Debunking The Myths of Laser Safety Glasses

[@vinylsteve]

Perfect timing, I get my first laser engraver next week and this morning I spent a couple of hours learning about the safety aspect, especially the glasses and the kind of Perspex/acrylic I need for my enclosure.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Glad I could help

[@_droid]

Glasses aren't the best either because they allow light in from the back and sides. Being a coherent light source even a minor reflection will zap your eye. You should wear true goggles. The kind that wrap around and completely cover your eyes and all the way to your head. They're bulky but the only safe choice.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Yes, use whatever makes you feel safe. Keep in mind that saying a diode laser produces coherent light is a bit of a stretch. If you are 5mms from the laser, the beam is typically 0.8x0.15mm, and the energy density is certainly high enough to do major eye damage but move even a meter away, and the beam is many orders of magnitude larger, and the energy density is a small fraction of what it is coming out of the tube (think "square root of the distance"). So, while it should probably be avoided if possible, taking a back reflection from across the room isn't likely to cause you any damage.

[@Vintauri]

Very nice video and simple test! Ill have to try it with the OD3 acrylic i have for my enclosure.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Well my method here isn't scientific by any means, but it's a good way to verify safety glass before you go sticking your eye in the path of the beam. OD3 will block about 99.9% of the wavelength it is intended for, so this should be fine for an enclosure.

[@ShafaqIftikhar-pw9ld]

A really useful and important video concerning safety. I had watch a video years ago regarding sun glasses where fake ones are sold all day long abroad in markets ie fake brands. Unless brought from reputable companies. There can never be a compromise for your sight. Thank you for the upload!

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Hope it helps

[@orion95467]

​@@SteveMakesEverything hello steve,i was just here around the tube searching about concrete eye protection glasses from powerful laser so i find your channel and subscribe. I would like to purchase a pointer blue about 450 nm 5w,but first i want to take a concrete and certified glasses that can give me total protection from these kind of laser and i would like if you agree about to ask your email or other contact for a direct assistence about these,its eye safety so it must be take seriously first of all the rest,waiting for a reply from you ill send you greetings.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

@@orion95467 The glasses I talk about here will generally protect in the range you want since most diode lasers are in the 435-455nm range. The one I recommend in the description will be fine and are OD6, so will block basically all blue light in this range.

[@orion95467]

@@SteveMakesEverything hi steve and thank you so much for the reply,so for a blue pointer about 50000mw and 450 NM wich kind of glasses should i choice? I find the amazon announcement you put on the description but there are different type of choice,can you please give me here the link about the exactly model that fit for these kind? And a second thing im new about these things,can you tell me when wear safety glases is required? Every time I use the pointer also at open places? They say the light is dangerous for eyes in every way also if you just see that from the front. Thank you steve ill send you greetings,i subscribed too at your channel

[@SteveMakesEverything]

@@orion95467 If you follow the link in the description, look for these "FreeMascot OD 6+ 190-550nm / 800nm-1100nm Wavelength Laser Safety Glasses for 405nm, 450nm, 532nm, 808nm, 980nm,1064nm Laser". Amazon keeps breaking the link on me. Really anytime you are using a laser you should wear glass to protect for that specified range of light - also anyone else who might be in the vicinity. It will only impact you if you are staring straight into the beam though, or seeing a reflection. A side-on view won't be dangerous.

[@boxpopulichannel]

Found it! Thank you, Steve, for the better answer than even expected

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Let me know if you need more info

[@invinciblemuffi]

Useful information. Thank you :)

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Rini-D]

Thanks for the review. I just ordered from the link you provided. Thanks!

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Thanks! These are the glasses I use.

[@palakush7650]

@rini did the link take you to amazon Canada? Can you share the product name and model? When i click on the link, it doesnt take me to the actual glasses he was suggesting.

