Lasers

[Dealy]

With the laws as they are how do I go about legally obtaining a laser?

Do I need a permit from the police or what?

Can they be bought on ebay or only a specialty shop?

What lasers do you recommend?


Thanks, Kev

[Merlin66]

There are many previous threads on the subject.
It's a bit easier in NSW than Victoria where lasers >1mW are treated as "firearms" and need a Police Permit to buy and own ($69 per year).

[mithrandir]

Ken is right. Victoria is even more of a nanny state than NSW.

See these two links http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/139894/PW_Laser_Pointer_Permit_FACT_SHEET_ 2013_1.6.pdf and https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/139895/Astronomical_Societies_Internet_Oct ober_2011.pdf

Join one of the societies, only use the laser in conjunction with astronomy and you should be safe.

[killswitch]

In NSW you just need to be a member of an astronomy club and you can use hand held lasers for astronomy use.

Dont buy from eBay/overseas if its more than 1mw, it will likely get confiscated by customs and land you into trouble. There's a lot of red tape importing them.

Buying them from a store here is hard to find and expensive. They really make it difficult even for legitimate use.

Its easier and cheaper just to make one. The laws are silly, you cant import a complete laser unit but you can order the parts individually and just build one. You can get all the parts from Jaycar too.

[gb_astro]

Actually it is easier and cheaper to start with something like this:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Stylish-532nm-Green-Laser-Pointer-Light-Pen-Lazer-Beam-1mW-High-Power-/161107768137?pt=AU_LaserPointers&hash=item2582c57349

Don't think you will be disappointed.

gb.

[Dealy]

Thanks guys, ebay laser ordered.

[BlackWidow]

As mentioned by Ed, it is better to purchase the parts and not a complete item as Customs will take it from you. They work on the basis that all imports could be over 1mw. However if you look up green laser modules on ebay you can get these in fine and then fit them to a tube or purchase a cheap red laser from your local market and swap the inserts... Stupid really but works......

You will find other posts about this on this site...

Mardy

[gb_astro]

Edited: Guess we are talking about the >1mw here.

gb.

[BlackWidow]

Yes I can see that the listing is here in Australia, but 1mw isn't real bright and often difficult to see in lp areas. Would be good to purchase this for the body and get a higher power insert from overseas. I have done several of the and most are around 50 Mw. Nice and bright. The inserts are real cheap.....

The inserts knock out of the tubes real easy. Made some nice adjustable mounts on the lathe and he presto.

Mardy

[GB]

I bought one from a local eBay seller.
It was a green laser and less than 1 mw,
But it was so bright, the beam is clearly visible.
I end up not using it as I was unsure of the legality .
It would have been better than a red dot finder which IMHO is pretty useless.