Help a newbie make his first laser

[pieconey]

Never ever made a laser pointer before, and also have no idea how it works. I couldnt find anything that was helpful for a complete beginner. I have no idea how drivers work or anything complicated, and am looking to make a simple 20-150mw green laser for relatively cheap. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[NightExplorer96]

First thing you should have before making your own DIY laser is safety glasses. No point in enjoying your laser if you can't see it

Do you have a budget for the laser? Accessories?

-Alex

 

[pieconey]

i have a budget of up to 200$, but i would prefer to keep it more around 50-100$. I already have safety goggle too.

 

[doubleone44]

Are you looking for 520nm, direct diode technology, or 532nm DPSS? The former has a more stable, but also more divergent output, the latter has a less stable output, more current draw but generally better divergence. Also, 520nm is more expensive but you will get a higher quality build, as all <$50 DPSS modules are mass produced in china.

 

[gozert]

I think I'll just post this to every new thread about building a first laser, as we get these threads every single day: Please give the search bar at the bottom of the page a try, it works wonders.