How to make a powerful burning laser for CHEAP!

After watching many videos on youtube of people burning things with high power lasers, I wanted one.Those lasers can cost a lot of money though, something I don't have. So I made one, and in this instructable, I will show you how to make one for less than ten bucks. This is my first instructable, so if I did something wrong, please tell me. This laser outputs between 50-100 milliwatts(I think), and can burn electrical tape, light matches and melt thin plastic.I was messing around with this laser one day, and I shined it at a mirror,  and the laser shined back in my eye for a second. I heard a popping sound and I couldn't see anything for a couple of minutes. Now, I was LUCKY that I did not get permanently blinded, but if I shined it a second longer I probably would have been. Now with that said, NEVER point a laser at another person, animals, or any other living thing.

Okay, Now lets make the laser.

Step 1 The Parts needed

You will need:

1. A old DVD drive (free)

2. A LM317 ($2.00)

3. 10 ohm resistor ($0.10)

4. An Aixiz Module from here: ($5.00)

5. 6-volt battery pack from Radioshack ($1.99) 


Tools Needed:

A soldering iron (free)

Screwdriver (free)

Total Cost : $9.10

Comments

[cwinget]

Soldering iron: ($8-$25)
Screwdriver: ($1.50)
DVD Drive: ($25-$50)

REAL Total cost: ($85.60)

Other than that, good tutorial.

[J.Reynolds09]

@cwinget- those were items he already had and is assuming that since you really should have some knowledge of electronics before attempting this, then you should already have the tools.

[orthofoo]

I am little bit confused about joeismydad and your answer, so which one is working?

[joeismydad]

You can get a DVD drive at a computer repair shop for free and a soldering iron only costs $4.

[Reever Jenkins]

ok, I bought a 1w laser from ebay, it came with a lens in the front of it so I could focus it, I got the lm whatsit, and resistor, and a 6v battery case, put the batteries in after soldering it all together, focused the beam to a pin prick of a dot, and wouldnt you know it, NOTHNG happened, oh the light was there, but it just wont burn. WHAT THE FUG. has someone been pulling my little wiener all this time, or is there a trick. I know I sound brash, and probably a bit off, But I laid out money to buy all this stuff only for nothing to happen.

[joeismydad]

Try buying a driver made for a 1 watt laser or you can use a computer PSU.

[Reever Jenkins]

forget it im going to give up I think.

[dysynchronous]

Not enough power to diode for output enery. You need more current (less resistance)

[Reever Jenkins]

hi, how can I tell which way to put the resistor round, ie which end goes where.

[dysynchronous]

Resistor is non polari...... Oh, sugar, I just realized ur bein' sarcastic. My bad!

[Reever Jenkins]

no i wasnt being sarcastic, I really didnt know, but I do now. thank you all for any help. ok the place i bought it from says its only a 10mw diode, which could be the reason it wont burn anything. I am in contact with him to find out how much he might charge for what actually need.

[zack247]

now, just wait for your neighbor to set a matchbook on the counter... >:D

[dysynchronous]

Read rog 811's Lasers are not toys post on his website.
www.rog811.com

[dysynchronous]

Sorry dudes.........but
De thought police is here with de offishal SAFETY WARNING:
DO NOT OPEN AIR THIS THING.
The design daddy's boy posts doesn't use enough current to really pour sugar on everything, but it is a Class III device.
THERE ARE FEDERAL LAWS ABOUT THIS THING!!
Just a few more mA, and Joe is my dad would have been been permanently BLIND, LONG BEFORE HE COULD BLINK!!

Now, Having Said that: I'm a Gonna keep my neigbours coffee warm, while it sits on his desk, all in line with my You have poltergeists not living at your house running gag. ( I wonder why he seems to be so nervous these days?,I hope it's only because he figured out my Instructables account password).
Kevin? are you there, Kevin??

[joeismydad]

My doctor say that the laser burnt a hole in my retina. I have a permanent black spot in my vision:(.

[joeismydad]

yeah good idea hehehe...

[B00GYman]

what is "A LM317" could you please post a link to where i could get one

[dysynchronous]

LM 317 is a bog standard Voltage Regulator, every electronics supply shop in the world has some, well, many, really( Including that place that used to be radio shack ( ever seen one of their catalogs from the 80's?). They come in different voltages though so you want the 3 volt output , or the 5 V, for this project doesn't really matter. I'd also buy the hi-current versions and a small heat sink, because I'm compulsive about over-engineering

[Followerof theSteel]

An LM317 is a voltage regulator. I believe it works at about 5.6 volts DC.

[auggie003]

can you use a cd laser?
or will it not burn anything?

[dysynchronous]

CD Rom drive No.
CD writing drive -so-so
DVD burning drive OHH Yeah!!

[joeismydad]

a cd laser???

[orthofoo]

hello

I am Cris. Can you use this system (burning laser ) to cut propulene 3mm? If you construct one of this system how much it will cost me to pay you the materilas and your work? thanks

[Frank Lampard 13]

where can i get A LM317

[joeismydad]

I got mine from Radioshack.

[engineer#1]

RADIOSHACK

[LaserRage]

Hey, I've been working with lasers for a While now, Love them sooooo much. but anyways to the point. You can get a 20X laser diode for 9 dollars at a place called Modwerx.com, and use a 3 Ohm resistor and you can get about 200-250mW's, you can use a 5 ohm resistor with yours too. and get a good 150-160mW's!
hope this helps!

[vanadium chrome]

when you open the cd/dvd drive of your laptop or computer you will see a small laser projector! That is called a cd laser.

[orthofoo]

hello

I am Cris. Can you use this system (burning laser ) to cut propulene 3mm? If you construct one of this system how much it will cost me to pay you the materilas and your work? thanks

[joeismydad]

What color is the plastic? If it is black it might be able to cut through but it will take a long time.

[orthofoo]

opaque or orange or white

[lis.tesla]

is there anywhere i can get one of those modules besides the internet

[mr. bond]

Where did you get this diagram hmmmmm?

[Dave54321]

That looks like MR. Bean

[Frank Lampard 13]

whats with your profile pic it scares me lol XD

[joeismydad]

yes, i did use kipkays diagram because I couldnt make one

[Itchyzombie]

joelismyname LOL!

[tynow]

wow, what happened to, "be nice" comment policy, come on its their first instructable

[milamber]

hmmm seams a bit similar to kipkays laser flashlight hack

[pfred2]

It really looks like this:
http://www.rog8811.com/laserdriver.htm

Which actually has some more detailed information about this project.