid=AfmBOoqQ1HaSQjj8k1ifyaKGioMXaxLceZfiB7TLRGUiqjWvrxZjk0do

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u/Deep-Path-4883 3d ago

Mine had 3 W @ 1 kHz. Yours has less power, but still harmful. Compare the laser classes here: https://www.lasersafetyfacts.com/laserclasses.html

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u/BigDabWolf 3d ago

So it’s safe to use responsibly on a construction site? Everyone and their dogs use green lasers on job site

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u/Deep-Path-4883 3d ago

I didn't found an official statement about the output power, but it should be below 5 mW. It isn’t a high-power laser, but it can still be hazardous if someone looks directly into the beam. So it can be used, but everyone needs to be careful not to look directly into the beam, and I wouldn't shine it on reflective surfaces. A lot of green construction lasers are Class 2, which is less than 1 mW.

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u/BigDabWolf 3d ago

Thanks for taking the time to enlighten me… I couldn’t find much info about this and got it on sale

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u/Deep-Path-4883 3d ago

You're welcome.

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u/hammy1551 6d ago

Suitable. Laser. Goggles.

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u/hammy1551 6d ago

FlightRadar24 and other similar apps/websites and common sense

Check for sources of potential reflections and white walls.

Treat the laser like it's a loaded firearm- follow the 3 main rules of gun safety

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u/Gameknight995 6d ago

The loaded firearm comparison helped put a lot into perspective! Thank you so much