[@Rini-D]

@@palakush7650 it takes me to Amazon USA. Here is the product title : FreeMascot OD 8+ 190nm-550nm / 800nm-1100nm Wavelength Laser Safety Glasses

[@SteveMakesEverything]

@@palakush7650 Try this link if you're in Canada: amzn.to/3UuLRvS

[@sebastianhabbel6605]

Hi Steve, which glasses do you recommend for the Xtool Laser F1? I just did your glasses test with the glasses recommended by xtool and the beam went through both. I’m a little unsettled, thank you very much and best regards Sebastian

[@SteveMakesEverything]

The glasses I linked in the description should handle both diode and IR laser frequencies.

[@monkeydreammonkeydo6612]

Thanks Steve! Just the info I needed. Time to build an enclosure :)

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Hi Ian. You can get transparent acrylic at engraving-supplies.ca. You may also qualify for some of their educational discounts.

[@manuelcanedo8772]

Hi Steve, this is a great video. I just want to ask You something cause I have viewed and read so many articles about shield protection for lasers. I am building a safe enclosure for my laser (450 nm) and I would like to know what is the difference between acrylic (PMMA) and approved safety acrylic like jtechphotonics. I know that the orange color aids in blocking the blue laser light (455nm) used by diode lasers, so is not enough to buy an orange acrylic like the ones Amazon sells very cheap: instead of approved safety acrylic. The difference in price is huge and probably have the same product, with different marketing. Thanks, Manuel

[@SteveMakesEverything]

You can certainly buy certified acrylic for this, and not to diminish the importance of safety, but if you have a box with a window, the only light coming through it would be reflections, so regular red or orange translucent acrylic would probably be fine. If you’re concerned though, pay for the premium stuff.

[@norm5785]

Wonderful video. Explained very well. Ordered a new pair of the ones you suggested. Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Thanks. Always stay safe

[@davehimlin2374]

am I correct in assuming, that it is not harmful to the eyes, to look at the beam if the beam is directed away from the eyes...and the only danger to ones eyes, is if the beam is directly focused at the eyes or bounces off a reflection directly into the eyes ? For example, viewing the beam, from behind, while directing the beam at the top of a tall tree would not pose any threats/damage to the eyes ?

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Well, I would suggest wearing glasses any time a laser is turned on. But if you’re pointed at the top of a tree, you’re probably safe, though I’m not sure why you would do this 😉

[@davehimlin2374]

@@SteveMakesEverything why do people point lasers at the wall..or the ground...or the back of a house, etc ? I just used the top of a tree, as 1 example.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

@@davehimlin2374 I get it, though I wouldn't point a laser anywhere but a workspace 😉

[@mrgrinch61]

great information

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BreakingElegance]

amazing information buddy thanks good to know red is the best out of the bunch

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Glad to help

[@steventhompson4013]

Have an xtool enclosure, is it safe even from a reflection? It still seems bright

[@SteveMakesEverything]

It should be safe. The window on the enclosure will eliminate the dangerous light in the sub-400nm range but some visible light will still pass through the glass.

[@maximilianeisele1280]

@@SteveMakesEverything thanks a lot for that video! I as well have an xtool enclosure with a d1 20 watt inside, but I still wear orange glasses (with nm range) when I directly look into it. Does that add up to make it really save or doesn't it work like that?

[@SteveMakesEverything]

@@maximilianeisele1280 Yes, any certified glasses should protect you. However, just out of caution, avoid staring directly at the beam for long periods of time.

[@AlokeshBagchi]

Dear Mr Steve- Great Job you are doing, Thank you! I use Diode Laser 1470 , many surgeries, could you please suggest me a real goggles! Thanks! 🙏🌹🙏

[@SteveMakesEverything]

If you are using a diode laser in the 455nm range (i.e. blue) then you can use the glasses recommended in the description.

[@AlokeshBagchi]

Thank you so much ! 🙏🌹🙏

[@SteveMakesEverything]

You are so welcome

[@peter572]

Can you please recommend any goggles (brand) for eye protection against 650nm class II lasers?

