Recent content by notahardwareguy

I would not suggest buying one to take apart. It is likely you would damage it and not learn anymore than you could/would learn from this site and the internet. I would read the various tutorials available here. They will describe everything that you want to know and get you started on building...

Everything (well nearly everything) you need or want to know will be either in this thread or a link off of this thread. Read it and the links at least twice through. That alone will tell you most of what you are looking for. Good luck.

In all seriousness, read the "I want to build a laser" thread and all of the included links. I started that way and did exactly what you are asking to do. My first build of a laser was from as much of a scratch position as possible. The only things I did not build are the diode and the lens...

The (nm) indicates the frequency (or color) of the laser light and the (mW) rating is the power. The module is what holds the laser diode and you could machine your own but it is easier to purchase one. It not only holds the diode but it also holds the lens that is used to focus the laser. It...

You can get a lot of decent inexpensive tools of various types at flea markets and garage sales. I recently scored a pretty good chop saw for $20. If there are none near you, Harbor Freight is a good option as well.

That hobby board was like $30(?). It was hand sanded. the molding was frame cut with a hand-saw/miter box. You will need some tools to do anything. You can do a lot with simple hand tools. Look at the laser I built in my sig, The only power tool I used was a drill-press. I will update my prior...

My bad, it is actually 24 inches by 24 inches. Just measured. You need the following materials: - 1/2 inch by 24 inch by 24 inch board - at least 9 feet, 1/4 inch edge molding (need 25 inch lengths to corner cut) - 4 rubber feet - wood glue - nails You will need the following tools: - miter...

Yep, a lot can be said for pounding stuff with a big hammer :D Sometimes that is just what the doctor ordered!

So right you are. I did a fully DYI build (to include driver) too. The amount of information on this forum is just AMAZING and my experience has been that most folks here are more than happy to help with advice and information! :gh:

I would guess that is because the "normal" hobby method of combining laser beams requires beams of different colors in order to use beam combiners. There are only so many practical and affordable diodes of different colors and the corresponding beam combiner. The method outlined in the article...

To add my 2 cents: - did not see anyone list heat shrink tubing (great for covering your connections) - hobby board I built a hobby board before starting my laser build. It is a .5 inch X 30 inch X 30 inch board with a raised molding edge all around (like a picture frame) and rubber feet...

I wanted to say no but after doing some digging, it appears that the answer is yes, based on conditions. Here is an initial article that discusses various beam combining techniques. It is not easy and not very efficient but apparently can be done. One such technique is called "filled-aperture...

FL, U.S.A. 32771 - notahardwareguy, thanks!

That is OK. Wanting help is fine. Everyone on this forum started out knowing nothing about lasers at some point and learned by asking questions, reading and doing. In case you do not frequent forums like this one (dedicated to one subject), the members value people that want to learn and are...

LPC-815 RED 660nm laser diode.