Two years ago I gave my father-in-law a stock black MiniMag with a K2 TerraLux drop-in. He has been happy with the light, and uses it frequently. This visit, my wife asked if I had a flashlight that we could bring him as a gift. I didn't have anything ready, but jumped at the opportunity to build a light engine and do some lathe work. It took a few hours in the garage last night and this morning, but I have made him a light that he is sure to enjoy.
The host began as a stock black MiniMag, just like the original that I gave him. It has a BadBoy pill with a U2 XM-L, 2T tint. The lathe work was my favorite part of the entire project. I did the grooving with my Mesa Tool holder and full radius grooving insert. What a difference a quality cutting tool makes! I cut 6 grooves in the head, and 7 in the body. The grooves in the body cleaned up the areas where the knurling meets the smooth sections. I added a mineral glass lens, TerraLux reflector and Kroll tailcap switch to complete the light. I think that my father-in-law will be happy with the results. I am, and wanted to share with everyone.
The host began as a stock black MiniMag, just like the original that I gave him. It has a BadBoy pill with a U2 XM-L, 2T tint. The lathe work was my favorite part of the entire project. I did the grooving with my Mesa Tool holder and full radius grooving insert. What a difference a quality cutting tool makes! I cut 6 grooves in the head, and 7 in the body. The grooves in the body cleaned up the areas where the knurling meets the smooth sections. I added a mineral glass lens, TerraLux reflector and Kroll tailcap switch to complete the light. I think that my father-in-law will be happy with the results. I am, and wanted to share with everyone.