New 445nm Laser Using 9mm Diode and Lens

HAHA And I end up back here...

I recommend getting a cheap used one at first just to test the waters... where I'm at lathes pop up constantly on craigslist.

Man, that is one clean build right there. There is real workmanship that went into that host and all the internals. Massive props for that build bro.

@ApexProxy - Thanks. It took a while to make this one but these 9mm diodes are worthy of a nice host.

nice.... say, is it only me or is the beam exitting the aperture at an angle?

Awesome laser, Bill!

I love the color you anodized it

@silvershot - When I first tried it and took the photos, the beam was at an angle. I pressed the diode a little more to fix this.

@The Baron - I like doing the anodize. I have made a couple of videos on how to do this simply and fairly cheaply. When I complete the videos, I will probably do a thread on anodizing for laser builders.

I reallly look forward to it

Very nice, thanks for sharing it with us!

billg519 said:

@silvershot - When I first tried it and took the photos, the beam was at an angle. I pressed the diode a little more to fix this.

@The Baron - I like doing the anodize. I have made a couple of videos on how to do this simply and fairly cheaply. When I complete the videos, I will probably do a thread on anodizing for laser builders.

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Bill, I used the new longer barrel DTR offerd to help with the copper module he was giving with the diode in my DRY host. I used the stock lens for testing and after finally some playtime I noticed an offset beam. I looked further and found that the stock lens would not sit flush. The problem was, and it's just my luck, when bottoming out the barrel there was a small amout of marterial that wasn't cut out kinda a thread that wasn't totally spun out. It was very small:thinking: I had to use a jewlers glass to see what was going on. I tried out a Aixiz three element 405nm lens out of the Aixiz barrel and swapped back out the stock 9mm lens for that.

Well I lost some power of course, but I picked up a tighter beam and it managed to bottom out in that barrel flush, this is due prolly because the Aixiz lens has a smaller diameter allowing for it to pass from the small imperfection in the wall of the barrel right at the contact point where I was having problems with the stock 9mm lens.

On a side note, I noticed that the material used to hold the window to the die I believe it is steel of some sort, stamped whatever, has turned a darker shade, like the backsplash has cooked it somewhat... I wonder if this is because it has more surface area to adsorb the splash or if it was from my unique barrel problem????:can:

I had no such funny imperfection in my lens nut, fortunately. In my case, the diode was pressed in at a tiny angle, this was easily fixed. I'm not sure why the material that holds the window to the diode case would change color, perhaps you had some back reflection from the lens seating problem.

@blord - I have put up an anodizing how-to with videos in the Tutorials forum.

billg519 said:

A lathe is an awesome tool to have. Take your time and get a good one and lots of tooling. You'll be glad of it. A four jaw chuck, steady rests, tailstock chuck, dial guages, etc. are all needed accessories. You'll enjoy it. I'm lucky, three lathes and two mills here.

Edit : Hmmm ... Post # 1000 ...

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Lucky guy with three lathes. Do you guy's have any thoughts or experience with micro lathes? I won't be in the market for a lathe for a while yet but it's what I'd be interested in as far as size and investment.

I have a Taig microlathe. It is a completely useable small lathe, one of the smallest around. I use it for small brass parts. There are harbor freight mini-lathes that are not too expensive. These have a gearbox and changegears so that you can power feed and do threads as well. You could turn aluminum and brass laser host parts on the harbor freight mini lathe. This one usually comes with some tooling. It may include a 4 jaw chuck, toolbits, the gears, steady rest, and a few other items.

billg519 said:

I have a Taig microlathe. It is a completely useable small lathe, one of the smallest around. I use it for small brass parts. There are harbor freight mini-lathes that are not too expensive. These have a gearbox and changegears so that you can power feed and do threads as well. You could turn aluminum and brass laser host parts on the harbor freight mini lathe. This one usually comes with some tooling. It may include a 4 jaw chuck, toolbits, the gears, steady rest, and a few other items.

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I want one of these! I seen some videos and these would be great for making parts for hosts.

Very nice build...a true "DIY" design! :gj: