Need Cheap Laser Build Advice

[ChevelleJunkie]

Hi. I'm brand new to building lasers and i don't know much about them. I'm trying to find a cheap way to build a blue "lighter laser," but on LaserDIY.com the kit alone costs $100. I'm sure theres a way to get the parts cheaper I'm just wondering whats cheap and reliable. I found a blue laser module 150 mw Hi Power 405nm which claims to be the best diode out because it focuses the beam the most. Is that model really the best out there? Are there any cheaper materials that will do just as good, if not better then the ones advertised on LaserDIY.com? If so could someone help me with the basics and tell me a list of cheap, reliable materials that i would need to make a laser lighter? Thanks for your time

 

[Dvorhagen]

There is a lot of good, easy to understand information here - you just have to do a little reading. Try the search field at the top of the page. People around here get annoyed if you ask very basic questions that you could easily answer with a little research on the forum.

You can also try this site: Laser driver - It can be done, which is a very good starting point.

I order most of my laser stuff from here: StoneTek Electronics, Your Laser Parts Store

They've been 100% reliable, and their prices are good. If I were you, I'd start with a PHR-803T diode. They're cheap and cool-looking, and you can easily squeeze 100MW or so out of them. There's no reason to pay $100 for your first build.

PHR: ~$12.00
Aixiz module: ~$6.00
Driver parts from Radioshack: $15-$20
Total: < $40