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Thank you, Thank you, thank you for all the positive feedback. :thanks: :thanks: :thanks: The primary reason I chose to machine the host from a single block of aluminum was to get the best thermal transfer characteristics possible; a single piece of mass will always transfer heat better than...

After reading a few posts about how hot the 3W 9mm LDs, like I use in this host, can get, I decided to see just how long my host would handle the heat. Since this host uses a "momentary" switch that must be held down with a thumb to stay "on", I simply kept the laser "turned on" while I watched...

I finished machining this one a few days ago, and originaly posted it to the 445nm threads. Although it's not nearly as small as many of the hosts featured here, it does pack a lot of power into a small space. Heres the link to the original thread...

I just ran the following test: Starting with both batteries fully charged and the unit at room temperature (73.5F), I held the momentary switch closed, operating the LD continuously. At one minute, only the front one fourth of the box is slightly warm. At two minutes, I can feel the entire box...

Thank you all for the compliments,.. they are most appreciated:thanks: LaserSam & Speedy78, I did all the milling on a Grizzly G0708 manual milling machine which I had purchased a few years ago. These are great mills for hobby or production work and sell new for about $1100.00. Of course the...

OK, I admit it, the primary reason I built this laser was to see just how small I could make a host, and still have good power output. With that in mind, I started looking for small batteries with high power output, and decided that one good choice would be Li-Ion camera batteries. As with my...

OK Wolfman29, I can conform to the LPF standands and refer to Laser Diodes as LDs in future posts :D . However, I see more similarities than differances between LEDs and LDs as both devices fall under the broader catagory of "diodes" (both use a PN juction), both use very similar manufacturing...

:D Thank you all for all the positive feedback !!! The "flat pack" shape idea was something I wanted to try primarily because I wanted it to fit easily into my pocket. Mostly I've been using it to point out stars, various costellations, and the occasional planet in the night sky to friends and...

:thanks: Thanks for complement Wolfman29,...and I'm somewhat curious as to why you don't believe that Laser Diodes should be called LED's?? Should we start a new thread for this topic, or is there already a sticky??

Thanks for your concern about the current limitations on the switchs I've used, but thus far at least, I haven't experienced any overheating issues or noticed any contact pitting. Truth is that many of these micro-switchs are vastly under-rated and can safely carry far more current (especially...

After spending a few days looking at quite a few very impressive builds posted here on LPF, I decided to design & build a rather different looking host. I wanted my laser to have around 2W to 3W and be as compact and portable as I could make it. I decided to go with a 9mm; I purchase the...

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