New to lasers

[0331usmc]

Been lurking for some time. Looking to learn more and possibly start building. Currently own a Lazerer mini 200mw 405 and stick 1.2w 445. And yes, I have safety goggles. Bought them before the lasers.

 

[lasersbee]

Glad to hear you bought Laser Safety Goggles before
getting you Lasers....:gj:

That being said...

to the Forum....
Don't forget to read the FAQs...the Stickies
and the Forum Rules..
http://laserpointerforums.com/tou.htm

If you plan on buying anything on the Forum....
PLEASE read this first...

6 Steps To Prevent You From Getting Scammed

and PLEASE don't forget to read to this....

39 Reasons NOT to Buy From Wicked Lasers

Enjoy your stay...


Jerry

You can contact us at any time on our Website: J.BAUER Electronics

 

[awillis2589]

welcome to the forum! any idea's what kind of build you have planned?

 

[0331usmc]

I'm looking at doing some high power blue and blu ray lasers and maybe a lower power red and green. Really like some of the hosts available from members here.

 

[Encap]

Yes, members here do some great mechanical artworks and make them available at very rational prices--mostly very small profit or non-profit prices

 

[ZeroLaser]

The following links were given to me when i first started....

http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/i-want-build-laser-thread-52972.html
http://laserpointerforums.com/f67/how-laser-diode-drivers-work-explanatory-thread-71513.html
http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/dtr-s-reviews-tutorials-modifications-compilation-53944.html

building a diode laser is pretty simple actually. they usually consist of the following parts.

1. focusing lens
2. diode ($10-$90.00) depending on the power
3. heat sink
4. constant current driver
5. host that makes good contact with the heat sink hopefully
6. contact points for the batteries to transfer power to the driver circuit
7. maybe a switch and thats it!

not much to it....the hard part is knowing where to get the parts, but there is somebody on this forum for just about everything on that list and they usually have better prices here than what you would pay outside the forum.

hope that helps!

 

[Encap]

The following links were given to me when i first started....

http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/i-want-build-laser-thread-52972.html
http://laserpointerforums.com/f67/how-laser-diode-drivers-work-explanatory-thread-71513.html
http://laserpointerforums.com/f51/dtr-s-reviews-tutorials-modifications-compilation-53944.html

building a diode laser is pretty simple actually. they usually consist of the following parts.

1. focusing lens
2. diode ($10-$90.00) depending on the power
3. heat sink
4. constant current driver
5. host that makes good contact with the heat sink hopefully
6. contact points for the batteries to transfer power to the driver circuit
7. maybe a switch and thats it!

not much to it....the hard part is knowing where to get the parts, but there is somebody on this forum for just about everything on that list and they usually have better prices here than what you would pay outside the forum.

hope that helps!

You are probably better off to buy a complete kit/parts bundle with instructions from one of the member selling same for a first laser or a finished complete laser for a member ---they sell for not much more than the parts cost --see Buy,Sell, Trade section.

 

[ZeroLaser]

You are probably better off to buy a complete kit/parts bundle with instructions from one of the member selling same for a first laser or a finished complete laser for a member ---they sell for not much more than the parts cost --see Buy,Sell, Trade section.

Well, that is a little against the DIY spirit and somewhat incorrect. I actually have a sales thread on here that is constantly sold out.... But if you want to put in the elbow grease (which i respect being an engineer) and learn how to build these suckers yourself it is actually cheaper.

it really just depends on how much time it would take you to learn and how much your time is worth....i think at least.

 

[Encap]

Exactly, if you have the spare time.

You are right---it is time and materials task, which is why I mentioned parts bundles rather than materials bundles which I have not seen anyone ever offer.

You can, and some have, make every part but perhaps the diode and other solid state bits yourself if you have the will to do so.

Where to get all the materials you want to use to make parts which is simlple enough on the internet or where to buy the parts you do not wish to attempt making and assemble away--go for it.

Have a look at what this member did, which is more of it all by himself then most and well documented.
See: http://laserpointerforums.com/f65/my-first-100-custom-build-all-myself-2-5w-445nm-blue-laser-79179.html

Good luck with it.