making a DIY laser and had some questions

hey guys, im new to this forum (obviously) and i had some questions about DIY lasers, seeing as that is what brought me to the forum in the first place.

i have already read all the important stickies and im not new to the forum format so i know how to search and all that.

i was just wondering what is a great beginner build? i know i need a driver and a diode and a housing, i just dont know what to get. i kind of want something that could burn, even if its just matches.

if you guys could lead me in the right direction for my first build that would be awesome!

Well my first build was a nice phr blue ray laser.
405nm PHR-803T Blu Ray Diode in Aixiz Laser Module Housing [PHR-803T in Aixiz module] - $19.83 : High Tech DealZ, Simplifying the LASER Hobby!
It comes in the axis housing its nice i would say go with the modwerx one.
Pre-installed laser diodes : Modwerx Shop
As this one has leads already on them, this is nice so you dont break your laser with your iron.
and as long as you dont heat it up to much or use it for more than 30sec at a time you dont "need" a heat sink.
This was my first build and then i put it into a project box.
i never tried to light matches but for that i would suggest a
650nm 20x DVD Burner Laser Diode in Aixiz Laser Module Housing [650nm LPC815 in Aixiz module] - $22.38 : High Tech DealZ, Simplifying the LASER Hobby!
This a a red beam i have been able to burn plastic but never tried a match. for that i use a lighter never understood the whole burning thing.
With the red one you will want a heat sink. you can diy one with some copper tubing from a hardware store or you can buy them here. if you have old cpu coolers you can drill a hole and set it in there with some thermal paste.
It depends on money, time, skill and tools posting this will better direct us to what you can do.

thanks for the answer, i will definitely look into your suggestions. ill probably end up going with the blu ray simply because it looks so much cooler

ive got some money, ive gots lots of time, and i have a fair amount of tools in my garage

The cheapest way to go is using a LOC (or LCC) diode and build a DDL driver.
Diode =$10
Driver parts =$6
Aixis module =$5
Heat-sink = free (with a little work almost any piece of Al or Cu can be made into one)
Switch = free to $1
Host = free (old flashlight)

Total cost = $22
You will end up with a 200mW + 650nm burner that will light matches from 3'-10' away.(depending on how high you turn it up)

okay well money lets try to find your budget.
in order from least to most powerful. (in normal price range, for a first time build)
Laser====================Price====Input power.
405nm PHR-803T Blu Ray Laser==$17.28===90-100mw
405nm SF-AW210 Blu Ray Laser==$40.57===150-170mw
405nm GGW-H20L Blu Ray Laser==$56.82===180 - 200mw
Another member will have to chime in on the output power as i do not know it for them.
My suggestion is the SF-AW210 its got good power and is cheaper for its power so if you break it or something happens you wont be to hurt.
To drive them you can make a driver for under 5$
or you can buy one for around 10-20$
I make all my drives and never had a problem. Many good tutorials here on this subject.
As a host is this pen style or lab or Box? (box means you don't much care just want it to work.)
Also you can buy one or get one made for you in the forums, unless of course building it is half the fun as having it.
Do you know how to solder fair, well, good or great?
That is the most important thing when it comes to working with sensitive electronics.
Also blu rays have lenses that you need to think about. they come with a standard one that will work but you can get ones to improve you laser up to 31%.
I know of off the top of my head ones ranging from 10%, 15%, and last but not least the famous 31%
Lenses can cost between 15-50$
This might seem a but much you can diy your own lens like the 31% one for about 30$ but you will need some good tools
This will improve you lasers power and life greatly.