ATM Making laser collimators

["Anderson, Jay" <andeja@mail.va.gov>]

I thought of making a laser collimator from a laser used
in making laser pointers (for doing presentations).
It seems to be bright enough the only thing is the
beam is about 1/4" thick just about a foot from the laser!
I think you need to have a fine point for collimating a
telescope so I thought of shooting the laser through a
pin hole to stop it down.  I do get a fine point of light
with no noticeable splatter.  The smaller the point though
the harder it will be to see on the mirror (unless I dust it
with talc or something).  Am I on the right track?  How
thick is the beam on a laser collimator anyway?  Has
anyone else tried to make one?  At about $150-$200
a shot for a commercial one and about $30 for a home-
built it looks like a good $$$ saving project.