The problem with these is kinda a legal one-- as selling a completed laser is not really 'legal' and we have had some members get letter from the FDA- and one evenn got a visit from the 'laser police' -- not kidding..
In each section there are stickies worth reading- in the tutorial setion there are all sorts of help-- but as others have told you- most FAIL at first time builds- so make it one with very cheap parts-- the pain from killing a diode or driver is less that way..what are your goals??-- just having a nice handheld DIY laser that you made or one from a builder? Both are good ways to get good deals--The list of needed equipment-(DMM- soldering station- adjustable power supply -ESD precautions etc etc are but a FEW of things you will need to know and fully understand--
You may find a 'kit' that actually is a completed laser that has been taken apart-
so when uoy get it the work needed is not much more than adding batteries..
Youtube vids (like Kipkay) often make building look super simple--
you best bet... buy a ready to use 'module' from DTR- ask him to suggest a good host for it- he will have done almoist all the soldering done which at that poiint removes the need for ESD precautions--
OR you can buy a host from JayRob- Mcrouse=Flaminpyro- just to name a few- and ask them to suggest a good module for their host-- as very few if any will sell you both- As you failed to add your info in your personal profile I doubt many wil get involved with you until you at least put uyour 'general' location in your profile. We need your full birthdate TOO!! no sales unless we know your age- be dishonest about that and you are done here forever.
BTW posts ..#7 & #8 ...were made two minurtes apart-- you double posted- no do -no do-- you could have just adding #8 to #7 using 'edit' and actually you really shouid combine these two COPYPASTA) and delete the other one. If you don't there is a chance a mod will do this for you but that is not the best way to go..
also
was your first thread an intro one in our WELCOME section??-- IF not you have entered our 'party' w/o telling the host (us) your basic info- we like to hear your goals with lasers- a bit about yourself- nothi(ng personal.. some give up their first names etc- if you are unsure just read the threads by other new-comers and use that as a guide- when you make this thread many will extend a welcome- and give you links and advice that is meant in the nicest way-- so do NOT take this the 'wrong' way... some will tell you that they live not far away- any member with a LPM will be happy to allow you to use it on your laser colllection. No location will NOT get you any invites to laser meets etc-
EVEN tho its the largest of its kind LPF is a 'family' forum- we look out for each other- we try to be nice to all at all times- we do not want to hear negative stuff- or vulgar - keep that stuff off-forum- we have many young members and setting a mature example is a goal here. Dope talk does not fly well here. Racist or ***ist 'tudes wil get you banned. We give respect when its given to us..
BEFORE you deal with anyone do your homework- check their Feedback- and rep. Avoid others brand new- or anyone else you cannot do a check on..Check memebers join date- post count and rtep score it not 100% perfect- we have had some vets go bad- but morre often its a newcomer that makes trouble..
Do not reply to Flammers, Spammers or Trolls-- make good friends and get help and advice from them via PMs rather than in the open forum-- you can get info via google search and all with ANY interest in Lasers really should spend many hours at Sam's Laser FAQ< his is pretty much our 'guru' on basic laser knowledge.
Your OP question has been asked here 397 times as of today-- do you think we want to keep giving out info you can find yrself???
...(Okay I made up that number)It could be higher--
hope this has been helpful... no need to thank me- I would raather that you send in an occasional dollar to keep LPF running... good luck to you sir!!
A needed bump to a sales thread is an exception to this 'rule'--
EDIT UPDATE
NOTICE I did not start a new post here--
just saw your intro thread and gave you a +5 rep bump--
maybe you should ahve saved your laser question for the proper section but sa'll good.
What's your 'day ' job-
what are your other hobbies?
we are not being nosey just trying to do our best to get a 'feel' for who you are..
ATM a few memers are in a $ bind or have grown bored with handhelds and since many are currently seling its a good time to buy--
sending a freind request--Len
There is a reasonable risk that you will kill a diode, or two, learning how to build your first laser. 
