Ultra Cheap laser line pointer - laser level

thingiverse

Building a MakerScanner led you to encounter an issue with a large laser line projector that couldn't be disassembled, so you decided against purchasing another expensive one and sought to create a low-cost alternative. You discovered it was simple to modify a cheap red laser pointer from the dollar store by incorporating a small plastic fresnel lens. The process involved obtaining a laser pointer costing 2$CAD from the dollar store, which had interchangeable head caps with acrylic etchings. Initially, replacing the acrylic piece with an etched line didn't work; however, you found that illuminating the corner of a plastic fresnel lens produced a perfect laser line. The 1$CAD fresnel lens, procured from the dollar store, was crucial for this modification. Mark and cut the fresnel to fit inside the cap, placing it in the cap with the smooth part facing the laser and the bumpy part towards the outside. Your MakerScanner project now has an affordable line laser pointer after completing these steps, and future modifications may include USB powering.