Alternative to WL's Arctic?

[Astrogoth]

Howdy all.

I'm new to the laser hobby and I have a question. Since WL is having quite a few issues right now I have to ask the obvious question:

Can a 1 Watt blue laser be built from a parts kit for around the cost of the WL Arctic? I know the host won't be as cool to look at but if I build it I know it will work better.

Thanks folks!

 

[Gryphon]

Sure can! The diodes can be bought from several different members here for ~45 bucks.
Drivers and batts only cost a couple bucks aswell as a collimator. You can build a
completed unit, host and all for under half the cost of the Arctic. Of course as you said
the host probably wont be as cool, but thats a matter of taste

 

[Kevlar]

The host is definitely a matter of taste. I personally don't like the artic, too big. I like Ehgemus hosts. Just do a search for Ehgemus hosts on this forum.

Diode=$45-$50
Driver=$26
Host=$40-$50
Batteries/charger=$20-$30
Total=$$156?

Optional upgraded lens=$12.50-$50

Also, dragonlasers is taking pre-orders for their 1W 445nm lasers. Their pre-orders are A LOT different than WL though. Just email Frank. I got an email from him yesterday saying the stock they have is going out to people who already order them but should have some in stock in 8 days. Dragonlasers reputation is much better than WL IMO

 

[Astrogoth]

Sure can! The diodes can be bought from several different members here for ~45 bucks.
Drivers and batts only cost a couple bucks aswell as a collimator. You can build a
completed unit, host and all for under half the cost of the Arctic. Of course as you said
the host probably wont be as cool, but thats a matter of taste

Thanks for the reply guys. So I can get more for less and on time?? Wow, I think I'll be doing that then!

 

[qumefox]

Thanks for the reply guys. So I can get more for less and on time?? Wow, I think I'll be doing that then!

If your in a hurry, pay more and go with someone who has the diodes on hand and ready to sell. The various group buy's are cheaper, but at the tradeoff of time. I've been waiting on my 445's and other stuff from Glenn's groupbuy for close to a month now.

 

[AJ_Dual]

O-Like just came out with a bench/lab style 445 the other day at a competitive price. A handheld/portable should be forthcoming in a few days or weeks too.

 

[KGB_Productions]

I definately recommend Ehgemus also. He makes some amazing custom hosts for, what I would call, dirt cheap.

 

[Astrogoth]

I definately recommend Ehgemus also. He makes some amazing custom hosts for, what I would call, dirt cheap.

After some searching I agree with you. Amazing work. No doubt I'll go with one of his hosts when the time comes. My second build will be a 12X in a Phaser but #1 will be his.

 

[KGB_Productions]

Post lots of pics when you get it finished

 

[Kevlar]

I got my Ehgemus host for $47 shipped!!! To me, thats amazing for a completely custom host WITH a focus adapter AND a direct-press heatsink for the best heatsinking you can get!!!

 

[styropyro]

If you really want to you can build one of these for around $50. It wont be hand held, but it still is a 1W+ blue laser. You don't have to buy an expensive driver, a LM317 circuit works wonders and is dirt cheap.

 

[Moptsp]

These 445 diodes, are they able to be efficiently run at lower levels? Id be interested at setting one at about 500mw because my safety glasses don't protect up to 1W on 445nm.

 

[qumefox]

These 445 diodes, are they able to be efficiently run at lower levels? Id be interested at setting one at about 500mw because my safety glasses don't protect up to 1W on 445nm.

They'll run fine at 500mw. What kind of goggles do you have, and what is their OD rating at 445?

 

[Moptsp]

They are what Dragon lasers used to sell for $25, but I can no longer find them. It's the same as these I believe:
Green LaserShades

But wicked does not give the OD specs on them.

Glenn (who got them for me,) just said that they are about 2.6OD for 523nm and protect from 445nm up to about 850mw. Though I wouldn't want to reach the edge of protection.

 

[Fonduman]

bear in mind you will need tools etc for a build, and some technical knowledge. you've probably noticed by now though lol

 

[Ashton]

I love the $$$ of dragon's blue spartan

though I hate the fact it looks like a flashlight... I prefer the straight-sided tubes like my CNI and old (dead) Pulsar had...

Though for that cost, one cant really complain... (of course what does it take to get the 1W output? fresh lithium batteries with 1 use or less before it drops?)