Help with first laser :D

Hey i wan't to build my first burning laser i was thinking about a
808nm 1 Watt laser diode

I only need some information where to get a driver,
i was thinking about mounting the laser diode and driver into a CPU cooler,

Could somebody help me with what i might need and where i could get it the cheapest igot about 80$ at this moment.

Greetz.
Th4x3

For burning, 808nm is kind of 'iffy'. A lot of things don't absorb it so 405 tends to be better at burning. (Granted, at a watt, that won't matter much.) Though for power and "bang for your buck" NearIR 808 is the way to go. Keep in mind that even at 1 watt, the laser won't be very visible; it'll be a dim red. And the diode will need a focusing lens assembly.

Which specific diode were you looking at? (Can or c-mount type?) You seriously may want to start with a 405nm 6x diode in an Aixiz module and a standard MicroBoost or FlexDrive driver to start this project though, especially if your price point is ~80x.

Sure, it won't be a watt, but it'll do the burning you're likely expecting at ~250mW and will be more visible and easier to build.

ke ty for the reply il take a look at the 405 nm diode
i found this on ebay:
650nm 5mW laser module.3.2V to with lens 650 nm OEM - eBay (item 360282607765 end time Jul-26-10 11:36:14 PDT)

405nm 300mW blu-ray laser diode /6x blu-ray diode sled - eBay (item 180532974328 end time Aug-13-10 01:13:13 PDT)

but i can't find a suitable driver for this diode does someone here know a place where i can find one?

Greetz.
Th4x3

DrLava's drivers are appropriate for a 6x diode:

http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/introducing-two-new-miniature-drivers-portable-lasers-49907.html

Also, Jayrob can sell you hosts with drivers preinstalled at a preset mA rating. You'll want to do a search here for 6x BR diodes to look at approprate mA input for desired mW output (and life)

http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-18650-build-kit-easy-assembly-445nm-blu-ray-red-43857.html

These are by far not the only options. I'd recommend looking at the DIY forums here, there's tons of information, and people here who can help you along the way - but you'll probably want to read some of the threads on builds and drivers and hosts first.

Alright thanks 4 your help!