Also, check out the thread "Basic FAQ's... Read before posting!" at the top of each section. In that thread, scroll down until you see the words "DIY Laser Questions". Read this section, and also the next section after that entitled "Safety Questions", this is also essential. Any questions you may have can often be answered in this list. People here are great, and always ready to answer any questions you can't find the answers to (as you've seen already)
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Lasers can be a great hobby, but if not enjoyed safely, it can go very wrong. The last thing we want to happen is to read you post a topic "Blind spot in my eye", and the next-to-last thing we want to read is "I burned out my laser diode". The laser diode is the most expensive piece of the laser, it's worth protecting it with a driver since a driver is much cheaper than the diode itself. You can buy pre-assembled drivers now also, which you may want to do instead of soldering one up yourself (which is also easy and accessible to anyone)
Laser goggles are also much less expensive than the lasers you may eventually be making or buying, and your eye-sight is priceless. Even looking at the dot on a white wall can fatigue your eyes, and stray reflections can burn irreparable blind spots into your retina.
Good luck, and enjoy your lasers! It's a great hobby!
