Pro downgrade?

[ihermit2]

Sorry for the wall of text, folks. I just didn’t know how to stop myself.

some general info hashed out in the past:

The Safety Thread

I’m quite active on another laser engraver forum over the past few years, and they’ve been, lets just say “less than enthusiastic” about Glowforge. Their key criticism has been the perceived safety of the Glowforge, based on media, the FAQ entry referencing the DVD player laser class (really should expand on that entry guys), and video interviews with @dan . It’s obvious to the more level-headed that this is marketing, not product documentation, and exactly the same as other manufacturers promot…

also

Basic vs Pro Laser...is it safe in a home?

I put my backing in today for a basic with air filter model because I was scared of what I don’t know about lasers. One listing said the Pro model required extra safety precautions but I didn’t see what that entails? Would the pro version be safe in my house hanging out in my office ? Or should this be in a special industrial setting of some kind? I want to spend more to get more but want to know it is ok in my house! Another article I read said the pro was a class IV laser (vs class 1 for basi…

Could Pro model be class I without passthrough?

I’m assuming it’s just the pass through that makes the GF either class I or class IV? I’m interested in the Pro model for the increased speed and better cooling for throughput, but have no need for the pass through (and am worried about safety, as we do have kids in the house). Any way to get Pro guts in a Basic case? Or perhaps also satisfying the Basic owners would would like a passthrough, the case could be designed to have a piece that can be swapped out to either be a solid wall or a pas…

I think this one discusses cheap vs not-cheap safety glasses

Eye protection specifications?

If the glowforge legal team won’t let them answer, the tech specs say, “Custom CO2 laser tube operating at 10,600 nm averages” so look for laser safety glasses that block around that wave length. I found some pretty quickly that block the 9000 - 11000 nm range by searching for CO2 laser safety glasses. As a bonus the site has a wide selection of very dorky and unfashionable frames, but that describes me well so I’m happy.

also a good idea:

Source for CO2 fire extinguishers?

That’s actually a very good question. Some glasses are better than others, depending on the wavelength of the laser. I would presume that the viewport on the Glowforge is selected for the proper wavelength, making glasses unnecessary, but maybe @dan can provide an answer regarding what eye safety features are built in and what is not.

I’d reccomend reviewing those threads at least since my memory may be fuzzy at this point, and the fire extinguisher and safety glasses threads have good links in them.

Glowforge legaly won’t say anything about modifications to the Pro to make it as safe as the Basic but as the numerous warning do not look into laser with remaining good eye threads point out eyes that can see perfectly are a limited quantity on most readers of this forum. I surely won’t tell you to throw caution to the wind and different Jurisdictions/Countries/counties/provinces/municipalities/homes might have different safety restrictions. You’ll need to find out yours.

In the US https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_iii/otm_iii_6.html
Excerpt relevant to basic:

Class I: cannot emit laser radiation at known hazard levels (typically continuous wave: cw 0.4 μW at visible wavelengths). Users of Class I laser products are generally exempt from radiation hazard controls during operation and maintenance (but not necessarily during service).

Since lasers are not classified on beam access during service, most Class I industrial lasers will consist of a higher class (high power) laser enclosed in a properly interlocked and labeled protective enclosure. In some cases, the enclosure may be a room (walk-in protective housing) which requires a means to prevent operation when operators are inside the room.
Excerpt on description for Pro:
Class IV: High power lasers (cw: 500 mW, pulsed: 10 J/cm2 or the diffuse reflection limit) are hazardous to view under any condition (directly or diffusely scattered) and are a potential fire hazard and a skin hazard. Significant controls are required of Class IV laser facilities.

Part of the Glowforge laser safety rating is it’s light frequency placement in infrared non-visible. So you won’t see it coming for you.

Personally following a boat load of restrictions I’ll do electrical work on my home without turning off the mains. I know I can’t see the electricity and have a very healthy respect that it can kill me. It’s not likely to be illegal in my area, but for most people it’s not smart(probably including me.) I’d never play around with the laser, it’s permanent damage invisible and just takes one bad reflection off a reflective surface. So warning signs/doors to protect others, and safety glasses for anyone near with my pro.