machine work

[knot]

I bought this 2x123 light which now sports a Cree module from DX

I'm wanting a better host or rather asking a local machinist to make me a battery tube that can use this tail and make a matching head: http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2026&HS=1

But I'm also thinking the head is too big as I like the style where the torch is all one size. The reflector is removable but I don't know if there is a smaller one for it or one that can be modified to fit. Actually the reflector doesn't have to be attached to the module so forget I said that.

I'm also thinking of making it a twisty to keep the light as small as possible. Is a 2x123 too much for an EDC?

How much would a machinist charge for a simple but quality knurled tube? (reasonable rate)

Is 2x123 the best configuration to run this module on?

 

[Ganp]

A 2 x 123 would be fine for EDC with a smaller head and compact twisty tailcap.

But by the time you have done this there is only the driver section of the module left of the original light.

My choice would be to keep your light for general use and find a light that is more like your desired style to modify. It would be cheaper than having a custom body made.


Colin.

 

[knot]

A 2 x 123 would be fine for EDC with a smaller head and compact twisty tailcap.

But by the time you have done this there is only the driver section of the module left of the original light.

My choice would be to keep your light for general use and find a light that is more like your desired style to modify. It would be cheaper than having a custom body made.


Colin.

I appreciate you responding to my post.

The original light only cost me three dollars. (mistake at checkout. Should have been 14.00)

The problem with buying a torch that I like, then modifying it, I end up paying for components I won't use. I wish I could buy an empty shell and just insert the module. A factory second or even bad blemishes I would be happy to use.

My ideal light would be this (below), or a clicky if it can be small, but in a 2z123 config (I'm still thinking of whether or not I want to maintain 123 with charger. It seems like most bang for buck in 3.7 but I haven't bought any 3.7 and charger yet)

Would a 2x123 be a shorter light than a minimag? My minimag is too long (2AA) I find myself carrying my beat up Lenser more often as it fits well in my pocket.

A clip is something I really would like as well as it's more versatile because one can wear it outside the pocket.

 

[PhotonAddict]

knot: Have you considered something like the Fenix P3D-CE? The review shows it compared to the minimag: http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/fenix_p3dce.htm
I believe 4sevens said it will work with a 17670 li-ion. I don't know what your budget is like, but I imagine having something custom machined would be at least as expensive...

 

[knot]

As much as I'd like to, $65.00 is much more than I can spend.

That tail clicky is only $12 and the machine work looks good. If that is twelve then a simple twisty should be half that I guess. I don't see how a plain knurled tube could be much more - as well as the head cap. I spent $14 on the module thinking I could piece something together. Well, I did but it's ugly and bulky.

 

[Morelite]

As much as I'd like to, $65.00 is much more than I can spend.

That tail clicky is only $12 and the machine work looks good. If that is twelve then a simple twisty should be half that I guess. I don't see how a plain knurled tube could be much more - as well as the head cap. I spent $14 on the module thinking I could piece something together. Well, I did but it's ugly and bulky.

Please don't take this as a smartass comment, but it will cost more than $65 to have a machininst make a one-off battery tube and head. It takes mass production to get the prices down on machined parts.

 

[knot]

I was thinking more along the lines of cutting a piece of bulk aluminum tubing, threading it and adding knurling.

 

[Norm]

The problem is most machine shops don't have time for fiddly little jobs, by the time someone sets up for your one off it will probably take at bare minimum half and hour probably closer to an hour by the time he has to talk to you, I'm sure his time is worth at least $60 an hour. Why try and reinvent the wheel when there are so many cheap lights to choose from?
Norm

 

[knot]

Because I have this:



And I don't like what it's in.

I had a friend that was a machinist but lost touch with him after he married. I should look him up.

You'd be surprised how helpful people are in Oregon. I had some broken and missing aluminum cylinder head fins on my Harley built up from scratch - with the engine intact, which is a difficult thing to do because of the heat and an assembled motor. The guy only charged me $20 and I rode home.

There are a lot of little shops that do fiddly jobs.

I guess all I really should do is rework my tube and add a tailcap, smaller reflector, and whatever. I know someone that works at an anodizing shop but I haven't seen him in a while either.

Or just live with the ugly flashlight with no lens. It is the brightest flashlight I have.

 

[KingGlamis]

The key is having a friend that is a machinist or working in a shop with machines. We have a lathe and mill at my work that I can use after-hours, so once I come up with my own body design I will be out there spinning up something custom.

 

[knot]

If there are cheap, nice looking tail caps, why are there no "generic" battery tubes and heads? Do I have to buy a whole flashlight then modify it?

 

[knot]

I've seen some really nice choke tubes. Someone could probably make a nice flashlight out of these - providing if battery fit. I have no idea if it's an empty tube with porting or there is some restrictive device inside.

 

[scott.cr]

I've seen some really nice choke tubes. Someone could probably make a nice flashlight out of these - providing if battery fit.

Wow, what an interesting idea. The thing about choke tubes is that they are a "butted" (internally tapered) tube. And they are probably made of extremely hard steel, so boring out the taper would probably be a monster job - one that would cost as much as a titanium tube from scratch.