thanks for the info Steve, I knew the laser had to be stronger then what most consumers work with I just wasn't sure how strong. 300 mw is a bit more expensive and more dangerous for the eyes. I use to work on 25-45 watt yag lasers. I will look at that article in the Jameco newsletter. The hardest part for me will be the programming to control the gavanometer mirror and blanking of the the laser.
Thank you again.