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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Homemade vs. Bought Lasers

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Feb 1, 2013
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I have heard that a lot of people buy parts and make their own lasers. Are the lasers that are home made better than ones you can buy or does it just save money? How do you know what parts you need to make the laser you want? Lastly, which do most people prefer, making their own lasers or buying them?
 





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Dec 18, 2012
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don't be lazy, browse the forums, all you're questions have already been answered.
 
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i want to build a laser thread

This is a good place to start as far as parts and what you need. There are a lot of reasons one would want to build their own laser. I'm sure someone else will answer with a more detailed answer. Its almost bedtime for me :tired:
 
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Thanks for the link Speedy78. It explains a lot. I'm still having trouble getting around the forums haha. Why do people prefer to make their lasers instead of buying them though? I can not seem to find it, but maybe I'm just looking in the wrong places.
 
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Depends on what you want,
For a basic low power pointer, a store bought laser is fine.
If you want a burning laser, a custom built one can be both cheaper and more powerful
 
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if you're not that curious about how these things are put together, so not curious that you don't want to take the time to read and learn for yourself, then buying them is your best option.

building them yourself may save you money, but not guaranteed. it depends on how much work and patience you're willing to invest. if you buy expensive parts, it won't save you money.

building them yourself may result in something stronger, longer lasting and better looking, but not guaranteed. it depends on how skilled, patient you are and how much time and care you invest in your builds.
 
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You can get "hosts" in many different shapes, sizes, designs, colors, etc. On top of that you can choose what color you want weather in be 445nm (blue) 532nm (green) etc and then output power from the typical <5mW range cat toy to the 2W+ burners and everything in between.
 
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the only way that i would now go after a store bought laser is if i really liked the host. with a $30 jad kit from moh, and a $60 diode/module/lens from dtr you can build a superior 1.5W+ 445nm laser by soldering just 2 joints. and you'll have it in a week tops.
 
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