Blocky Boy

[Nebula]

Fred, you are indeed an artist. . I can imagine how frustrated you must be with the "shop." Like others posting here, I hope that the shop owner cuts you a break on the cnc costs.

Thank you for the extra work you put into the BB. Kirk

[PhotonFanatic]

The machine shop finally realized that the threads on the converter module were never properly cut, so they rebuilt the entire 100 pieces. And, I must say, the new modules do appear to be threading into the head without any problem. Hooray!

I also received the aluminum washers and electrically conductive epoxy so that I can restore the 'button' at the bottom of the battery tube. But before I go slapping them in place, it is off to the anodizer/plater to check with them first. I also need to tap the ground screw hole in all the converters, as well as lap them, both being done by hand, of course.

Also heard from the Sandwich Shoppe and they will have some additional converters for me very soon.

So, all the pieces are slowly falling into place. Of course, Murphy could strike at any time still.

[Illumination]

I'm looking forward to the release. These are among the best looking lights I have ever seen. I can't wait to get mine. Paypal ready!

[PhotonFanatic]

Converter modules are ready for plating now; these were reworked by me to ensure that the converter sits on a lip inside the module, the ground screw hole was tapped, and then I lapped and polished the top of all modules. Sometime this week,everything heads to the plating company.

[65535]

Can't wait.

I just noticed I have my own spot on the Spread sheet, I am such a rebel (and I don't mean a recalled Luxeon Emitter )

[mateen]

Hi PhotonFanatic:

I would prefer an NG500, smooth reflector, USV0H, black anodized Blocky Boy. Thank you!

[Maethros]

Looking good, Fred. Keep up the good work!

[PhotonFanatic]

If anyone is wondering what the plating status is, I visited the plating shop and they are doing two samples, one in EN and the other in HAIII black, so that I can see their work and so that they can provide a realistic quote for each variety. Needless to say, I'm now expecting the plating costs to be higher than my original estimate.

On the other hand, the guy was helpful in explaining how to greatly reduce the cost for an anodized light; basically eliminate any masking of parts since that is so labor and time intensive. Design the light so that it can be completely anodized and then machine the parts requiring conductivity. I'm going to do that on the next one.

[Cuso]

Any updates?? How much more is the plating going to be?? Id love to c those samples...

[PhotonFanatic]

Any updates?? How much more is the plating going to be?? Id love to c those samples...

Prices can be found in the first post in this thread.

Yeah, I'd love to see those samples, too.

Still nothing back from the plating company yet, sorry.

[Hallis]

Good stuff takes time. I'm ok to wait as long as needed.

Shane

[Groundhog66]

This light will definitely be worth the wait.

[PhotonFanatic]

Quick update:

I received the samples last week and after waiting patiently for a quote, finally heard from the plating company late last week. So today the Blocky Boy bodies were dropped off for the EN plating and anodizing, which should take 1 1/2 to 2 weeks.

[kenster]

Fred, thanks for the update and great news!
Now, for the plating company. 1 1/2 to 2 weeks?!?! 24 hours in a day and Now, GET TO WORK!

me

[Cuso]

Quick update:

I received the samples last week and after waiting patiently for a quote, finally heard from the plating company late last week. So today the Blocky Boy bodies were dropped off for the EN plating and anodizing, which should take 1 1/2 to 2 weeks.

THIS QUOTE IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PICTURES

[acourvil]

Quick update:

I received the samples last week and after waiting patiently for a quote, finally heard from the plating company late last week. So today the Blocky Boy bodies were dropped off for the EN plating and anodizing, which should take 1 1/2 to 2 weeks.

Any day now . . .

[Groundhog66]

Any day now . . .

[PhotonFanatic]

Wow, time flies when you've got too many irons in the fire.

I'll give them a call on Monday.

I just want to caution you that delivery will still be some time down the road, as I will still need to do some work on the BB, i.e., install the battery negative button and build the driver modules, as well as assemble the various configurations that everyone has ordered.

[white light]

thanks for checking in PF.Ya know my b-day is coming up in april.Hint hint,maybe just maybe.Great work

[Hallis]

thanks for checking in PF.Ya know my b-day is coming up in april.Hint hint,maybe just maybe.Great work

hehe mine was yesterday..

[PhotonFanatic]

Hey, I've got a birthday coming up in January--maybe I'll have them done by then.

Word from the plating company was not that they are done, but that some of them would be done on the 10th and the remaining pieces a few days later. So, the end is in sight, at least with the plating.

[white light]

Hey PF,take as long as needed I've got a b-day next year too,I'm in till the end its well worth it!!!!!

Hey, I've got a birthday coming up in January--maybe I'll have them done by then.

Word from the plating company was not that they are done, but that some of them would be done on the 10th and the remaining pieces a few days later. So, the end is in sight, at least with the plating.

[PhotonFanatic]

The Blocky Boys are back from the plating company:



Unfortunately, the threads, as cut by the machine shop, didn't allow completely for the EN plating build-up, so a little elbow grease was needed to open them up to the right size.

Next up: turning down the reflectors, building the converter modules and installing the washers in the battery tube.

Once I've made some progress on those three items, I'll open the thread up for payments--hopefully by the end of next week. Although deliveries will be a staggered affair and not done in one batch.

[Cuso]

No pics of the HAIII??


Can't wait to add this one to the collection..

[PhotonFanatic]

Cuso,

The Black Blocky Boys were in the previous picture albeit in the rear and out of focus.

Just for you--a rush shot, so please excuse the dust specks:

[white light]

look-in good!

[Cuso]

My precious!!! Thanks for the pic...

[kenster]

Take my money TAKE MY MONEY, PLEASE?!?! HEHE! Looking good and whenever you are ready, Fred!

Go for it, Ken!!

And see the first post, for a special bonus--just for you, of course.

[PhotonFanatic]

Hi Ken,

Wow, don't know how that happened--I was replying to your post, or so I thought, but CPF allowed me to edit your post instead--by accident.

I'm very surprised that is possible to do!

But the thrust of my message is that you are free to send payment along now!

See the revised first post.

[Cuso]

For my Black Precious and extra module...