REVENGE said:
Heh, is the FDA restriction on fully built laser pointers, or diodes/modules as well?
My understanding is that it is only for fully-built lasers sold to others. If you make your own DIY-project you're free to do whatever you want so long as you don't start trying to sell/market it.
Also, although I like most of the FDA safety restricsion (just like that I like the safety on my pistol, keeps the feet on the ends of my legs, thankyouverymuch) I don't think there are rules against modifying an FDA-approved device after you legally purchase it. However, use it irresponsibly, and those modifications may show intent which could counter any defense of "oops." And then you couldn't sell/market your then-modified product.
Some of my friends try to make an analogy to guns, but with differing rules for those with federal firearms licenese and licensed gunsmiths and older and legal full-auto guns around, I think the best analogy is to a car. To market a consumer vehicle in the US you have to meet emissions rules. Similarly, to get your car inspected to operate on the road, you need to have things like a muffler. But, you can modify you car for racing, making it non-street-legal and run with no muffler. You can also custom build a vehicle for racing and you aren't restricted by the emissions laws (there may be rules by your racing league's sactioning body, but that varies from league to league). But, you can't make a vehicle with illegal exhaust and then market/sell this off your lot for people to drive home using public roads.
But, that being said, I haven't seen many folks discussing how to circumvent the FDA safety devices on their lasers, although several of them are quite simple with just a soldering iron.