Want to try out my first laser build! - Need an experienced opinion.

Hello everyone!
I have been doing a ton of reading on here and see that any and every tutorial and walk through on building a laser is at my disposal, and it is time to try my hand at building a laser!

However I don't have any electronics building experience or background. I have been looking into getting a basic electronics kit (the breadboard style ones) just to try and get the basics down, then maybe try a few soldering projects before I actually attempt a laser project. But with that being said, after I get some basics down with electronics, should I just start by grabbing a cheap 5mW 650nm diode and practicing on that? Or would you recommend that I just go for the big guns and get a more powerful 445?

I know they're probably 2 totally different animals to build, but as far as learning and experience go, would it be more beneficial to start small then go big? Or just go big to start?
:thanks:

I remember when i started up with the lasers, I had little to none experience with soldering and the last time i held a soldering iron was arround 15 years ago.. I went with everyone's advice and started with cheaper diodes like LPC and PHR's, They are fun little projects and you basically learn several things on the go , like pressing a diode into aixiz and soldering the leads for instance. Then you learn how to use the drivers, later heatsinking them, .. Now i solder smd components as smaller as 0805 with a regular soldering iron , Like a G..

Hope you get my point, Do the stuff you enjoy.. Break a diode, It's not fun but it does help you motivate and learn more about lasers!

That answered my question! Sounds like exactly what I'll do then.