Homebrew PCBs

On Saturday 03 March 2007 01:07, javaguy11111 wrote:
> I have had similar thoughts after seeing this website for hacking dvd
> laser diodes.
>
> http://www.felesmagus.com/pages/lasers-howto.html
> <http://www.felesmagus.com/pages/lasers-howto.html>
>
> The thing that is holding me back from experimenting is I do not know
> enough about laser safety. It is hard enough to place components
> without having my retinas burned out.
>
This might be a good starting point.  I would suggest reading the entire 
thing, rather than skimming, but they're your eyeballs.  X)
http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/lasersaf.htm

“The goggles: they do nothing!"
http://www.visionarysupplies.com/includes/Laser.htm
http://www.safetyviz.com/laser-eyewear-polymer-eyewear/c_204_210.html
http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productID=1293&search=1

You'd want to get the right wavelength protective eyeware.  I was going to 
suggest a plexiglass enclosure, but I'm too tired / not sufficiently 
interested to find information formally stating that plexiglass absorbs light 
at the wavelength you'd be working at.  Caveat Tinker, and all that.

If you do have a protective enclosure, than you can let other people in the 
room without having to buy multiple sets of $125+ safety goggles.

Also, you may want to look here for general laser tips and such.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=79

I don't know what machine controller to suggest.  emc2 (linuxcnc.org) can 
probably do it?

I was going to say "Good Luck!" but I think we make our own luck in this 
world, especially vis-a-vis safety.  Luckily, it sounds like you're going 
around this the right way.

Regards,
-Sebastien