[@SteveMakesEverything]

This is a less common wavelength for home lasers, but the easiest way to find these is to just search Amazon for glasses that offer a range that cover 650nm. Check these ones: amzn.to/3W97kgd

[@BrianHagar]

Informative video, but I couldn't find the link for the OD6 glasses you showed in the description. I saw many other links, but none for the glasses.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Sorry, forgot. Added a link to the description. Note that mine are dual band for blue diode lasers as well as 1060nm for fiber lasers. The same company does have cheap ones with only single range lenses in the 190nm-550nm range.

[@F1lasers]

​@@SteveMakesEverything do you recommend the brown OD 6+ or green OD +8 from your link? The OD+8 are slightly more expensive so I wasn't sure if they were better. Thanks.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

@@F1lasersColor doesn't matter. What's important is the range of light that the glasses block. For most diode lasers, the wavelength you want to block is around 355nm, and for IR/fiber lasers it is 1064nm. The higher the OD number for a given range, the better is protects, so if there is a choice between OD6 and OD8, pick the latter.

[@asherdiy]

Hey Steve - would you happen to know of any laser-safe double sided tape brands? I’ve been deep down the internet research, and haven’t found something good yet. I want it for a project similar to sign making, where I have wooden letters cut out, and I want to pre-apply the tape before cutting. Sorry for the unrelated question, but I thought you’d be the guy to know, thanks!

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Even if you can find something that is completely laser-safe, I would wonder if the laser would melt the cut edges and prevent you from being able to peel the backing off. However, as long as your laser is well-vented to the outside, it's probably not worry too much about. Most tape is very thin so there's probably not enough there to cause damage to you or your laser. I wasn't aware that double-sided tape had anything like chlorine in it though.

[@asherdiy]

Yeah - I’m not sure if what I’m looking for actually exists 😂 But I thought it was worth a look because manually applying glue to little wooden letters takes so long! Thanks for the reply.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

@@asherdiy Push the envelope! 😀

[@samuellynn1470]

Does the red, orange, green colored window film or colored photo gels block laser light if they are applied on glass or clear acrylic? Or just hung as a curtain.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Anything you hang up that is opaque is fine (light-blocking curtains). For anything else you should probably do a similar test to the one I did here to verify it.

[@dudetapedtoafridge3073]

Just wondering if i placed two od3 acrylics ontop of each other would it have an od6 rating? Pretty dumb question but just wanna ask

[@SteveMakesEverything]

In theory this would happen but I’m not sure I would bet on it

[@RayBarnett-h8g]

I liked your video but I really don't think the way you checked the glassed is foolproof. You have shown that these glassed block the light in the visible spectrum but they still could allow IR or ultraviolet to pass through which could damage your eyes.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Yes this is true, but the visible light is at one end of the stated range of these glasses and typical blue diode light is mostly visible to most people. It’s right at the edge of what the average human eye can see. Without a bunch of expensive test equipment, this is best we can do.

[@Amberdogproductions]

Hi Steve, if you wear the glasses and they block the laser light, how do you see to align it all up like the X and such?

[@SteveMakesEverything]

You can align without glasses without worry. If you use the laser for align it will be running at very low power.

[@Amberdogproductions]

@@SteveMakesEverything ahh.. thank you! Ordered the glasses you recommended through your helpful link. Now I feel like I'm getting the right thing for the job. Hoping once I get this thing figured out I can use it to make handouts while I'm up doing filmwork I the mountains. Thank you again Steve!

[@byronshepherd8415]

my laser came with dark red glasses, and they seem to block most of the light

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Yep these should be fine

[@byronshepherd8415]

@@SteveMakesEverything cool. Thanks 😉

[@johndoe6032]

Thanks for the video. I'm working on building a safety enclosure now because I have a 4 year old and don't want to risk her getting injured. What really bothers me about the build is that I seem to be able to find safety goggles all day long, but can't seem to find anyone making panes of glass or acrylic with the same safety film. Do you have any good recommendations on where to get it?

[@SteveMakesEverything]

You can definitely buy laser-grade acrylic to make windows for enclosures, though I don't have any immediate reference (Maybe someone else on the channel has purchased some). I do know that the laser-grade sheet is hugely expensive and it might just be easier to box it in and use a camera to keep an eye on the laser. Since you're only concerned with reflected light, you could make a small window and use a couple layers of translucent green or yellow acrylic.

