glass lens problem/help

[las3r]

hey guys im doing a build and i would like to use this lens >>>>

http://www.flashlightlens.com/str/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodshow&ref=ucl_lens

but its just a hair to small does anyone no if they make a bigger size ?

or any other source for lens/or suggestions to make it fit

 

[Al Combs]

hey guys im doing a build and i would like to use this lens >>>>

http://www.flashlightlens.com/str/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodshow&ref=ucl_lens

but its just a hair to small does anyone no if they make a bigger size ?

or any other source for lens/or suggestions to make it fit

What size lens? His site doesn't list UCL lenses not in stock. Check the UCL inventory for a full list of what's available. It's possible he sells what you're looking for and is just out of stock. If he has a size larger than the I.D. of the bezel ring, you might be able to wrap something around it for a spacer. A piece of wire might work and comes in many different sizes. Perhaps a Borafloat lens would work as well. Only ≈5% loss of transmission without the AR coating.

 

[las3r]

the size i got is UCL Size: 72.7mm x 1.85mm a o-ring would work but they come to thick/bulky

 

[Al Combs]

Which dimension is off, the diameter or the thickness? As long as the diameter is large enough to touch the bezel O-ring for a good seal, the rest can be improvised. Two other possibilities are 76.2mm x 2mm UCLp Acrylic and 77.85mm x 3.2mm Borofloat which shows in inventory but not on the order list. Perhaps you could contact him and ask if that's a better fit.

What light is it for?

 

[las3r]

im making a flashlight using the shower head like this >>>

http://www.ebay.com/itm/109-LED-Pow...ping_Hiking_Lamps_Torches&hash=item1c1d58d1c8

the lens almost slips through unless i find something like a o-ring or a flat retainer ring or another lens that works well with flashlights.

so i searched last night for odd things that might work and came up with a hard plastic hub bearing seal that's 73mm and then i put black waterproof silicone around it and the lens trying to make it water proof lol

 

[Al Combs]

im making a flashlight using the shower head like this >>>

http://www.ebay.com/itm/109-LED-Pow...ping_Hiking_Lamps_Torches&hash=item1c1d58d1c8

the lens almost slips through unless i find something like a o-ring or a flat retainer ring or another lens that works well with flashlights.

so i searched last night for odd things that might work and came up with a hard plastic hub bearing seal that's 73mm and then i put black waterproof silicone around it and the lens trying to make it water proof lol

There's nothing laughable about improvisation. I'm a big fan.:twothumbs If it works, it's all good.

Speaking of improv, from our resident master, ma_sha1 built one of his Franken Mag's a while back using the 72.7 UCL in a shower head housing. Judging from the picture the bezel seat can hold a cover glass ≈78 mm diameter. For future reference, the Acrylic UCLp being 3.5 mm wider than the glass UCL probably would have fit without the need for an adapter. It has an anti-scratch coating and transmits 97% vs 99% for glass. Plus it won't break if you drop it.

 

[las3r]

i might just order one for my next build :) my luck ill order the wrong one lol

 

[Al Combs]

This is the link for 76.2 mm UCLp Acrylic. And this is the link for 77.85 mm Borofloat. There is no direct link for either since it's Java script. I mentioned 77.85 mm Borofloat is in inventory but not on the order list. You'd have to email him and ask if that's what you want. Normally people only use the low thermal expansion lenses for hotwires. Being uncoated it does have 5% less transmission than the UCL glass. I would think having the anti-scratch coating would make the Acrylic window as serviceable as a glass one though.

 

[moderator007]

I don't know if this will help you or not, but you can sand glass to fit if the dimensions are close. You must take precautions with the glass dust. I have sanded some of those 52.8 mm glass lenses from DX that I use for the plastic replacement lens in D mags. I had another project that needed a less than 50 mm lens. Took some 600 grit sand paper and laid it down on the garage concrete floor and started sanding holding the glass with two fingers in a pinching position. kind of a rolling motion while sanding, trying to keep the lens round. Took about 15 minutes to loose 3 mm in diameter. When I was done, I threw the sand paper in the trash and shop vac the floor. Then washed my hands. I had a friend who insatalled glass as a side job. He told me that you could sand glass with a belt sander. I thought he was full of it, until I actually tried it. Be cautious as to where you do this at, you dont want fine pieces of glass threw out the house or work area.

 

[las3r]

i got it to work out :) i might have to do this on my next build though, i do wish i can get a sheet of that UCL glass and have it custom cut to my needs