SharksAndLazers' Copper Wire Laser Pointers Look Like Multi-Color Steampunk Lightsabers
Built by brazing a framework from copper wire, these multi-color laser pointers are undeniably eye-catching.
Suitably pseudonymous Reddit user "SharksAndLazers" has shown off a family of laser points as a difference: The framework is built from copper wire, creating unique functional electronic sculptures.
"I build my own laser pointers out of copper wire," SharksAndLazers explains, after sharing an image of a series of homebrew hand-held lasers — each one of which emits a different color. "I used the wire for the frame, instead of a solid body."
The laser pointers SharksAndLazers creates aren't true freeform electronics: The brazed copper rod is used wholly as a frame, into which the battery and more traditional flat printed circuit boards are installed to drive the laser diode. A simple switch on the top fires the laser up when pressed — and for the family shot, is cleverly forced permanently-on using a simple elastic band.
SharksAndLazers is far from the only maker to turn to copper wire as a construction material, with many using it both as a framework and to form the circuit itself — as with Jiří Praus' freeform ATtiny85-powered LED heart, or devices like this desktop VU meter from Mohit Bhoite.
SharksAndLazers has indicated a desire to post a tutorial walking through the build process, but at present the only additional information available can be found on Reddit.