Burning laser construction on a College kid's budget

[Mohrenberg]

building your own handheld can easily set you back $100, or more depending on the diode and driver you choose.

my next kit will utilize the rkcstr driver and be available for around $45 with driver included, and will only require a module and diode, letting someone build a nice handheld for only about $60

 

[Jimmymcjimthejim]

For the altoids tin, you had to insulate the driver from the metal of the tin, right?
Also, where can I get a chunk of aluminum? I've actually been wanting to put a laser in an altoids tin for a while. I made my first laser in a project box: I think it's high tide that I upgraded.

Yes, I put a layer of electrical tape under the driver. Of course you only need to do this if your driver is double sided, but it's a good idea to do anyway.
I got the aluminum heatsink from a member here jwc, this was a while back and I don't think he is able to make custom heatsinks for a while. I got some more heatsinks from MISTERWILLING, and they were a great price and good quality.

 

[Schnoogledeck]

Thanks a lot, jimmy

 

[Darkarmyofone]

I have some Groove drivers for sale. New, still sealed with Lava's product code stocker and everything ^_^