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How to Make a Laser Pointer Burn Through a Newspaper

Laser pointers, like those you can find at any electronics store, have an intensity setting and a limiter circuit inside that prevent them from having the power to burn through a newspaper. If you want to turn up the intensity and disable the limiter circuit, you can transform a simple pointer into a burning laser. Note that this is a dangerous project, it will void your laser warranty and could hurt anyone in the path of the laser. This should never be pointed at a living thing. The laser should not be used by children.

Things You'll Need

Micro screw driver
Pliers
Soldering iron

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the batteries from the laser pointer. Unscrew the top section that houses the laser. It will be attached with glue, so you will need to use some force to get the glue to break free.
- 2
  Slide the laser component out of the housing using the pliers. This is glued in as well, so you will need to break it free. Twist firmly until it turns and then slide it out.
- 3
  Locate the screw on the circuit board and the circuit on the opposite side of the board from the screw. If you're holding the laser component out in front of you with the screw facing up, the limiter circuit will be facing down directly under the screw.
- 4
  Turn the screw as far to the left as it will go. Don't force it, just turn it firmly all the way to the left. Heat up the soldering iron and then touch the iron to the limiter circuit for several seconds. This will disable the circuit and allow the laser to operate at full strength.
- 5
  Slide the laser component back into the housing. Replace the top cover and the batteries. Point the laser at a newspaper and press the button to start the laser. After several seconds, the paper will catch on fire.

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