pucho, if you are looking to make a laser yourself out of parts, may I suggest an LPC-836 laser diode. It is a 300mW to 400mW laser diode in the 650nm wavelength, or deep red. It can be had for $15.00 or less, depending on your ability to find these type components. You will need a "dummy load", or test load as they are sometimes called. The driver I would recommend would be lazeerer's continuous ground X-Drive adjustable driver. You can PM him about selling you one. I think they are about $22.00 shipped. Now, on the dummy load, I have an extra one that I would send you and explain to you on how to use it for the price of shipping it to you. That would be about $3.00- $4.00. You will need a diode press for a TO-18 laser diode. Or, better still, go to DTR's website at DTRLPF.com. Look at what he has to offer and you can actually buy a drop in and solder two wires and you are done. No need for dummy loads or diode presses or meters. Just a solder station and some solder and the 510B host that Mrcrouse offers in many colors and with different options. You can PM him and get a price if you want that host. Anyway, I hope that was some help to you. That is my only intention.