Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Links and Resources
  • Laser Tools...Please Read This >
  • Laser Tools...Please Read This

  • Laser Tools...Please Read This

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 10-08-2016, 01:01 PM
      #1  
    Power Poster
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Jan 2008
    Location: Florida
    Posts: 17,636
    Default Laser Tools...Please Read This

    I care about ppl's safety...all people, especially quilters.
    My mother is a quilter. She is legally, but not totally blind.
    She wanted a laser beam on her sewing machine so I researched them, thinking
    I might want one too.
    What I found was surprising and thank goodness I read up on them before installing
    one.
    Here are some website addies for you to see information for yourself. Please read past
    the first couple of sentences for all the information. Many start out with the "good news"
    and then get to the warnings later.
    Light from these lasers on a sewing machine can be reflected at your eyes and you are
    going to be staring at it for a long time, maybe hours.
    Please don't find out the hard way.

    http://www.laserpointersafety.com/la...head-eyes.html

    http://www.sciencebuddies.org/scienc...r_Safety.shtml

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_safety

    http://www.lasersafetyfacts.com/2/...

    WHAT IS A CLASS 2 LASER?
    Class 2 lasers are considered safe for normal operation. Class 2 lasers' output power is below 1 milliwatt. All Class 2 lasers emit visible light only.

    A Class 2 laser is relatively weak. It normally would not harm an eye beam. unless a person deliberately stared into the beam.

    (Light reflected is the equivalent and it only takes seconds to burn your retina. mousie's personal comment inserted here.)
    However, even a Class 2 laser can be a distraction, glare or flashblindness hazard for pilots and drivers. NEVER aim any laser towards an aircraft or vehicle that is in motion. This is unsafe and is illegal -- you could be arrested and jailed.

    mousie: not only is it illegal, don't be fooled by safety sites that say it's too
    far to affect a pilot. It's the glare also, that is distracting and a visual problem for these pilots.

    Last edited by Mousie; 10-08-2016 at 01:21 PM.
    Mousie is offline  
    Old 10-08-2016, 02:42 PM
      #2  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Location: Ontario, Canada
    Posts: 41,501
    Default

    ​A piece of painter's tape on my machine bed works fine for me.
    Tartan is offline  
    Old 10-09-2016, 09:24 AM
      #3  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2012
    Location: Kenai, Alaska
    Posts: 1,150
    Default

    I wouldn't mind a laser built into the machine but I've read that the one you can buy at Harbor Freight is a pain to attach and the laser is wider than necessary. I will stick with my other forms of sewing a straight line.
    MarleneC is offline  
    Old 10-09-2016, 09:35 AM
      #4  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Dec 2010
    Location: Chula Vista CA
    Posts: 7,378
    Default

    Thank you, Mousie for doing the research for me. I was thinking I would want one I could attach to my machines and wondered about the safety. And I agree with MarleneC, I think I will wait until I buy a new machine and have it included.
    quiltingcandy is offline  
    Old 10-09-2016, 09:53 AM
      #5  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Oct 2008
    Location: The Finger Lakes of upstate NY
    Posts: 3,492
    Default

    Wavelength: 630-660 nM Output power: less than1 mW FDA approved

    Using this info on the Central Machinery model, using as intended (ie, not directly looking at laser) and reviewing classifications on the sciencebuddies website, I think these would be okay. That said, if somebody feels unsafe using them - don't.
    peaceandjoy is offline  
    Old 10-09-2016, 11:38 AM
      #6  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Location: Desert Southwest
    Posts: 1,314
    Default

    I just bought the Laser Marker from Harbor Freight...on sale $5.99 and 20% off coupon. It is a Class II laser with maximum output of less than 1mW. Label also cautions to no look directly into the light source. FYI anyone who saw the posting suggesting these laser guides. I'm glad I saw that item and look forward to using mine.
    llong0233 is offline  
    Old 10-09-2016, 04:04 PM
      #7  
    Power Poster
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Jan 2008
    Location: Florida
    Posts: 17,636
    Default

    Originally Posted by peaceandjoy
    Wavelength: 630-660 nM Output power: less than1 mW FDA approved

    Using this info on the Central Machinery model, using as intended (ie, not directly looking at laser) and reviewing classifications on the sciencebuddies website, I think these would be okay. That said, if somebody feels unsafe using them - don't.
    thank you for this information, peaceandjoy.
    I guess I am so careful bc I've had to watch my mother's sight go sometimes in
    increments and sometimes a lot faster.
    I am in line and have already experienced some loss myself, due to high carb intake.
    I remedied that as soon as I knew the cause.
    I don't feel comfortable with the lasers and under my own personal circumstances,
    I won't be using one.
    My intentions were of the best kind to get ppl to be informed before making such
    an important decision.
    I hope if anyone chooses to get a laser it's after finding one with approval and
    that they enjoy a healthy relationship with it.

    Last edited by Mousie; 10-09-2016 at 04:07 PM.
    Mousie is offline  
    Old 10-10-2016, 03:36 AM
      #8  
    Super Member
     
    jmoore's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Feb 2011
    Location: Boothbay Maine
    Posts: 9,518
    Default

    Interesting...thanks for sharing.
    jmoore is offline  
    Old 10-10-2016, 03:58 AM
      #9  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Mar 2013
    Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
    Posts: 16,105
    Default

    I was going to get one and I also have an appointment this month with my ophthalmologist. I called to reschedule but to no avail. I mentioned this laser and was told not to do anything with a laser that I would be looking at because of reflection back even as a guide especially since my eyesight has taken a downturn. Shortly, after that I found my seam guide that attaches to my 401. Saved myself some money and kept my sight on hold.
    tessagin is offline  
    Old 10-10-2016, 06:31 AM
      #10  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: May 2012
    Location: Central Wisconsin
    Posts: 4,391
    Default

    The first time I read about lasers a few days ago, my first thought was: Are's those things kind of dangerous?
    I will find other options.

    My grandson had a small laser that he was pointing everywhere. (Cats love to jump on the beam and try to catch it.)
    He forgot it in my car in the door handle recess. His mother said: Good! We didn't tell him where it was and it went into the trash later.
    maviskw is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    AZ Jane
    For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
    11
    04-15-2012 08:17 AM
    sewcrafty
    General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
    136
    10-28-2011 08:56 PM
    AndreaM
    Main
    5
    06-29-2008 04:57 PM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is Off
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter