In some places I've opportunistically. Because the existing knowledge is not enough to get all the green laser pointer electronics. So we chose off-the-shelf devices. But in order to keep costs low, I also try to DIY by myself (however, most cases fail). In any case, the parts I use are still easy to find.
I'm very happy with the final product, even though it still has some room for improvement. Its small size and low power make it very limited in function, but it is enough for me to have a lot of fun from it. It can cut pieces of paper, lettering wooden signs, and making seals. The engraving machine itself is not small, at least larger than the pocket, but its working space limits the size of the objects you can make to the size of the pocket.
This production project uses a red laser emitter of about 200 milliwatts. Even if it is not enough to burn through wood, you may brighten your eyes if you are not careful. So don't look directly into the laser beam. Even looking directly at the reflected light from the laser pointer is just as dangerous. Please be careful.
Tools and materials, most hardware can be made from scrap. Aluminum profiles, MDF and various nuts, bolts and wires. However, some items need to be purchased separately. Most of the electronic devices can be found, and the rest can try their luck at the thrift market.
Two DVD-rom drives (maybe more if you are out of luck) and at least one DVD-R drive is needed to provide the laser transmitter. Laser Engraver case. Laser transmitter driver circuit (there are many alternatives, I use a simple LM317 based circuit)
All you need in a DVD-Rom drive is a stepper motor assembly and a laser diode. I was out of luck and found my DVD-Rom with a very difficult plastic component. So I disassembled three DVD-Rom drives, but only used the parts in two. The disassembly process is quite difficult. And most of the DVD-Rom drives I have opened are almost like this.