New Leadlight Pointer Build

[Edgeoftomorrow011]

Just finished my first 2 laser builds. I used a 488nm (55mW) and a 520nm (80mW) and both are powered with AAA batteries. They are perfect for general pointing and relatively eye safe (assuming you don't catch a direct reflection) and I think these pens are hands-down the coolest host for a laser diode.
Yes they don't leave room for a big heatsink for your 8W diode, but for me, <1W is plenty, and you should be able to get a 1W pen no problem.

I digress

Huge thanks to @RA_pierce for assisting me with my questions. He has made several of these pens and I would have not been able to attempt the project without him.

Pens are what got me interested in lasers and it will be what keeps my interest alive. Thank you call for keeping this small, but awesome community alive.

https://imgur.com/a/fjjlZ4q

 

[RA_pierce]

Nice job! I'm glad to see your collection is growing. The chrome is my favorite but the black and gold looks pretty slick as well.

 

[Ears and Eggs]

Very cool pair! Always have been a huge fan of the chrome leadlight, probably my favorite pen host of all time.

 

[Edgeoftomorrow011]

Nice job! I'm glad to see your collection is growing. The chrome is my favorite but the black and gold looks pretty slick as well.

Thank you! I have more silver hosts on the way, and still plan to compare my builds to yours, especially since I can't make enough room to install the cap :/ you're a wizard for that lol

 

[RA_pierce]

Thank you! I have more silver hosts on the way, and still plan to compare my builds to yours, especially since I can't make enough room to install the cap :/ you're a wizard for that lol

It's easier if you can cut off the threads from the cap.
I'll also usually file down the knurling on the cap so the press fit isn't as tight. This makes it easier to disassemble if repairs or upgrades are needed later!

 

[Edgeoftomorrow011]

This is how much of the focus lens sticks out of the top without the threaded ring. If I were to push it down any further, it wouldn't leave any space for the batteries/closing the battery door, as is the problem on my chrome model. I can't fathom a way to make room other than using a half-sized heat sink.

 

[RA_pierce]

Interesting. It looks like this host has less space to work with. What is the overall length?

 

[Edgeoftomorrow011]

It's the same length as the chrome host. I just used the black one for demonstration because the focus ring was already loose. But as you can see with this chrome host, the ring is pushed a little farther down inside, and because of that, the battery door has about half the threads handing out and won't close all the way. Very puzzling