- Joined
- Oct 11, 2012
- Messages
- 1
- Points
- 0
Hello,
I am 75% happy with my first build, and figured I would drop the standard “built my first laser” thread…. (other 25% would come from a better way to attach my sync)
After some trial and error, redesigning, research, and lots of soldering…. I am safely having a lot of fun in the controlled environment of my lab (garage work shop)….
1st thing I purchased: 2 pairs of 445nm rated safety goggles. (I cannot believe there are high school kids with these things, I am 28 and that scares me to think what an idiot could do with one of these Diodes…)
M-140 445nm Diode Pressed in a module with X-drive Board (thank you Jordan @ DTR Laser Shop!!!!)
G-2 Glass Lens (have extra 3-element glass from previous….trial and error…. attempt)
Solarforce L2 Host w/ extension tube
2x AW 18650 Protected 2200 mAh Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Custom Solid Copper Heat Sync
Custom built plug/contact disc.
Only thing to really brag about would be the heat sync I built. I am getting close to being VERY happy with it, and it is very cheap to build.
Parts/process I used are listed below.
In your local hardware store (big box or mom/pop shop), you should be able to find a lot of copper in the plumbing section. I took a 1in to 3/4in Flush Bushing, seated that inside a 3/4in to 3/8in Flush Bushing, then had a 3/4in section of 3/8 copper pipe as the core in the very center. This creates a piece of copper about the size of the head on the solarforce (slightly larger) with a hole slightly larger than the 12mm module.
To bond all the copper together, I heated it up with my torch like you would to join copper plumbing (don’t forget to use Flux), and applied solder as necessary. I also filled the center tube with melted solder, and let it all cool. I took my 27/64th drill bit to bore out most of the solder in the center, make it a little larger with my dremel tool, used some Arctic Silver thermal paste and pressed in the module. I have it attached to the head of my Solar force a little McGyverish right now, so no pics yet, but she seems to be lazing like a champ and dissipating the heat very well. If anyone is interested in the copper components, here is a link to the largest one, just search for the progressively smaller pieces, 3/4 in. x 1/2 in. Copper Pressure FTG x C Flush Bushing-C618 at The Home Depot )
looking forward to my next challenge.... 3x batteries and 2 Diodes....
I am 75% happy with my first build, and figured I would drop the standard “built my first laser” thread…. (other 25% would come from a better way to attach my sync)
After some trial and error, redesigning, research, and lots of soldering…. I am safely having a lot of fun in the controlled environment of my lab (garage work shop)….
1st thing I purchased: 2 pairs of 445nm rated safety goggles. (I cannot believe there are high school kids with these things, I am 28 and that scares me to think what an idiot could do with one of these Diodes…)
M-140 445nm Diode Pressed in a module with X-drive Board (thank you Jordan @ DTR Laser Shop!!!!)
G-2 Glass Lens (have extra 3-element glass from previous….trial and error…. attempt)
Solarforce L2 Host w/ extension tube
2x AW 18650 Protected 2200 mAh Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Custom Solid Copper Heat Sync
Custom built plug/contact disc.
Only thing to really brag about would be the heat sync I built. I am getting close to being VERY happy with it, and it is very cheap to build.
Parts/process I used are listed below.
In your local hardware store (big box or mom/pop shop), you should be able to find a lot of copper in the plumbing section. I took a 1in to 3/4in Flush Bushing, seated that inside a 3/4in to 3/8in Flush Bushing, then had a 3/4in section of 3/8 copper pipe as the core in the very center. This creates a piece of copper about the size of the head on the solarforce (slightly larger) with a hole slightly larger than the 12mm module.
To bond all the copper together, I heated it up with my torch like you would to join copper plumbing (don’t forget to use Flux), and applied solder as necessary. I also filled the center tube with melted solder, and let it all cool. I took my 27/64th drill bit to bore out most of the solder in the center, make it a little larger with my dremel tool, used some Arctic Silver thermal paste and pressed in the module. I have it attached to the head of my Solar force a little McGyverish right now, so no pics yet, but she seems to be lazing like a champ and dissipating the heat very well. If anyone is interested in the copper components, here is a link to the largest one, just search for the progressively smaller pieces, 3/4 in. x 1/2 in. Copper Pressure FTG x C Flush Bushing-C618 at The Home Depot )
looking forward to my next challenge.... 3x batteries and 2 Diodes....
