I saw the http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem=503224352>following tempting item, on ebay, but having learned my lesson (yes folks, he can be taught!) I consulted with a knowledgeable friend instead of just bidding, and decided that I didn't really need it. Its a very powerful laser - 60watts of continuous power. Just for comparison, the green lasers at Burning Man are about 5 watts, and they can be seen on the mountains 15 miles away. 60W is enough to slice things.

Of course, if what I wanted was just maximum power, the following would be ideal:

"Plasmatronics, Inc. 10 Kilowatt CO2 Gas Laser System Built in 1984 for General Dynamics for research in the Star Wars program / Original cost $1,500,000.00 / 10 kW maximum output, 7.5 kW continuous / 3.5" circular multi-mode beam / Power Supply built by Potronics, model # 825-3A- 25,000 volt 3 amp DC output / AC input 440 volts / Gas vacuum system type WGK 8000 Manufactured by Pfeiffer-Balsers 9600 M3H powered by 1720 rpm 60 hp electric motor / comes with control cabinet and power regulator system / the entire system was gone through and updated just before it was taken out of commission (Price US Dollars $15,000.00)"

Since there aren't actually any planes or satellites that I want to take out, however, I think obtaining something like that will have to wait until I attach myself to a micronation (see the next entry).

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