Building a high output laser out of a flashlight is an easy project, provided that you have the components.  In this DIY video KipKay builds a rather potent burning laser from a flashlight and a high output laser diode retrieved from a spare DVD player.  The How To finished product can quickly set a match on fire and instantly pop a balloon from the intensity of the beam.

Please note that the finished product can be very dangerous, and it can blind a person in seconds. NEVER POINT A HIGH OUTPUT LASER AT THE EYES, OR BLINDNESS AND EVEN DEATH CAN OCCUR. USE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.  If you are not sure of what you are doing, please do not attempt any such project.