A little help and information.

[MandyLmfao]

Im planing to buil my first laser, but i want a burning laser
so I decided to search for some 300mw or 500mw. I found out that they
were too expensive. So i decided to buy separate things (808nm/500mw laser diode and 808nm/500mw driver board. The problem is that I don't have idea if what im doing is safe or at least ok. And I want to know how many power do i need? 2.7-3v or more? And will it over heat!? And does it may affect the diode or its life?

P.S. Sorry for my bad bad english. I am a complete NOOB on this. Oh' and i forgot to say is a green laser diode. Thanks

Any information is greatly appreciated.

 

[notahardwareguy]

You need to read this (and most if not all of the links in it):

http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/i-want-build-laser-thread-52972.html

and if you can make it though that, read as much if this as you can:

Sam's Laser FAQ - Preface, Introduction, What is a Laser?, Safety

Between these two sets, most if not all of your questions will be answered. Good luck with your project.

 

[laserpyro]

I strongly suggest against starting with an infrared laser.
For starters you won't be able to see results and probably end up blinding yourself so really not worth it.
Invest in a PHR(100-120mW) or LPC(200-250mW) you can get either for 10-15$ and a driver off ebay about 5-15$. Both will give you adequate burning power.

 

[weeba2kv]

808nm/500mw will fuck your eye up in 1 millisecond ( 1/1000 of a second )
and you will never see anything ever again with that 1 eye

start with a 150mw red and use goggles as protection
good luck burning stuff