Laser Pointer Forums - Discuss Laser Pointers | High Power Lasers

hi my name is Vinny. i have always been interested in lasers and always wanted a nice green one but never wanted to pay as much as they sell for new.

the most powerful one i have had was a 10mw :-/ assy from aixiz.

i am also a electronics whore so whenever i see something on the street or in recycling i nab it to see if there is anything usefull in it.

i do have one question though.

i have like 2 or 3 laser diodes from computer cd drives. now i know you are supposed to have atleast burner diodes but would i still be able to make a laser from just a regular drive?

this site has a alot of info, gonna take a while to read.