awesome.....Im going to try and chase up the parts needed for one and see how I go.

Question is, how long would the batteries last?

How much power does the upgraded laser torch use?

Ooooooooooh. I've been looking for an excuse to buy a new DVD burner.

I am so building this. Thanks for posting!

I'm particularly curious to see if it is capable of burning through a tire sidewall without overheating. Or significantly weaken one at least.

I am so trying this. I have about 5 or 6 mini mags I got in the desert just collecting dust somewhere and my dad has enough computer parts to make Bill Gates wet himself. This gives me a good reason to pay him a visit.

Can't wait to see the results.

By the way NCG2736,

A regular Buck Rogers ( via McGuiver ) style weapon for the 21st century.

Just so you know I'm plagiarizing the gaga out of this line.

Do keep in mind that this laser isn't your regular tool, it is ''extremely'' dangerous.

While it's a neat tool for starting fires, those lasers can also be used to in combo with a d-i-y cnc router to rapidly produce precision parts ie a sear for a gun trigger or gang mould for casting bullets. As I've often stated, I see the coming years as more a 'dark age' than a retreat to the Stone Age. As part of a survival group, a "techno-smith" will likely be as important for the group as the blacksmith was to communities 100 years ago.

Unless you want to blind yourself I'd stay away from this one as others have said it is extremely dangerous.

Sorry for the short post just thought people should know if they make this work they could blind themselves or others permanantly in an Instant.

crgintx, I agree that the techsmith of the middle 21st century could be invaluable. Great forward thinking there.

And for those who advise caution, I agree. Just as most any tool from a hammer on up can cause damage, this is no exception. But were are posting under survival, so we naturally talk about gear that can cause bodily harm, if used for that purpose..

citizen smith, I like the array idea for a stealth weapon. I would think it would require some power greater than three or four "D" batteries, but it might be a very useful idea.

Just to repeat what is said above

If you sweep a mirror by accident. You May Get Blinded.
Point out the door Neighbor Might Get Blinded.
Cat goes after laser. Cat Might Get Blinded.

Its all fun and games till somebody loses an eye.

Note: Geneva Convention makes any weapon that is used to blind the enemy illegal.

So you could even be an international war criminal! Think about it.