Tinkerer creates 40 Watt DIY laser shotgun and proceeds to ignite things

Here at Electronics Products, we’re big fans of dangerous but responsibly handled DIY gadgets, particularly when they involve lasers. From DIY lightsabers to laser-firing robots and drones , we cover it all. The latest contender that falls into the category of what Gizmodo’s Chris Mills describes as “just because you can make something at home, doesn’t necessarily mean you should” is a 40W laser shotgun created by our pal Drake Anthony, the laser enthusiast known across YouTube, and presumably laser forums, as the Styropryo. 

According to the video, Drake’s “laser shotgun” fires eight parallel 5W laser beams from a blue diode array, before a focusing lens combines the beams into a single 40W behemoth in a very non-shotgun-like way. A heatsink, a massive battery, and 24 LM317 drivers complete the design, yielding an altogether deadly laser capable of burning out your retinas. For this reason, Drake advocates that one follows the strictest standard of laser safety (wear those goggles kiddos) and never aim the beam anywhere near yourself or another person.  

So what happens when the shotgun is aimed at actual “things?” Paper burns, ping pong balls disintegrate, balloons explode, and fires are created. So next time you consider tormenting your cat with a laser pointer, please don’t “think big” and refer to Drake’s designs. However, if you appreciate optics, technology, and DIY projects, head over to Drake’s website .

Source: YouTube