[@tommartin5217]

What about Class 2 laser levels. If i use glasses to protect against tge green light won't that prevent me from seeing the line. Defeating the purpose. What is the right thing to do?

[@SteveMakesEverything]

If you are talking about the crosshair, you can remove your glasses while aligning

[@Johnny-xy7en]

What glasses protect you from the sun when using a magnifying glass to burn/etch designs on wood. That small concentrated beam of light is bright. I have used solar viewing glasses and they are too dark to see where to burn the design. Will these laser glasses subdue the intensity of the sunlight through a magnifying glass?

[@SteveMakesEverything]

I'm not sure there are any since the sun is broadband light from UV to IR. Welders glasses maybe.

[@zk_6312]

My laser did not come with any goggles so I bought a fairly nice $40 pair. They do a good job at filtering out the blue laser beam. Too good actually as I cannot see the beam when framing. So, I have to take them off for the framing. I have the laser set to 0.05 when framing. I also have an enclosure that has an orange window. The enclosure is made by Comgrow and cost about $70. I am just wondering if it is safe being laser is low power during framing or if I need another pair of laser safety goggles.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

If you are framing at 1% power you should be fine wi5out goggles as long as you aren’t poking your nose too close

[@zk_6312]

@@SteveMakesEverything No, I am not. I found a better way though. I put on my goggles and open the enclosure window. Then I can just barely see the beam through the laser module's protective orange plastic cover.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

@@zk_6312 Whatever safely works, is the way to go.

[@ElliotCS1.6]

Hi, thanks for your video. I have a laser level that has a class 2 laser less than 1mw & wave length of 635nm...I'm wondering which glasses would be compatible for that type of laser? I notice on the amazon link you provide shows the laser compatibility for each glasses, but I don't see exactly 635nm. I'm assuming that if the wavelength compatibility is 700nm, 800nm & 1000nm+...it should be strong enough for 635nm laser levels? Let me know if I am wrong...Thank you!

[@SteveMakesEverything]

When shopping for laser glasses, the seller will include a range of protection and an optical density in that range. Look for a set that covers the 635nm wavelength with an OD 3 or better and you will be fine. OD6+ is ideal, so spend the extra money to get the highest optical density you can for 635nm.

[@palakush7650]

Steve I realllly hope you get to see my comment, i have got a Braun IPL5 at home laser hair removal device. Although the company says there is no need for glasses, i want to go extra miles to protect my eyes. The NM for this device is apparantly *530 nm- 1100 nm* and some say up to 2000 mm! The UV light has a wavelength of

[@CaptainYakima]

Do you have any info/recommendations on safety glasses for CO2 lasers?

[@SteveMakesEverything]

You can find them on Amazon, but in general, CO2 lasers are enclosed, so you don't normally need glasses. Even a thin layer of acrylic will block CO2 beams, though. If you do buy glasses, the CO2 wavelength is typically 10.6 microns make sure you get something with an optical density of 6 or more. Also ensure that the specs are engraved on the lenses so you know the glasses have been certified.

[@CaptainYakima]

@@SteveMakesEverything Thank you, Sir. I got sticker shock looking at the high-end glasses, so it's good to know the cheaper ones help. Long-term, I plan to eliminate all risk by mounting a camera in the enclosure and display it on a monitor.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

@@CaptainYakima I get the cost concern, but ask yourself how much your eyes are worth. This is one very significant place where you don't want to cheap out. The enclosure option might cost a bit, but it solves a couple of problems. This is the option I would choose every time.

[@dirgemcelvoy2583]

I found it took 3 sheets of 3mm Orange perspex to block blue light totally on my cabinet.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Yes this is the alternate way to get safety - add more layers to make the acrylic thicker.

[@dvm_101]

Does layers matter? Or just the overall thickness? I mean 3 pieces of 3mm of acrylic boards are better, worse, or the same as a single 9mm thick piece?

[@dirgemcelvoy2583]

@@dvm_101 I don't know but I don't get any blue light at all though the sheets, but I only check it I don't watch it, especially with the old lasers heads with no shielding.

