Spyder III Pro Arctic Series - just wow

[sciguyryan]

What else can I say? Not only does it look like a lightsaber (which is cool all on its own) but it really burns things and to top it all off... it comes with warning stickers.

Can you get any better? Has anyone seen the videos of these on youtube yet?

[NickThissen]

Seriously, please do not buy that laser.

If I remember correctly it is a 1W, class IV laser. If this laser is used in a lab setting, you would have to take various precautions VERY seriously:
- Enclose the beam,
- Wear protective clothing, no jewelry,
- Keep the laser under head height mounted on an optical table,
- etc...

A 1W laser beam will permanently damage your vision even if you get so much as a reflection in your eyes. It doesn't even have to be a particularly reflective surface, a piece of furnished wood could be enough. If anyone gets that reflection in their eyes for even the tiniest amount of time, they could be blind for the rest of their lives.

This is no toy... In fact, I think class IV lasers are considered weapons in many countries, because in fact they are.

[sciguyryan]

Of course its not a toy and of course I am going to buy one - I have their whole set so far.

I collect these things and I know the risks, having built some myself in the past - like everything they are safe in the right hands. Though I do worry that a few 10 year old are going to get these from their parents - a scary thought.

[NickThissen]

As long as you take the required safety measures when using it you should be fine, but most people don't bother with laser safety anymore, even in a lab... I've seen someone get hurt myself, because a laser was reflecting off a slanted surface. The beam hit someone in the eye very briefly, and he was blind in that eye for about 2 weeks. Luckily his vision came back but it's still not 100%. The laser I'm talking about was 50 mW. Yes, 50 mW. This laser is 20 times more powerful.

If these lasers are sold to just anyone, as they are now, this could get out of hand really quickly. Have you watched the world cup (football) lately? People are using lasers there to shine on the field trying to hit players. Just imagine some idiot sitting in the stands with a 1W laser. He could potentially make hundreds of people blind with that thing.

[sciguyryan]

I've worked in a lab with far more powerful lasers. I am quite familiar with the safety procedures and dangers of a laser - having seen one cut through a 1" steel plate before now.

I already have a 500mW at home - it is pretty cool. Luckily these ones sell the lasers with safety visors rated to the specs of the laser so as long as you are not planning to take it to a party you should be okay.

[NickThissen]

so as long as you are not planning to take it to a party you should be okay.

Yes, but many people buy these lasers just to show off with them. So that's exactly what they will do. I'm not saying you will. I'm just saying they shouldn't sell these lasers to just about anyone.

[sciguyryan]

Yes, but many people buy these lasers just to show off with them. So that's exactly what they will do. I'm not saying you will. I'm just saying they shouldn't sell these lasers to just about anyone.

And those are exactly the type of people who should now own one. Luckily I like in a pretty secluded part of Wales with mountains on all side where nobody goes - so there are plenty of places to use one without having to worry about anyone getting in the way of the beam.

I think you have to complete some sort of age notification now and go through several steps of confirming the risks involved with the laser. Its a start.

[wossname]

Star Trek phasers we're only 0.5W, when set to "Vapourise Energy Being" mode, this 1W thing must be a real doozy.

[demotivater]

Does it go "pew pew" (only cooler)?

[DeanMc]

I have a 40watt bulb that will tear through adamantium if anyone is interested?

[sciguyryan]

I just found an interesting video that uses the same diode if anyone is interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__5CpKlr4-4

That's one nasty piece of work for sure.

[Quiver318]

Is this the type of laser that Dr. Evil puts on a shark's head?