There are so many different lasers out there and a lot of different enthusiasts like to have a laser pointer that has the ability to burn things, such as, popping black balloons, lighting black matches, or cutting black electrical tape. But how much power (mW) do you need in order to be able to do these types of applications?
The going standard is about 100mW for a solid performance that will give you the burning power you want. So where can you find cheap burning lasers that will give you a good bang for your buck? There are a lot of places online you can find powerful laser pointers that you can buy for relatively cheap prices, but sometimes these cheap lasers turn out to be quite shoddy in craftsmanship. Often times a laser will burn out quickly, have poor collimation, and a beam that scatters.
This can not only be dangerous, but a complete waste of your laser investment as most of these don’t carry warranties and are really all just hype. If its a deal that seems too good to be true, it usually is. You want to find a reliable laser source that not only has different laser pointer options to choose from, but a real support system and valid warranties for any laser you’re looking to buy.
Cheap burning lasers can be found at only a few sources that are high in quality and will actually live up to the laser standards you should expect. Look for warranties and most of all, FDA compliance, as any laser above 5mW must have certification and certain safety features to be legal in the United States.
When you’ve found a good model that fits your price range and includes a valid warranty, you should be all set. The most popular laser pointers available can be found reliably through the only United States distributor will full FDA compliance, ThinkLasers.com
Here is a list of the best laser pointers you can buy online: Best Laser Pointers of 2010