Thread: Laser Vortex Complete

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Hi All,

So, I completed my first of two laser vortex rigs. I have to give a big thanks to Industen for his cool design. It works great, but I'm getting a little to much vibration noise from the fan motor. I originally was using a 12VDC wall wart which caused way to much vibration, so I switched to a 7.5VDC wall wart which helped. I will try adding some rubber spacers between the fan motor and the block of wood to see that helps. I will try to get some video, but I have a long list of other props I want to get done. Let me know what you think and if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

Happy Haunting!

Looks great!
What kind of laser are you using? I'd love to make one, but I'm not real fond of lawsuits for blinding someone. LOL

Yes, I was looking at green lasers today and wondering whether I need the 10, 20, or 50 milliwatt ones. 50 would look the best but might be dangerously bright.

Laser - Green 5mw 532nm. Picked up on Amazon for $5.00.

I would love to do this build. I have a garage that this would work amazing in. Would anyone be willing to share the parts list/How-to. I understand the operations of the prop, just need help with the build. Thanks!

T. Bennett,

Here is the parts list you requested:

80mm Computer fan
Laser - Green 5mw 532nm
3.3VDC power adapter for laser
7.5VDC to 12VDC power adapter for fan (I have tried 7.5VDC, 9VDC & 12VDC and they all work fine)
Two pieces of wire to hard wire laser (will need to solder to laser)
Small round mirror (most any craft store should carry)
Wood - 1 x 4 (about 1' - 6" for the base and 4" for the back)
Small "L" bracket (to mount laser)
Small hose clamp (also to mount laser, as well as hold the button on the laser in the on position)
Rubber cap (to cover end of laser where wires were soldered. Sold at most hardware stores as screw covers)
Super glue (to glue mirror to fan)
Screws (to mount fan, laser and attach pieces of wood)
Black paint (if you choose)
Rubber feet for base (if you choose)

To get the angle on the mirror I used a metal expansion slot cover from a desktop computer, but any small piece of bendable metal should work. I cut the metal into a small rectangle and then bent it in half to make a "V" shape. The angle should be about 10 to 15 degrees. You then glue the mirror to the metal and glue the metal to the fan.

If you have any other questions, let me know.

Kim,
Thanks for this post. I have been checking on this each day. I think this will definitely a build I will do. Thanks! Without this i wouldnt have a chance. I will get back with you if I need any help during the build. Again, Thanks I really wanted this one!

Oh, one question I have, how do you Solder the laser? I have never done anything like that with a battery compartment? Is it just a wire to the positive contact, and the same to the negative contact? Makes sense, just want to make sure before I destroy a laser.

T. Bennett,

No problem at all. Sorry it took so long to get the info posted. I'll try to find links to the items I purchased to help you out a bit more. There is also a member on this forum (Industen) which is where I got the idea from. He also sells a kit to make this as well as a complete unit. Not sure of his stock though. Again, if you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them.

Kirt

Use one of these to hold the laser: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

It provides a mount, allows you to adjust the angle, and holds the button ON all for 79 cents.

Awesome design I used the same laser for mine. I still run it off batteries though lol.