Suggestions for repairing X105

[RA_pierce]

So... My X105's lens cracked. I don't know why... so I emailed NOVA and they told me it is most likely from direct impact or tampering... I haven't 'tampered' with it so I'm assuming someone dropped it but I'm not sure. Anyway, they told me I could send it back and for $40 I can get lens replacement surgery. Unfortunately I can't send it back until after the holidays and I don't really know if $40 plus shipping is worth it. I decided I would find a suitable lens and do it myself. I removed the broken lens (I know I voided the warranty) and tried out a bunch of different lenses (convex, biconvex, planoconvex, concave, planoconcave, biconcave, collimator lenses for cheap reds... etc.) and I found one that might work. However, It is too wide to fit inside the laser. I want to cut it to fit, but I don't know crap about glass cutting and I don't want to break/ ruin it. Suggestions on what I should do? I also want to take this opportunity to make my laser focus adjustable... Any help or any kind of input would be great!

 

[LarryQ]

For 40 bucks.....and that includes shipping back to you.....???

IMHO....get your laser serviced....and Love life!

40 bucks to have my X-105 back ...working as it did before the lens cracked.....No Brainer....

Consider it a Christmas Present to yourself!!!!!!!!

Larry

 

[wooooooolazer]

Hopefully they will still take it back since you voided your warrenty, i guess since its not warrenty related tho they prob would.

..lazer.. ;D ;D ;D

 

[RA_pierce]

I don't think the $40 includes shipping... anyway, I wanted to make it focus adjustable while I'm at it. And I would have to wait to send it... wait for them to repair it... and wait to get it back... Right now at least I can still play with it until I get the lens to fit...

 

[Rhith]

Use it as a deathly bright green flashlight!
But seriously, $40 for proper installation of the correct lens is more then worth it. If you want it focusable then make a cap that will go on the end to focus it.

 

[a_pyro_is]

If you must repair it yourself, I'd at least call and ask if you can buy a lens from Nova.

 

[RA_pierce]

I thought about buying a lens, but I don't want to spend money on something that could work just as well... and I can't afford to spend any more money on lasers... yet. Also, making a cap to focus it is a little frustrating, personally. I made one but it seems to lose a lot of power after being directed to 3 different lenses (two in the cap and the collimator). Anyway, if I fail, I can still buy a lens from them later. I like the fact that it can be focused with ONE lens WITHOUT an unsightly cap on the pretty gold end. And I get to set the lens in place myself so I can have it aligned with the body! I'm trying to be optimistic about my poor laser...

My question is:

This lens I am using is a little bit too big to fit correctly... so I want to cut it to fit better... Can I use a Dremel diamond wheel? or something of that sort?