Noob Heatsink Questions

[Bright_ Mike]

Sorry, I'm a noob here. Where do I get heatsinks? Will coins or washers work?

I have 2 XML L2 LEDs on the way with 1.5 & 2.3 or so drivers. Also inexpensive 3w and 700 ma drivers.

Also would like to improve the heatsink on Sk68/Cree 7W 300 cheapie. The emitter board measures 15 mm or so, the hole it goes in maybe 17mm

 

[wquiles]

For what host/size/shape/material? What is the goal - short term (wow - that is bright!, but only for a few seconds), or long term (you want to use this LED light for hours and it should last for weeks/months)?

It is impossible to give you a neat/short answer, since there are far too many ways to combine XML LED's at 1.5Amp/2.3Amps. I feel it is best to search in this subforum for tittles containing the world "heatsink", to get a better understanding on the dynamics - this is (I feel) a particularly good thread:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?240896-how-to-find-out-what-size-heatsink-you-need&highlight=heatsink

 

[Bright_ Mike]

I plan on single battery, 18650, 14500 lights. Handheld. Possibly 3 aa or AAA.

It looks like what I am going to do is limited by the heatsink. Not sure what I will put it in, sugestions welcome there too.

I bought some heatsinks at a computer shop but they are square and it seems like they would be hard to connect to the body. And I don't have a lathe. What might people use on these? Where could I get them?

 

[wquiles]

I plan on single battery, 18650, 14500 lights. Handheld. Possibly 3 aa or AAA.

It looks like what I am going to do is limited by the heatsink. Not sure what I will put it in, sugestions welcome there too.

I bought some heatsinks at a computer shop but they are square and it seems like they would be hard to connect to the body. And I don't have a lathe. What might people use on these? Where could I get them?

What host are you considering? What is the closest LED light available today that would be "close" to what you have in mind?

Here is another thread to read:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?257554-Introduction-to-modifying-flashlights&highlight=