Should I mod a Dewalt Fluorescent cordless?

[Drewfus2101]

So I picked up one of these the other day:

And I really like it, but I'm already thinking about modding it. My research shows that a 13W fluorescent has between 500 and 800 lumens.

I modded the snake light before, so I've got a decent idea of what it would involve. My initial thoughts are something simple like a (hopefully) drop-in style piece with 5 Q5s on it in series. I tested a 18V pack after charging and it was 20V. That would be pushing 5 Q5s pretty good, but when it settles down to 18V it wouldn't be enough for 6 Q5s.

So if I had 5 of the Q5s and each saw 4.0V, what sort of lumen output could I get? I'm guessing 225 per emitter, so 1125 lumens (at emitter). I'm not sure that this is enough of an increase to make it worth it. I know I could do more in parallel, but I really don't want to pull more than an amp from this pack because battery life would be so bad (but 10 would be sweet).

Any thoughts? The only way that I will do this is if I can make it a drop-in so that I can go back to stock easily. Shouldn't be too hard just looking at the light.

 

[AaronM]

I'm not familliar with the high power drivers required to run multiple emitters, so I can't with the parts list...
But once you get that figured out, even ten emitters isn't out of the question (well maybe, they would get warm...)

Another thing: LEDs are not omni directional, Crees radiate 110-120 deg. or so.
That said, your estimated 1125lm would seem alot brighter because of their tighter radiation pattern.