My first blue Laser!

[pados1002_Alex_13]

Hey guys, this is my first attempt to build a "powerful" laser. The diode is a Nichia NUBM4B 4.7w, bought from techhood on Ebay. I m using a skyray led torch for the housing. Really spacious for a newbie like me to work!
I m using an Astral superdrive V as a driver at 3.6A and G2 lenses. I machined a piece of aluminium on a lathe to use as support and heatsink.
I m also using MX4 thermal paste for better conductivity between diode module and the heatsink. To manage the current i bought a pololu 2808 circuit that handles it, so i can use the tiny switch of the torch itself!
The inner of the laser is not the most beautiful but for first, i liked it!
I want your thoughts about the beam. I think it s not as tight as i would like to. Can you please guide me on how to fix this?

 

[gazer101]

Your probably either need to mount your lens closer to the diode (DON'T SCRATCH THE DIODE WINDOW) or get a new lens if its broken

 

[pados1002_Alex_13]

Lens are brand new @gazer101 . And the threads of the lens are fully screwed... So what have i done wrong?

 

[Deleted member 8178]

The lens is backwards.

 

[thanhtung]

The lens take out from Glens of array diodes! You should change to G2 lens for best power or G8 lens for better beam!

 

[gazer101]

Lens are brand new @gazer101 . And the threads of the lens are fully screwed... So what have i done wrong?

Remove the focusing ring and CAREFULLY see if you can tighten it even more for a better beam

 

[pados1002_Alex_13]

Ok guys... I fixed it... I m a noob at this sorry... I thought that i had to have the lens fully threaded and tightened... However the sweet spot for the minimum beam diameter is about half threaded... Now it 's great!