Here is a cool video of a home experimenter building a 1W blue laser at home.  He shows you how to do it step by step in the video.  Here is  anote from the home experimenter off the bat:

NOTE: Before you build a 1W Blue Laser, know that this a Class IV Laser that will blind you without goggles! Never use this laser indoors unless everyone within sight has on appropriate goggles like the ones listed above. Never shine this laser at anyone or yourself. One direct hit to the eye will blind you. Never look at the dot without goggles. Cheap ebay goggles will not do! Do not build this laser until you have done sufficient research on laser safety (check ANSI Z136 Standards) and have appropriate goggles. Check laserpointerforums for any laser questions you have. They will have an answer to about anything.

Let’s check this thing out on the next page

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