Wtb 350-1w 445

Hey guys I need to get a laser quick. It needs to be go usable and have a nice beam. Does anyone have anything they could get rid of? I have about 50-75$


Also have a 250gb harddrivei could trade with


Btw I am familiar with lasers and have eagle pair goggles

You need more money.
I'm thinking $120 minimum to get into the 1W 445nm club.

50-75$ is not enough, 120$ is even a bit low, unless you plant to build it yourself, around 200$ should get you a nice 445nm laser.

it doesnt have to be 1w+ just a 445 with a decent beam

It is going to be hard to find a 445nm with a decent beam for your price unless you build one. The diodes alone are about $40-50

Heres the dirt cheap break down for you:
DX host ~$13
Cheap Aluminum Heatsink ~$10-15
DX Driver ~$1.5
Batteries ~$6
Diode $40
Lens $10-20

That's $85 for the cheapest non-bulk parts I have found, and that doesn't include battery charger, safety goggles, or any of the equipment needed to construct it.
That being said, if someone is feeling generous you might get away with $80+that hard drive.
It doesn't take any more money to make a 445nm laser go from ~300mw to 1.2-1.3W if you know what driver to get, a couple more bucks will get you ~1.5W, anything significantly above that and you need better lens and a lucky diode, plus SUPER high quality batteries and a big ole heatsink.
By the way I'm pretty new at this, so if a veteran can correct me feel free to do so.