Bob Davis
02-07-2010, 10:47 PM
Important?
From a number of recent posts it sounds like simply watching a laser on glass (or a myriad of other materials) is a very bad idea. A post from Robert Ray caught my attention:
With the covers on, you are resonably safe, but remember that bright light you see when your laser is cutting is full spectrum light from the burning material, and is actually more dangerous than the CO2 flash.
Unfortunately the beam is almost hypnotic in its effect, and although I now avoid watching the laser do its magic I am sure I have accumulated at least several hours gazing at it.
I would have thought that the manufacturers would have been aware of any possible danger from viewing the laser, and would have taken steps to remove the threat if that was the case. On that basis it would appear that the manufacturers are either unaware of a problem or that they believe it is not a significant danger.
So; is it a danger and if so what can be done? Is it worthwhile adding some window-tint to the glass viewing window and just leave a narrow slit of clear for close inspection? Wear sunglasses around the laser?
Or is it not really a problem at all?
From a number of recent posts it sounds like simply watching a laser on glass (or a myriad of other materials) is a very bad idea. A post from Robert Ray caught my attention:
With the covers on, you are resonably safe, but remember that bright light you see when your laser is cutting is full spectrum light from the burning material, and is actually more dangerous than the CO2 flash.
Unfortunately the beam is almost hypnotic in its effect, and although I now avoid watching the laser do its magic I am sure I have accumulated at least several hours gazing at it.
I would have thought that the manufacturers would have been aware of any possible danger from viewing the laser, and would have taken steps to remove the threat if that was the case. On that basis it would appear that the manufacturers are either unaware of a problem or that they believe it is not a significant danger.
So; is it a danger and if so what can be done? Is it worthwhile adding some window-tint to the glass viewing window and just leave a narrow slit of clear for close inspection? Wear sunglasses around the laser?
Or is it not really a problem at all?