[Help] Building a new laser

I'm planning on building a laser, my first, to be exact.
My problem is that I know very little about all of this, and also very little about circuits, etc...

I'm looking to build a hand-held burning red laser

And as explained, I have a lack of knowledge on this subject, so any and all suggestions and tips, and even guides if you are willing to help that much are greatly appriciated

Thankyou.
-Z

P.S Trying not to make the cost too high, but if it is a need then so be it, I'll just have to save up a while

Hi, there are some very usefull threads on the forum:

Here's a general info thread about lasers:
Looking to build a laser? Read me!

The parts you need to make a laser are basically:
-a diode
-a driver
-a host
-batteries
-a focusable housing for the laser(aixiz...)

For the diode, go check out:

Stonetek
Modwerx
Hightechdealz

For the driver:

Rkcstr drivers
Flexdrive v5
Groove 2 driver

For the host, you're gonna have to modify a flashlight or buy a host kit from jayrob or from rayfoss:
Jayrob's kits

Here's a page with very nice compiled info about making a driver and a test load if you feel like doing it yourself instead of buying. If you're new to laser I wouldn't recomend it though.
Laser driver, It can be done.

Here's a thread gathering info about a lot of diodes:
Diodes Data compilation

Here is a thread teaching how to solder properly:
How to solder properly

There certainly is more info and links to gather but that would be very long, it alreday took me half an hour to gather this post.

if you dont want to solder the diode to the driver and risk burning up the diode/driver i would suggest a completed module here

Aixiz Rkcstr Red 650nm 320mA Laser Module [Aixiz Rkcstr & 20x Red Laser] - $59.00 : High Tech DealZ, Simplifying the LASER Hobby!

and then put it in this host (MXDL 4171) and get the host/heatsink combo as it can fit a full length aixiz module.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f64/fs-mxdl-host-heatsink-combo-4171-3405-a-22512.html

video tutorial on how to put it all together:



hope that helped,
stuart

Oh my god, you guys are absolutely amazing. I think I love you guys XD
Thankyou so much, I'll look at it all immediately.

Again, thankyou, sincerely!
-Z

always glad to help out newbies

hit me a pm if you get stuck!

stuart

I definately will =D
Thankyou for all the support!

dont mention it!

and thanks for the +rep

stuart