Classy Old Laser

[Eidetic]

Here's a neat old laser I recently found and just finished cleaning up. It's a 1968 Bausch & Lomb Model 41-17-50 He-Ne.
B&L Laser.jpg

The plasma tube is missing but everything else is there. Wood structure looks like walnut to me, There are two pins on the back side of the central support that apparently held a spring to support the bottom of the plasma tube against the two adjusting screws above. Ignition coil!
B&L Insides.jpg

I got the instruction manual with the laser. Here's the page showing the plasma tube, the only one I've seen without a reservoir tank! I guess they considered the "sidearm tube" adequate. The mirrors were apparently on the ends of the tube, which was held in position on both ends and pushed into alignment with the adjustment screws. This is the second laser I've come across that used tube bending to adjust the mirrors.
B&L Manual.jpg

[ArcDevilz]

That definitely is one classy looking He-Ne. I like the touch they used with wood.

[flecom]

thats really nice looking, shame the tube is missing tho

how would the set screws not break the tube?

[Eidetic]

They're nylon screws, pushing against the tube held against them only by a spring.

Imagine the power of a laser one could mount inside this case these days! Hot rod laser!!!

[Eidetic]

I have an update to report on this neat old laser. Just found the educational kit that was made in 1969 to go along with it. The kit includes a periscope assembly that attaches to the nose of the laser, a couple of up collimators, a protractor table, the parts to make an interferometer, a hologram and the instruction manual, all in a plastic case.

The kit was find enough for someone interested in old laser equipment (if there's anyone else), and having the laser is icing on the cake, but the hologram inside is the real treat for me! It's a side lit transmission hologram of a pocket watch mounted in a wood block, with a bunch of dice spread out and stacked on the table in front of it. It's mounted in a 4x6" card with a 2.25"x4.25" window, giving plenty of room for both eyes to see through. Holograms first became available for purchase in 1966. The first published hologram was in the 1967 Science World by Year Book.

Here's a pic from the manual, of the hologram held in a card holder on the protractor table.
B&L Hologram.jpg

[dnar]

They don't make them like that anymore!

[Jem]

Nice find Bob, thanks for the update. You must have one hell of a collection now.

Incidentally, would it be possible to get a tube made for the B & L HeNe?

Jem

[BIRDMAN]

Here's a neat old laser I recently found and just finished cleaning up. It's a 1968 Bausch & Lomb Model 41-17-50 He-Ne.
B&L Laser.jpg

The plasma tube is missing but everything else is there. Wood structure looks like walnut to me, There are two pins on the back side of the central support that apparently held a spring to support the bottom of the plasma tube against the two adjusting screws above. Ignition coil!
B&L Insides.jpg

I got the instruction manual with the laser. Here's the page showing the plasma tube, the only one I've seen without a reservoir tank! I guess they considered the "sidearm tube" adequate. The mirrors were apparently on the ends of the tube, which was held in position on both ends and pushed into alignment with the adjustment screws. This is the second laser I've come across that used tube bending to adjust the mirrors.
B&L Manual.jpg

would you like a tube for this , i have a leaked down tube that you can have if you want to pay for shipping !

[BIRDMAN]

hello,i ve been looking at your "classy old laser" i think i have a leaked down tube for this laser. if you want to pay the shipping its yours.just let me know.
BIRDMAN

[Eidetic]

You bet!!! PM sent.

[BIRDMAN]

hey, got a reply from you today. i knew someone would want this tube eventually. a packrat can only pack so much stuff. send me your info (name address etc) 15.00 should cover shipping. let me know how you want it packed , bubblewrpd. in a box that box bubbled as well in another box its worked for me before.my info:

i look to here from you(BIRDMAN)

[Jem]

Hi Keith

It's great that you can help Bob out, and i'm sure he'll be delighted that he can re-construct this old laser

However, this is a public forum and you might want to consider removing your personal details for your post above. It's best to keep those details to PM's... You don't know who's out there

Regards

Jem

[flecom]

hah, the power of the internet... it would be really neat to see this laser complete

[Eidetic]

The best of the internet! Better than lesbian porn. I'm absolutely blown away amazed that I connected with the one person on the planet who saved a little glass tube since high school in '77 because he thought it was "cool". I have insignificant things just like that, going all the way back to childhood, in my ditty drawers too. Things made to be thrown away, but weren't. Things that sparked a bit of imagination. But then this laser and kit were designed to do just that: inspire. Despite being small and basic as it gets, they apparently worked pretty well!

[dnar]

The best of the internet! Better than lesbian porn.

That my friend is a very big call.

[Eidetic]

It aint what it used to be!

[142laser]

What a shame the tube was removed. Who has one complete? Phil 142laser

[Banthai]

What a shame the tube was removed. Who has one complete? Phil 142laser

i think you will find that Eidetic does now

Now wouldnt it be good to get the tube regassed ..... and working .....


i wish you all the best

Karl

[timelablasers]

Here's a neat old laser I recently found and just finished cleaning up. It's a 1968 Bausch & Lomb Model 41-17-50 He-Ne.
B&L Laser.jpg

The plasma tube is missing but everything else is there. Wood structure looks like walnut to me, There are two pins on the back side of the central support that apparently held a spring to support the bottom of the plasma tube against the two adjusting screws above. Ignition coil!
B&L Insides.jpg

I got the instruction manual with the laser. Here's the page showing the plasma tube, the only one I've seen without a reservoir tank! I guess they considered the "sidearm tube" adequate. The mirrors were apparently on the ends of the tube, which was held in position on both ends and pushed into alignment with the adjustment screws. This is the second laser I've come across that used tube bending to adjust the mirrors.
B&L Manual.jpg

As Indiana Jones would say, 'That belongs in a Museum!'.
Very nice little laser. Hope you find a tube for it.