Flashlight modding starter kit

[rickypanecatyl]

My friends son wants to get into building and modding flashlights. Any recommendations for a starter type kit... hopefully not too many different sources!

 

[Katherine Alicia]

it depends how in depth he wants to go, but a decent soldering iron (at least 25W) solder (get the 60/40 stuff!) some good flux and de-solder wick, a good pair of needle nose pliars and magnifying glass a solid rubber block and heatsink compound will be a good start. this will let him take most lights apart and be able to swap pre-mounted MCPCBs, if you want to be swapping emitters then you need a temp controlled hot plate etc...

 

[jross20]

My friends son wants to get into building and modding flashlights. Any recommendations for a starter type kit... hopefully not too many different sources!

Does he want to get into tinkering and crafting in general? if he has that kind of mindset and interest, I think it's a very good idea to encourage that stuff. We've got too many kids nowadays that can't think for more than about 5 seconds...haha.

So, if it could extend beyond just flashlights and become a hobby, I think a really important item would be some kind of foundation to do all that on. Some kind of work surface, since he's just starting out obviously you're not going to go get him like a real workbench... But lifetime makes a pretty decent 4-ft table for about $55-$70 I think... It can be adjusted up and down. if you get them that, maybe some kind of covering to protect it from the soldering iron. I personally think that would be a good start.

I will say that when I was a kid, unfortunately nobody really cared to encourage that kind of stuff so it kind of sucks that I couldn't have learned a lot of these things sooner. Enough rambling though...
Basically, I think it's really good to encourage this kind of DIY learning!

Anyway, my recommendation is the table, can't do any work if you don't have something to do it on! I think this is a good starting point.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003DYZQKY/?tag=cpf0b6-20

 

[Chicken Drumstick]

My friends son wants to get into building and modding flashlights. Any recommendations for a starter type kit... hopefully not too many different sources!

Convoy do some good hosts.

S2+
https://www.banggood.com/Convoy-S2-...t-p-967466.html?cur_warehouse=CN&rmmds=search

C8
https://www.banggood.com/Sand-Color...-p-1297014.html?cur_warehouse=CN&rmmds=search


You'll need a driver (any 17mm) but this is a good one for most LEDs:
https://www.banggood.com/Astrolux-S...-p-1009980.html?cur_warehouse=CN&rmmds=search

And then an LED on a 16mm star.
https://www.banggood.com/DIY-MCPCB-...-p-1457302.html?cur_warehouse=CN&rmmds=search



Some other LED and driver options here:
https://intl-outdoor.com/


You will need a soldering iron to solder the driver to the LED star.

 

[Katherine Alicia]

Oh and Boxes too! the clear plastic ones with partitions inside, he`ll need several of those! and sticky labels for the compartments.

 

[datiLED]

You will want at least a 60 watt soldering station. The higher wattage heats the components quicker, reducing potential heat damage.
I use this soldering station:
https://www.circuitspecialists.com/...-Dnk754tTft2r-jUDzxeFFJybjLpAqK4aAsMhEALw_wcB

Tip cleaner
https://www.circuitspecialists.com/ty-98.html

Thin leaded solder (easier to work with). If using lead free solder, you will need a 70 watt soldering station.
https://www.circuitspecialists.com/solder-wire-1.html

Third hand for soldering components
https://www.circuitspecialists.com/helping-hand.html
I use a double third hand GRS soldering station, and it is worth every penny. However, I got mine when they were well below $100.
https://www.riogrande.com/product/G...fbLOHDLs-Us_3_XfsU4aAt4OEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

For a good selection of flashlight components, I like Mtn. Electronics.
https://www.mtnelectronics.com/

As Katherine Alicia mentioned, the partitioned boxes are a must! I find them at art supply stores when they have 50% off coupons. They are frequently called craft organizers or floss boxes.

 

[jabe1]

Small tools.
screwdrivers, snap ring pliers, t handle Allen wrenches, needle nose pliers, a few small strap wrenches.
A pin vise comes in handy too.

maybe most crucial; a digital volt/ohm meter.

 

[archimedes]

Small tools.
screwdrivers, snap ring pliers, t handle Allen wrenches, needle nose pliers, a few small strap wrenches.
A pin vise comes in handy too.

It took me quite a while before I stumbled across a reliable vendor selling top quality small tools.

I have had excellent service from KC Tool Co. It is worth noting that they have special sales pretty regularly, too.

 

[rickypanecatyl]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate all the suggestions! You make some good points about encouraging younger minds to tinker...

the bad news is I think you talked him (and me) to blow past the $60 budget barrier... the good news is we're thinking bigger!

 

[gunga]

Do you need random leds and stuff? Do you care about tint etc? I have a bunch of random stuff I may be able to coble together. No hosts unfortunately.

 

[sgt253]

Tektite has some kits that may interest you. Don't know how involved they may be but they are described as "do it yourself." Best of luck.

https://www.tek-tite.com/products.php?cat=Build+a+Flashlight+Kits

 

[pilo7448]

Following!.. Thx guys and gals.

Sent from my SM-N976U using Tapatalk

 

[peter yetman]

Oh and Boxes too! the clear plastic ones with partitions inside, he`ll need several of those! and sticky labels for the compartments.

There speaks someone with kids!
P

 

[Athecal]

Oh and Boxes too! the clear plastic ones with partitions inside, he`ll need several of those! and sticky labels for the compartments.

I use the Plano boxes meant for fishing tackle to store circuit board components I scavenge from audio equipment I am unable to repair so I can use down the road on a repairable device. Also check in the home improvement section of you walmart, they sometimes have a lower priced option there that is still decent enough. Do not waste money on the Harbor Freight boxes, they aren't worth the $1 they cost.