How To Turn a Mini Maglite Into a Laser

[SgtM]

how long does it take to light a match or melt things?

And how is it at etching? Anyone tried yet?

[D1337]

In a video it showed some guy etching his initial's on a floppy disk, it was slooooow and didnt look good

[crenn]

That's why you use a machine to do it!

[Mach]

Dunno, he was dragging it across a piece of plastic and it was leaving a smoke trail. I don't think it could be used to etch. It's not hot enough to vaporize, just melt and the light is about 3mm across at the focal length where its hot enough to do damage.

I'm guessing its on par with wicked lasers 125mW red laser which can burst a balloon or light a match in about a second. I say guessing because I haven't seen it in action.

[crenn]

There is always a way to pump up the power!

[Mach]

Mai oui, its called mo' money.

[.Maleficus.]

And how is it at etching? Anyone tried yet?

I'm close. I got the laser to power, I just need to transfer it to a flashlight. I bought some LED holders to use instead of the laser housing, but it's the same idea. I need to get the laser out of the metal holder it's in, put it in the LED holder, and flashlight it.

[Crimson Sky]

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...

I'm not liking you at all. The thought of blinding cops, helpless animals such as squirrels, or anything else is pretty disturbing. I don't want to see this **** on my forums.

[xRyokenx]

The thought of blinding cops, helpless animals such as squirrels, or anything else is pretty disturbing. I don't want to see this **** on my forums.

I agree... I see these kind of things as a toy, but in immature/uncareful hands these laser pointers are weapons. If I make one, I am going to be very careful with it, but I'm probably not going to as a) I have college and all coming up and b) I have kids in my neighborhood that don't listen and take stuff from people and other crap where it would be my fault if they got ahold of something like this, no matter if I gave it to them or if they broke into my room and stole it. Just a thought...

[Redundant]

I'm not liking you at all. The thought of blinding cops, helpless animals such as squirrels, or anything else is pretty disturbing. I don't want to see this **** on my forums.

Oh no, looks like you guys upset god.