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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Interesting...thanks for sharing.

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.

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.