Getting Started

Well, I got my laser connected and working - I am able to shine a small dot on my waste board (but not for long as it started to burn a hole!).  So, what do I do now?  According to the JTech site, I should focus it.

Focusing

JTech provides a very good guide on how do this.  Also Phil, at Designs By Phil, has a good video showing his approach.  I pretty much followed Phil's instructions.

One thing that was frustrating for me was, while I was turning the focus lens, I found that it sat loosely in its holder and I was able to wiggle it around in it holder.  This made fine tuning difficult as, after I turned it and was letting go, it seemed that it was slightly rotating and I was losing the focus point I wanted. After several tries I was able to get what I wanted and left it there.

With as loose as that lens is I do fear that it will, due to vibration and movement, unfocus itself.  Phil uses hot glue to hold his in place.  I feel that approach will not work for me as I fear that by simply applying the glue it will cause the lens to rotate slightly.

Instead I think I will try applying some plumbers tape to the lens thread will make it fit tighter and less apt to rotate on its own.  Of course this will require refocusing but that is no big effort.