Building 1-2w green laser need help

[SparkzFX]

Hi guys I want to build a laser round about 1w no lower in green could you post websites or place that I can buy components best quality/best price I also want to make it computer controllerable I have no idea where to start the only laser I have ever owned is a Big Dipper 30mw laser green sound to light so any help at all that you can provide will be very helpful kind regards billy

[Bradfo69]

I'll ask the first question that is usually posted after seeing a request like yours. Where in the world do you reside? Since there are forum members here from all over the world, it helps to know where your located so we can help you with local laws, suppliers and potentially even hook you up with someone that lives close to you. And as a warning... this is NOT an inexpensive undertaking my any means.

[SparkzFX]

I'll ask the first question that is usually posted after seeing a request like yours. Where in the world do you reside? Since there are forum members here from all over the world, it helps to know where your located so we can help you with local laws, suppliers and potentially even hook you up with someone that lives close to you. And as a warning... this is NOT an inexpensive undertaking my any means.

I'm from Luton , United Kingdom I've got around £400 to spend

[Bradfo69]

Hi Billy,

Well... you certainly have a lot of resources being located in the UK. There are an awful lot of excellent laserists on the forum that are located there as well as an excellent source of parts in Rob Stanley (Stanwax Lasers). However, I'm afraid with that budget, you may have a difficult time of it. Just a green 1 watt laser by itself is going to be more than your budget. Add to that a case, power supplies, optics, scanners, electronics, some sort of control software & hardware and I'm afraid you're looking more realistically at 1000 -1500 pounds for somethinjg decent. Sorry... that's just the way it is. Yes, there are cheaper alternatives in buying a completed product from Asia however, the key word there is "cheaper". This is very much a situation where you get what you pay for and, buying something inferior like that is truly a waste of money in the end. Nothing is worse than dropping your hard earned 400 pounds on something that breaks or begins working incorrectly after just a couple uses. You could spend that much just in shipping to try and get it repaired.

Edit - here is a link to Lasershowparts (Dave on PL) who is also a respected source for parts http://lasershowparts.com/store/inde...ewCat&catId=51 and, as you can see, even an inexpensive 1 watt green module is 800 pounds.

[WookieBoy]

Hi Billy.

I'm in Luton as well and will be happy to help you in your quest any way I can, but will also warn you (as Brad already has) that a laser of this power is going to cost you a hell of a lot more than £400!
What are you intending to use this for?
I've made the mistake of buying cheap "Chilasers" in the past and dispite them being ok for a few weeks, mine died after just three uses. I've now had to invest in better kit that cost more and found all the money I spent on "cheap" gear was wasted.

Drop me a PM and we'll have a chat, and when I get back off my current tour, I'll show you what £400 of laser looks like after three gigs :-(