How To Turn a Mini Maglite Into a Laser

[SgtM]

Damn, I only have my one DVD burner (that I never use but it's nice to have). If both my burners were DVD burners, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Do you think it would work with CD burners? I've got a few laying around, but I don't want to destroy them for nothing...


Edit: Turns out I have a DVD burner from a dead eMachines case. COOL! I'm definitely going to do this.

Sounds like it's worklog time to me! I had an idea to do this before to make a laser etcher.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/f...ead.php?t=5850

[Omega]

Mini Maglite + CNC Mill = CNC Laser Etcher?

...=o

[rendermandan]

Guys,

Acclaratory note:::
THIS LASER IS EXTREMELY POWERFUL AND DANGEROUS.
No, I am NOT kiddin'.

I doubt a CD laser will work.

This laser can cause blindness, burns in the skin, fsckup the rods/cones inside your eyes...

So, let me state it mildly:::
If you run around with this thing, pointing it at people... you're a Class A Asshole.

If you're not doing that, enjoy.

and if you do end up injuring someone, you will go to jail big time!

[D1337]

not if your burn the retina's of the cops and run away!

"Mini Maglite + CNC Mill = CNC Laser Etcher?"

I would mount it on my hubcap, and burn through the tires of all the cars attempting to pass me.. very james bond like.

[.Maleficus.]

StgM, I could do a worklog, but I'm already half way done. I WILL post finished pics though, and if it's allowed, write up a small guide. I just need to get laser housing from Radio Shack (or wherever you can get them) and solder it up. Drive is taken apart and laser is sitting on my kitchen table.


Edit:... Damnit. I have 2 lasers, and I don't know which is for reading and which is for writing. I guess I'll just try both out, eh?

[xRyokenx]

If I make one, it will be for practical uses, not as a weapon, I've had my taste of court and that was too much.

[crenn]

Should also look at green lasers.

[xRyokenx]

Lol, would go great with my font... I'd like either a green or yellow one though, both are cool.

[crenn]

The reason I say look at green lasers is the fact that they're slightly more powerful.

[D1337]

I can see it now, "futuristic case mod" featuring a working retina "scanner"
I wonder how many people would try to see if it would scan their eyes and work, only to go blind...