[@dweaver1805]

so alot of future law suits for these companies giving cheapo ones

[@SteveMakesEverything]

The problem is that lawsuits are difficult when the victim and the company are in different countries. Regardless, even with the "el-cheapo" goggles, you are probably relatively safe. Laser beams are directional and unless you stared down the barrel, you wouldn't get anything but a muted reflection, which probably wouldn't cause any damage if it passed through the goggles before getting to your eye.

[@archietheproto7706]

Lol you're funny. You think chinese companies can get sued?

[@SteveMakesEverything]

@@archietheproto7706 I think I already agreed with you 😀

[@archietheproto7706]

@@SteveMakesEverything i think I was responding to the other guy, not you

[@fernandoferreira6293]

Luckily the writing will be scrambled beyond usefulness.

[@josbouten]

I'm wondering whether any detrimental effect of laser light could be in the frequency range a human eye can not see. If so then the dampening of the light you show may only be of little significance and not point to a safe pair of glasses.

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Certainly the wavelength on many types of lasers is beyond human vision, but it will still cause eye damage. The fiber laser wavelength is 1.06um, which is particularly bad for eyes, and will easily cause eye damage even though you can't see it (I have a small scar in the back of one of my eyes caused by a laser of this wavelength back in the 1980's - the result of a poor decision on my part, and hence why I feel qualified to talk about goggle safety). In short, I was very lucky that I can still see 😉. Technically, the workable light in a diode laser at 355nm is below the visible range for most people. In the example in this video, the test is valid because most of the light you can see is still in the 344-400nm range as a relatively tight package and even the visible part of this beam is still dense enough to cause damage.

[@jakerazmataz852]

My thought on this is, we get sunburn from light we can't see.🤷‍♂

[@SteveMakesEverything]

@@jakerazmataz852 But if you stare into the sun you will be doing eye damage, and sunburns cause skin cancers...just sayin'

[@kenthomas4479]

oh crap today my 2nd day qith laser and I was actually watching it go back an forth for a while, got bored.. ya the cheap green let's a lot of light thru.. glad I had the orange guard on and dint watch the beam as much.. ty ty

[@kenthomas4479]

ouch dam the green one let's a lot thru for sure. if it was for the cheap guard, I'd probably be blind already..

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Safety first! 😎

[@PPp-px6or]

Yeah true, but all around us is made in China. SO where do you want get reral, certified and full protective green glasses for laser users?

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Well if the optical density (OD) is engraved on the lens, you can be pretty sure they are fine regardless of where they are made. The yellow/orange glasses are generally better than the green ones BTW.

[@PPp-px6or]

@@SteveMakesEverything Thank you for your answer! i just used my Laser Cleaning machine during 4 hours now, with green glasses, and yes thats not perfect. i will try to find better ones

[@SteveMakesEverything]

@@PPp-px6or I put a link in the description to the ones I bought for myself

[@R-R401]

La seguridad es muy importante ... me interesa saber que máquina láser para limpieza sugieres ... ? He visto europeas, chinas y norteamericanas ... algunas muy caras ... las chinas son las más baratas pero no me convencen del todo .

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Something is getting lost i the translation. I'm not sure what a "Laser Cleaning Machine" is.

[@bitelogger]

Hi, I tried to use the link but doesn't work

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Hmm works for me. These may not be available in your country, though if you’re in the US or Europe it should be fine. What country are you in?

[@bitelogger]

@@SteveMakesEverything I'm located in Europe, and I don't have any crazy restrictions to pages and whatnot here, is like the domain was sold or not available anymore 😟

[@SteveMakesEverything]

@@bitelogger Umm, the domain belongs to Amazon, and was still a trillion dollar company the last time I looked ;-) You are saying this link doesn't work? --> amzn.to/43SJN4D

[@learner1566]

Great

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Glad you liked it.

[@manuelcanedo8772]

Hi

[@kapa1611]

👍👍👍

[@SteveMakesEverything]

Thanks

[@aldric9650]

😋 "PromoSM"