Hey everyone i just joined this site! I am excited to start getting into lasers!:wave: Can anyone recommend a laser that burns but is a lil on the cheaper (in money) side? because all i have is 2 5mW red and a 3mW red. :thanks:
Build one yourself, its a great way to get into the hobby and stay hooked
It's also the cheapest route!
For the diode, go to a computer repair shop, ask if they have any broken DVD-Burners. I did this yesterday and got a 16x Drive with a diode in it capable of ~175mW for free!
Then build a DDL Driver based on
this tutorial. Its a really standard laser driver, it only costs about $3-$4 to build.
You need an Aixiz Housing to put the laser diode in and those are pretty cheap, about $3.50
If you don't wanna ask a computer shop, or can't find one, CajunLasers and Modwerx sell burning diodes for under $12 (for the cheapest)
Then all that is left is housing it up and getting a power source
All in all a burning laser can be made for under $20
Hope this helped!
