405nm build. Need some advice.

Well, first laser went well, but now, its back to the workbench. Trusty old PHR-803T finally died after many popped balloons, ignited matches, 1.5 years of well-enjoyed use at 106mA.

Now, for the substance of my post.
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My plans are to use:

This diode:
BDR-S06J 12x Blu-Ray burner lens(500+mW) [M0037] - $48.59 : Modwerx Shop

In this housing:
Laser module w/ heatsink and AR coated glass lens (405-450nm) [M0019] - $11.69 : Modwerx Shop

Using this driver set at 500mA:
http://hacylon.case.edu/ebay/laser_diode/Micro_FlexDrive.php

Im going to use whatever flashlight I can get cheap enough for a host. Something small, yet clean looking. Ill cross that bridge when I get there i suppose. Anyhow...

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In summary, I will be using a BDR-S06J, which is a pretty good deal for a 500mW+ 12x 405nm diode as far as I know at $48 from modwerx.

Diode will be set in a modwerx Laser module w/ heatsink and AR coated glass lens (the one set up for 405-450nm diodes).

And driving the circuit will be a micro flexdrive v5 from hacylon preset at 500mA.

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I'm building the laser primarily to distance burn (hence the 405nm/12x) and for show and as a project for my younger brother and I to work on together. He is highly interested in engineering, so i thought it would be a cool project for us to work on together.

Also, its really nice to have a tangible completed project to showcase my engineering abilities, as I'm completing my bachelors degree in mechanical/electrical engineering (in my second year starting this fall) and will be searching for an internship next summer.

Anyhow, any help/input/suggestions, much appreciated.

Looks like a good plan.
Just a side note you will have to find a seller of the flexdrive here on the forums. Don't bother ordering directly from the hacylon web site.
Modwerx is a good supplier and reputable.

Also.......I like your avatar..dancing banana!:beer:

For some reason, the microdrive v5s are out of stock over at modwerx. I bought all my parts for my first build from them; it was a good experience. If they had all my parts, Id buy everything from them. Are they really closing up shop in june?

Does anyone know where I can buy a good driver for my build? (I mean, Im not set on the microFdv5. If there is something better, feel free to mention it).

Also, as far as duty cycle goes, does anyone know what kind of cycle in terms of seconds on/off Id be looking at for safe running?

Im reading into heat-sinking now too. Trying to come up with something.

And thanks! Its my signature avatar, haha
I use it everywhere!

yes, modwerx is really closing at the end of june, sad i know, but thats life.

as for the driver, why dont you try the ghostdrive 2? head over to lazorlabs to see/purchase it