Any custom machine Work?

[jaybiz32]

Was wondering if anyone machined custom flashlights in the Mag 2c Size format but instead of the alluminum machined from Copper, stainless steel or tool steel(if possible)

 

[precisionworks]

tool steel(if possible)

Tool steel will rust in a flash, so some surface treatment (outside & inside) is needed. Black phosphate or black oxide are commonly used, or you can apply a toughened paint like Dura Coat:

http://www.duracoat-finishes.com/

 

[LukeA]

Better than Duracoat is KG GunKote wuth a preparatoy layer of KG K-Phos.

 

[jaybiz32]

Anyone know anyone that could do the one off flashlight work?

 

[jaybiz32]

Would kind of like either a thick stainless steel light or copper light.

 

[G1K]

jaybiz32, do you have any drawings showing a little more specifics about exactly what you're looking for?

Just a body? Custom electronics? Incan, LED? Are you supplying the material? Or just a 2c body that uses the mag head and electrics?
R

 

[jaybiz32]

I am looking for a host w/switch with the form resembling the 2c mag Maybeelength wise to hold 2 aw c Cells with Large copper heat hink for future muti emitter build. I was thinking a light made entirely of copper would be cool.

 

[cmacclel]

I am looking for a host w/switch with the form resembling the 2c mag Maybeelength wise to hold 2 aw c Cells with Large copper heat hink for future muti emitter build. I was thinking a light made entirely of copper would be cool.

Copper is expensive! (McMaster Prices)

1.25 diameter is $61 per foot (Body)
2.25 diameter is $123 per foot (Head)

Mac

 

[Lyndon]

But copper pipe is cheap(er). A light made entirely of copper would be cool if it had a nice patina to it. Copper can be patinated a number of ways and tube/sheet can be worked with hand tools if you have patience.

 

[precisionworks]

copper pipe is cheap(er)

Just a guess, but Mac probably quoted copper solid round stock because that's the least expensive way to start. One would need incredible luck to find pipe in a OD & ID combination that would build out in the correct size to hold a pair of AW C cells. This looks like a $500 to $1000 project

 

[gadget_lover]

But copper pipe is cheap(er). A light made entirely of copper would be cool if it had a nice patina to it. Copper can be patinated a number of ways and tube/sheet can be worked with hand tools if you have patience.

Copper pipe is cheaper. It does not have to match strict size requirements (strict in a machinist's view) and can be made of many compounds. Some alloys do not machine well at all. It's quite possible to find a threaded pipe that is just a touch too large and add a rubber sleeve to hold the batteries without rattling. A threaded cap can likely be found to take the place of the tailcap too.

Making a nice head really does call for solid stock, though I imagine that you could buy progressively larger diameter tubes that nest just right and solder them together.

I'd rather buy the $180 dollars worth of copper tube and rod and machine it to be what I wanted. You'd have about $80 worth of metal left over.

It would still take lots of time.

Daniel