Sorry, im a part i mean 100mw laser diode, not 1mw

100mW with 5v should be ok, i can get this focused to smaller than a pin prick i think 1/2mm

I just ordered some 650nM glasses from work (i love working for the MOD)

No, Not working, 5.1v Via UBEC Lights are on, pin point beam - nooo burn!

Bummer!

Sorry to hear that.

Is the device lasing ?
Are you sure it is not 12 Volt operation ?

100mV is not ideal but you should be able to burn black colored plastic stuff.

Tweakie.

Manual said 3-5v, i checked the output of the bec at 5.1v 3amp

Yeah the laser is on, i tried wood and black foam, did not even get hot...?

How much does your laser have going in, 12v?

Great, i have the 1a Model = TUV rated, so i expect there '100mW' is Actualy 100mA Consumption, meh it was worth a try i guess...Not going to spend to much money on making one!

I might buy a cheap one from China Via Ebay, and have another go

It must be 18 months since I last used the diode laser but from memory it was 10 volts input to the control panel.

Go on get a CO2 tube (ex.MOD), you could do real damage to wood and foam then. 

Tweakie.

After looking at all your kit, i think id pass 

Do you mind if i copy your drag knife specs? im just like you with CNC, just a few years behind! and i have been building mine fore 3 years now :-)

You are welcome my friend, copy anything you find useful.

I have now learned (took a while) that you never stop building a CNC because it is never ever finished -  it is just an ongoing project. 

Tweakie.

This is true & i love that!

Keeping on the 'Laser' topic...

I have got a 32x speed diode from a cd burner, will the driver i have be enough to poer it? Trial and error?

Off hand I would say yes, but I have no experience of using a diode which I don't actually have the manufacturers specification for. It is important to know the maximum current that can be used as it is a very fine line between bright and blown.
Can the maximum current be decided by guesswork ? and if so how ? - these are questions for which I have no answer. If the diode cost nothing then there is nothing to be lost by trying or experimenting but some of these diode on eBay fetch real money and I think that 'trial and error' with these would be just plain daft.

Just my opinion but I am not a gambling man and never have been.

Tweakie.