A laser pointer consists of a laser diode, batteries and a circuit board to control the output of the laser beam. Build a laser pointer that uses PVC pipe rather than a plastic enclosure. A few supplies from a hardware store and a hobby shop will be needed, as will some tools common to most households. No special electronic skills will be needed, although some previous experience in using a soldering iron will be helpful.
Instructions
1. Cut 3 8-inch pieces of electric wire off the wire spool with the wire cutters. Cut a 10 -inch piece of electric wire off the spool. Strip a half inch off each of the ends of the electric wires with the cutters.
2. Place a sheet of newspaper on a table to protect the surface. Heat the soldering iron for 5 minutes.
3. Place the PVC pipe horizontally on the newspaper. Measure 3 inches in from the right side. Cut a hole through the pipe at the 3-inch mark with the blade of the utility knife.
4. Solder the end of one of the electric wires to the negative (-) end of the battery. Let the solder cool for a minute.
5. Push the other end of the electric wire through the right side of the PVC pipe and out the hole on top. Solder the end of the wire to one of the two contacts on the push-button micro switch. Let the solder cool for a minute.
6. Solder the end of another electric wire to the other contact on the switch. Let the solder cool for a minute. Push the free end of the electric wire through the hole and out the right of the pipe.
7. Solder the end of the electric wire coming out of the right side of the pipe to the shorter of the two pins on the bottom of the red laser diode. Let the solder cool for a minute. Solder the end of another electric wire to the other pin on the bottom of the red laser diode. Let the solder cool for a minute.
8. Push the free end of the electric wire into the right side of the pipe and out the left side. Solder the end of the wire to the positive (+) end of the battery. Let the solder cool for a minute.
9. Push the battery and the wires connected to it into the left side of the pipe. Close the left side of the pipe with a strip of duct tape.
10. Apply bonding glue to a side of the switch. Press the switch against the pipe next to the hole. Hold the switch against the pipe for a minute. Release the switch and let the bonding glue set for an hour.
11. Push the red laser diode, pins first, into the right side of the pipe, along with the wires connected to it. Apply silicone paste around the diode to secure it inside of the pipe. Let the silicone paste set for 3 hours.
12. Aim your pipe laser at a far wall. Depress the push-button micro switch to project a laser beam at the wall. Depress the switch to turn the beam off.
Tags: electric wire, cool minute, side pipe, solder cool, solder cool minute