I'm looking into building a laser x/y plotter of my very own while hoping to spend as little money as possible, this is why i'm looking to use a diode from a dvd writer or similar rather then buying a high quality lab laser.
Idealy it'll be something like http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8rWXesRncL8
But using a diode with powers like http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=B2mEpnogUMI (by the same guy as the above)
That second vid looks like the long, open can i've heard about but never used, would one of those be able to hit the powers indicated in the video and if so where can i get one
Or, would a IR diode from a cd writer or other source be more powerful? If given the choice i'd prefer a visible light to make focusing easier and safer (with proper goggles)
It will eventually be mounted in a custom alu heatsink so diode size isn't an issue as i hear there are 2 diode sizes with the smaller one being the common one, but if the larger size has more power without a hike in price could it be worth looking for?
In addition, does anyone know where to get some good quality coloured filter sheets to block the IR/Red light like the goggles? I'm thinking it'll be worth making a shield around the laser and target area so i don't have to worry about flare or reflections while it's active.
Idealy it'll be something like http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8rWXesRncL8
But using a diode with powers like http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=B2mEpnogUMI (by the same guy as the above)
That second vid looks like the long, open can i've heard about but never used, would one of those be able to hit the powers indicated in the video and if so where can i get one
Or, would a IR diode from a cd writer or other source be more powerful? If given the choice i'd prefer a visible light to make focusing easier and safer (with proper goggles)
It will eventually be mounted in a custom alu heatsink so diode size isn't an issue as i hear there are 2 diode sizes with the smaller one being the common one, but if the larger size has more power without a hike in price could it be worth looking for?
In addition, does anyone know where to get some good quality coloured filter sheets to block the IR/Red light like the goggles? I'm thinking it'll be worth making a shield around the laser and target area so i don't have to worry about flare or reflections while it's active.
