Greetings LPF

Greetings. My name is Chris, I'm 35 years old and live in Victoria, BC Canada. I have enjoyed fiddling around with models and electronics for decades, building computers and little DIY electronics kits, ect.
For my next project I would like to build a handheld laser device, hence how I stumbled upon you guys.
The most important thing for me on this project is that I would like to build and operate the device as safely and responsibly as possible, so I am happy to have found this forum since I get the impression you guys feel the same way. I will post details on my project on a different thread.

Welcome and enjoy the forum.

Have a look at one stop shop Survival laser: https://www.survivallaser.com/

Study laser safety aspects here: Laser Pointer Safety - A comprehensive resource, for safe and responsible laser use

Welcome to LPF, Naideth! :beer:

Sounds like you'll fit right in here, you're correct, we do take safety seriously.
Whatever you decide to go with, remember to have the proper safety glasses/goggles for that particular wavelength.

Have fun, be safe, and enjoy your stay here! :yh:

Welcome

Stay safe and enjoy your stay!

Welcome to the Forum Chris.
There is a wealth of information and
building tutorials on the forum...
Enjoy your stay.

Jerry

Welcome to the LPF, Chris. You have indeed stumbled onto the best site if your intentions are to build and safely use a laser pointer. Actually, a great source for everything laser.

Welcome to LPF, Chris! As a diverse community of laser enthusiasts and professionals we’re happy to listen and help you whenever possible. Safety is always our chief concern, which appears to be yours as well. Lasers are wonderful and beautiful devices, but also dangerous. Please be sure to always use proper eye protection for yourself and others, and never point a laser at any living thing. You may access our extensive database of all things laser by using the Search button on each page. I look forward to learning more about your planned project. Thanks and Take Care.

-cd

Thx for the welcome guys. I was initially thinking of purchasing a laser module off banggood, one of the 405nm engraving lasers. But after scouring the forum much of the day it sounds like you don't really know what you are getting from the Chinese vendors, ie overstated power levels. The only thing I am certain on at this point is I want quality goggles that cover me in the 400nm-532nm range, lol.
I have 2 projects in mind. I was thinking a handheld green laser in the 10mW-100mW range, and a handheld blue laser more in the 1W range. I'm ultimately looking to experiment with burning/engraving wood like materials for models/arts and crafts.
Does one of these projects sound like it could be more budget friendly to start? I would assume more power more $$ but I get the impression the green lasers might be a little pricier. I am definitely inclined to building my own drivers as I can probably find many of the components at work.

Future discussion regarding my builds, is that better suited to the Tutorials, Help & Repairs thread or the corresponding laser wavelength threads?

Hi
Welcome to LPF enjoy all the info we have on hand here in our LPF search field. Be safe always
Rich

Greetings, welcome to the fun. :beer: