internal boring for 26650 cell - with photos ...

[wquiles]

Well, of course it will have "some" photos ...

A forum member recently sent me 3x Leif "C" size extension tubes that he wanted bored for the 26650 cell:

I did some measurements to see how much I had to remove. Fortunately for me, there is plenty of metal thickness available:

I am using my Al insert on a 7/8" solid carbide boring bar (barely fits inside a "C" size tube!):

Here is my full setup:

Although I have the Accu-Lube, it is hard to get cutting fluid inside the hole so I squirt some LB-2000 prior to starting:

While I am cutting:

Finished - did a single pass on each tube (DRO set for 0.006"):

Cell fits comfortably in the bored tube (not a tight fit, but not loose either):

Based on the specs on the cell, the theoretical max. OD was 1.040". My first tube ended up being 1.041", and the other two (leaving the lathe as before - no adjustments; just removing one tube and chucking the other one) were withing 0.001" - not bad:

I love it when everything goes according to plan

 

[KC2IXE]

Nice Job

Of course, you could use a coolant through boring bar....

 

[StrikerDown]

Nice Job

Of course, you could use a coolant through boring bar....

If he had a coolant pump attached.

 

[gswitter]

Nice work.

When I initially looked at the picture below, I thought "Why is he censoring the cut?"

 

[darkzero]

Cell fits comfortably in the bored tube (not a tight fit, but not loose either):

Just curious, what did the cell measure? A snug fit might be too tight when the head is installed & air tight. Better to be on the loose side so there's no vacuum when the end user installs or removes the cells.

 

[wquiles]

Nice Job

Of course, you could use a coolant through boring bar....

If he had a coolant pump attached.

That carbide boring bar "is" a coolant through boring bar, but I don't have a flood coolant setup for it. Since my Accu-Lube has two output nozzles, I should "convert" one of them to work in the various through coolant boring bars that I have - one of these days

Nice work.

When I initially looked at the picture below, I thought "Why is he censoring the cut?"

Yeah - I felt the same way when I was re-sizing the pics for posting. I went back and removed the sticker from the safety shield so next time it will give a better view

Just curious, what did the cell measure? A snug fit might be too tight when the head is installed & air tight. Better to be on the loose side so there's no vacuum when the end user installs or removes the cells.

I measured several cells in an earlier project, and that is how I came up with the 1.040" "target". The cells moved freely with no friction, but I will wait to hear from the customer to see if he is happy.

 

[mrartillery]

Nice work! I normally do my boring with a brake hone, but this is just so much easier and much more time efficient.

 

[Mettee]

Will that looks awesome I am jealous of your lathe big time. Someday soon I will have one in the garage

 

[jaundice]

I have the exact same BigLeef setup, and as you know, these won't fit IMR 26500s or 26650s. I need them bored out in the same way you did the ones in the OP. Are you taking new (paying) customers? If so, how do I get in the queue?

Thanks,

-John

 

[wquiles]

I have the exact same BigLeef setup, and as you know, these won't fit IMR 26500s or 26650s. I need them bored out in the same way you did the ones in the OP. Are you taking new (paying) customers? If so, how do I get in the queue?

Thanks,

-John

John,

I just stopped taking new orders to finish a new project, but now that I have done these and I have a known-to-work setup, I can make a quick job for you. Send me an email at
wquiles ( at ) gmail [ dot ] com


Will

 

[GunSmoke16610]

Will is a master! Here is the Big LEEF 3x26500 powering a Led Zep MZXR-5

 

[wquiles]

Will is a master! Here is the Big LEEF 3x26500 powering a Led Zep MZXR-5

I am glad the modified tubes worked great for you. Thanks much for the kind words

 

[Drywolf]

John,

I just stopped taking new orders to finish a new project, but now that I have done these and I have a known-to-work setup, I can make a quick job for you. Send me an email at
wquiles ( at ) gmail [ dot ] com


Will

Hi Will,
I bought this package from GunSmoke16610 and one more bored C section would allow me to use three 26650. Will you bore out this extra section?
Thank you,
Frank

 

[wquiles]

Hi Will,
I bought this package from GunSmoke16610 and one more bored C section would allow me to use three 26650. Will you bore out this extra section?
Thank you,
Frank

No problem. I will take care of it.

 

[Mirage_Man]

What happened to your compound handle?

 

[wquiles]

Nothing - I just don't use it often. Remember I am the weirdo who threads "straight", so I remove the handle(s) when not in use

 

[wquiles]

Hi Will,
I bought this package from GunSmoke16610 and one more bored C section would allow me to use three 26650. Will you bore out this extra section?
Thank you,
Frank

Frank,

I just finished doing your extra C section. Leaving towards you USPS priority today

Thanks,
Will

 

[Drywolf]

Frank,

I just finished doing your extra C section. Leaving towards you USPS priority today

Thanks,
Will

Awsome! [email protected] LiMnNi

 

[SmurfTacular]

4000mAh 26500 cell? Is that legitimate?

Because I use AW 26500 and their 2600mAh

 

[Norm]

4000mAh 26500 cell? Is that legitimate?

Because I use AW 26500 and their 2600mAh

Cells are 26650.
Norm