How to Turn a Maglite Into a Laser
A Maglite produces incandescent light because of the incandescent bulb that it uses. However, you can replace the incandescent bulb with a laser diode. This will turn the Maglite into a laser pointer. You will need a few supplies from a laser supply shop along with some experience using a soldering iron. A laser made from a Maglite will produce a beam of laser light similar to that of a commercial laser pointer.
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Things You'll Need
- Newspaper
- Laser diode case
- Red laser diode
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Two conductive pins
- Needle-nosed pliers
- Silicone paste
Instructions
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1
Spread a sheet of newspaper over your work surface. Unscrew the front of the laser diode case from the back. Place the back section of the laser diode case on the newspaper.
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2
Insert the shorter of the two pins on the bottom of the red laser diode into the center hole in the back section of the laser diode case. Insert the other pin on the bottom of the red laser diode into the hole next to the center hole.
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3
Heat up the soldering iron for 10 minutes.
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4
Solder one end of a conductive pin to the center contact on the bottom of the back section of the laser diode case. Let the solder cool for one minute. Solder one end of the other conductive pin to the contact circling the center contact on the bottom of the back section of the laser diode case. Let the solder cool for one minute. Unplug the soldering iron.
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5
Unscrew the reflector from the front of the Maglite. Remove the retaining ring from around the front of the Maglite. Unscrew the incandescent bulb from inside of the front of the Maglite. Dispose of the incandescent bulb properly.
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6
Clamp the jaws of the needle-nosed pliers around an edge of the bulb assembly inside the front of the Maglite. Pull the bulb assembly out of the front of the Maglite with the needle-nosed pliers. Dispose of the bulb assembly.
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7
Push the plastic lens out of the reflector. Dispose of the plastic lens.
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8
Insert the laser diode assembly, conductive pins first, into the front of the Maglite. Place the retaining ring on the front of the Maglite. Screw the reflector on the front of the Maglite.
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9
Apply silicone paste around the rim of the laser diode assembly to secure it to the sides of the Maglite. Let the silicone paste set for one hour.
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10
Aim the laser you have made from a Maglite at a far wall. Press the "On" button to project a beam of red laser light.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear protective gloves when using a soldering iron.
If you are underage, ask for adult help when using a soldering iron.
Never aim a laser beam at a person or pet, since the beam can hurt the retina of the eye.
