Hello Californian male here

Well I am a BEGINNER or even NOOB when it comes to lasers as IDK how to make them and I can only purchase <5mw lasers. I decided i wanted to give a try making a more powerful one.

Now since I am new I have decided to try my hand at a "Burner Laser" or making a laser from a DVD burner. Although I want to do it correctly and from what i have read online so far this is the place to learn.

Right now My plans are pretty simple (at least it sounds simple to me although IDK)

So first of all AFAIK I cant find anyone willing and trustworthy enough to buy one that is stronger than 5mw so This is why i have decided to make one and I hope to learn from you all how to do it.

So to keep it short and not making another post right away. My "Simple Idea" was to purchase a affordable laser and change the diode to one from a old dvd burner i have. (although i know it is not that easy) the part i will need to learn about mostly is how to build a driver for the device. from what i have read is i should get what i need from aixiz. I basically want to learn how to make more powerful lasers. Right now the only way i can source Diodes that are powerfull enough right now is from a dvd burner (and i have no intrest in using the IR diode from a cd burner but i may start with the read laser, if its red idk, then work on my burning laser.

In all if you can give me any tips on this subject i would appreciate it and also since i live in the us I dont know of anywhere i can buy anything i may need (i would prefer to build my own or i would just ask someone from Canada or something to buy me one and send it)

In all thats me and why I am here I hope to learn more and have more than my little red laser pen. I am also interested in green and blue/violet lasers but again I am limited by the power and IDK frankly if i need more than one "Burning Laser) IDK how strong of a laser i can build but if i could etch ANYTHING with it I would be pleased. (i am only hoping for the possibility of etching cloth although using one to burn paint off a street sign would be fun but sooo dangerous, probably also too large for a pen /flashlight sized unit)

Thanks for reading my Huge intro!!
:lasergun:

The thread title made me have to look, and was a bit tempted to play the old "asl", but since you told us you're a male..well, that'd just be weird.
I will be honest, I stopped reading after the first paragraph. Good luck with your build, there is a tremendous wealth of information here.

oh..and WELCOME :beer:

to the Forum....
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and the Forum Rules..
For your project... read the tutorials....

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Enjoy your stay...


Jerry

Welcome to the forums buddy, hope you have a good stay.

Thank you all for the nice welcomes!!
LOL as to the "ASL" any females from socal feel free to tutor me :crackup:
I do have a problem with writing LARGE POSTS I have been trying to shorten them, well its happening slowly but surly. In all I am here to learn, especially about building lasers as I am interested in this forums vast collective knowledge :bowdown: about lasers more powerful than what I have experience with. Which are pointer pens at 5 mA. I have several optical drives and once I learn enough I will try my luck at making my own! from then on it will be all about more learning and sourcing materials.

IN all I wanted to reply to thank you for your kind :angel: welcome which I GREATLY appreciate, Also like I said I am trying to shorten my posts so now that I have introduced myself and now that I have expressed my gratitude. I shall now go kick off my shoes put my stinky feet up on your couch grab some chips and a beer :beer:and order a pay per view movie and make my self at home I like it here. Just Kidding (just an inside joke for those who have read the read the Etiquette sticky post)

So thank you all for the warm welcome!

Lastly I apologize for my bad grammar, most of the time I just forget to Capitalize my "i's" but I'm trying.

Welcome to the forum!

I just want to say... if you plan to buy/build a laser at LEAST buy the PROPER safety glasses! I see you want to burn a road sign "attempt" I should say. I would advise NOT to because those signs are designed to REFLECT light back to the source.

High powered lasers are fun and are NOT toys. That doesn't mean you can't play with them. It just means you need to use common sense and proper laser safety.

There are many sites that sell cheap glasses that will protect you. You need to buy the proper ones for the specific wavelength you plan to build. If you need help choosing a pair I myself and other members can point you in the right direction.

Be safe and have fun!
Jeff