Mini Brass 405 Project

[ENX]

Hello LPF.

I wanted to share a new DIY build I just completed. This one took me a while to get everything to fit just right, but it was a good learning experience and the finished laser turned out really nice.

Parts list:

• K & S Brass Tubing (1 x #139, 1 x #140)
• 2 x Aixiz Modules
• 1 x 405nm S06J Diode
• 1 x 405/445 Glass Lens & Spring
• 1 x Flexdrive V5
• 1 x 10280 Battery
• 1 x Radio Shack mini SPST button
• 1 x Pen Spring
• Shrink Tubing

I diagramed a design a couple weeks ago and thought it would be fun to try to make it. With no more than the parts listed above, a Dremel, soldering iron, sand paper, and JB Weld, I was able to make a pretty cool little burner.

The idea was to use the brass tubing I had from a prior build to create a small host with a focus cap to house the lens. I wanted something small and was able to find some sub AAA batteries (10280) on LightHound, which let me decrease the overall length of the host to 3-1/4".

Here was the original plan:

The #139 K & S tubing fits the Aixiz modules perfect (most hardware or hobby shops stock it). Cutting the back end off both the Aixiz modules and gluing it inside the tubes, gives you threads to screw in the diode part of the module and the button / battery cover. The button is screw inside the other diode mount which I cut in half so I could press the button. I used a #140 tube over the #139 shortened to give me space for the focus cap to slide.

Custom focus cap made from an Aixiz cap, glass lens, 3mm length of #139, and 3/4" length of #140 tube:

Here are some pictures of the complete project both disassembled and assembled.

The Flexdrive is set at about 450mA, so I estimate I am getting from 500mW - 550mW. With the small battery, I won't have much run-time. I really need to invest in an LPM:undecided:.

It turned out better than I thought. Hope you like it.

 

[billg519]

This is a sharp looking very creative host. I like the look of brass and have made a few brass hosts myself. Nice work.:gj:

 

[lowell389]

That's a sweet little laser you made.
I thought the idea of cutting the modules to gain threads was slick.
Good build man!

 

[DrZoidberg]

Very slick, a nice clean build. I also really like what appears to be a nice brushed finish on the brass. :gj:

 

[TheDukeAnumber1]

Boss laser, I really like well thought out designs like this. What CAD software did you use?

 

[Blutquell]

Very slick build, you should mirror polish the host
Or you can also go with the sleek satin and spray some clearcoat over it to avoid fingerprint marks on the brass.

 

[ENX]

Thanks for the comments!

I actually used Visio to do the design diagram. I was able to do everything pretty much to scale, but still had to do a lot of measuring to get the positioning and spring length correct.

I used a fine sandpaper on the brash to give it a brushed look, the brass does seen to tarnish after use. The satin clearcoat spray is a great idea... Can you recommend a product?

Thanks again!

 

[Blutquell]

Umm, they sell it at home depot i believe.
its something like this:

Ideally, it could have been done before press-fitting everything, but well, tape the aperture of the laser to prevent the window from being sprayed.

 

[ENX]

Thanks! I will look for it.

The whole laser is able to be disassembled, down to the tube, so no problem with damage.

Anyone know if brass can be anodized?

 

[DrZoidberg]

To my understanding brass cannot be anodized. I believe it comes down to brass being an alloy of zinc and copper, since copper is not able to be usefuly anodized and zinc requires very high voltages to be anodized. Don't quote me on the reasoning behind it, as I am no expert at anodization, but a quick google search seems to agree that brass cannot be anodized.

Thanks! I will look for it.

The whole laser is able to be disassembled, down to the tube, so no problem with damage.

Anyone know if brass can be anodized?