I keep reading that 10,600nm is stopped by acrylic and glass.
Since we're talking about my eyesight, I'd like to double check: I can simply use the plastic safety goggles I have for woodworking / milling for eye protection against the 40w CO2 laser that's on the way to my house?
Sams Laser FAQ:
the 10.6 µm wavelength does not penetrate glass or plastic so unless you're flying a WW-I open cockpit biplane, the cockpit windows will be effective protection.
This seems to be the case, but.. I don't know, I'd like to hear it explicitly: "Yes, you can use those cheap plastic safety glasses you've been using for years".
Hey, if it stops woodchips from getting into your eyes, it'll stop a laser!
It's bullet proof!