Laser Pointer Forums - Discuss Laser Pointers | High Power Lasers

soo i just discovered this website.. i can see myself reading about all these projects lol, i do plan to stick around. It also looks like the perfect place to ask someone with experience what i need to make a cool laser pointer myself.

I have a few playstation 4 discdrives laying around the shop leftover from recent repairs and decided to take the diode out of one knowing that people have turned them into powerful lasers.

well now that ive seen tons of videos and tutorials im still kinda unsure what i should use to power this thing. also im not sure about a driver or a lens.. just looking for some recommendations, maybe even a store to order from. any knowledge is appreciated