Rate my build! [PICS!]

Here is my first ever DIY laser!
It is a 650nm ~200mw short open can diode with a lm317 driver at 300mA
The host is a Cree 7W citipower flashlight (7$ on ebay)
It uses 2 x CR123 16340 batteries











I was surprised by its sturdiness and weight, it really feels well-built, aka nothing rattles inside when you shake it.

Best of all: it burn dark plastic and even wood, cuts tape and all
The beam is only visible in nighttime and is pretty faint





Oh yeah, and total cost is around 25$ including everything from the diode the driver to the batteries
not bad for the looks eh?:san:

I think it looks freaking awesome.

Do you think this would be a good first build for me? What parts are you using?

Very good for first build!

17.5/20 because is your first build :beer:

My first build looked like shit. I think it was one of those cheap flashlights from a gas station, with the 16x red diode epoxied into place. it only lasted about 5 minutes before it died

Parts used:
Short open can red diode ~6$ on ebay
Cree 7w flashlight ~7$
15mm module 5$

how i made the driver :
Laser driver - It can be done

I had to add some length to the flashlight because my driver wouldnt fit
i used the tube which came with the flashlight and forced it in and it fits perfectly without glue or anything
I wrapped some tape around the15mm module so it fits perfectly inside the tube

looks good

Pretty solid build. I like the host! +1