Would I be right in thinking that viewing the beam alone isn’t damaging, but looking at the lens is? Presumably then, unintended viewing could be limited if not eliminated by shining it through a tube?
No one should be viewing any of it without goggles. It will damage your vision after just a few seconds of indirect exposure, direct exposure (pointing it at your eyes) will blind you.
Yes, with my 3w, I can use it periodically without goggles but I cannot look at the beam for more than a few seconds. A welding helmet will protect you completely. It does make it hard to use with precision at night tho.
Would I be right in thinking that viewing the beam alone isn’t damaging, but looking at the lens is? Presumably then, unintended viewing could be limited if not eliminated by shining it through a tube?
No one should be viewing any of it without goggles. It will damage your vision after just a few seconds of indirect exposure, direct exposure (pointing it at your eyes) will blind you.
Glad to know I was quite wrong. Thank you for potentially saving my vision.
Not knowing much about lasers myself obviously, is a welding helmet be sufficient protection from indirect exposure?
Yes, with my 3w, I can use it periodically without goggles but I cannot look at the beam for more than a few seconds. A welding helmet will protect you completely. It does make it hard to use with precision at night tho.
Good to know, thank you.