new EDC Ti lights for you guys - prototype roughed out

Short story:
I was in the process of designing a Ti EDC for myself and a couple friends.
While sourcing the Ti, I accidentally bought a LOT more than I need.:thinking:

So, I will be doing at least one run of custom Ti EDC lights.

Here is the recipe so far.

- 6Al 4V Titanium
- Short and long version (1xcr123 and 2xcr123 or 18650)
- No unnecessary bulk, head and body same diameter, possibly the smallest 18650 light around
- Twisty, easy one hand operation
- Smooth profile, easy to slide in and out of pocket, no large ribs or steps.
- Made in USA
- Pocket clip and lanyard hole
- Tail stands
- Available as an empty host with an empty pill
- Single mode??
- Reasonably priced

I have a few host designs nearing completion
I have material, quotes on parts, currently working with a top quality light engine manufacturer.

I will offer a couple pics of the current designs in the next couple days.

THESE LIGHTS ARE FOR YOU GUYS
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU WANT:twothumbs

Thanks

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

If I were going to make one for myself, it would have a buck/boost driver that can handle 0.7-8.4v, and an extra-long spring on the tailcap, so I could use an 18650, a AA, or 2 CR123's. Other than that, something like Photon Fanatic's Custom Ti RCR123 would be nice.



Question: where are you going to get LEDs made in the USA?

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

Question: where are you going to get LEDs made in the USA?

Click to expand...

OK, I may have to compromise a little bit.
The LED and the individual components on the circuit board may not be from the US.
The host will be manufactured in the US and I want to stay away from chinese driver boards.

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

Thanks for offering this, Moddoo. Here's my 2¢.

Moddoo said:

- No unnecessary bulk, head and body same diameter, possibly the smallest 18650 light around

Click to expand...

Wonderful, the kind I like.

Moddoo said:

- Twisty, easy one hand operation

Click to expand...

Prefers clicky, is that possible? If not, tighten for Off.

Moddoo said:

- Single mode??

Click to expand...

2 modes? Hi and Lo?

Moddoo said:

- Reasonably priced

Click to expand...

If it's right,

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

Everyone will want something different....but here's what I think.
18650 or 18500 battery
Available as host only with empty pill
Lanyard hole and bezel down pocket clip
No knurling, just some nice grooves
Clicky or twisty, doesnt matter to me but maybe mcclicky compatible
Trit slot or three somewhere on the light
Not a million bucks to buy

Thanks for doing this, its really nice of you! lovecpf

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

Now that's a great idea!!!
This is a cool light!




Question: where are you going to get LEDs made in the USA?[/QUOTE]

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

What should you do with all of that Titanium? Well, mail it to me of course :naughty:

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

Could use some titanium too...

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

collector said:

Could use some titanium too...

Click to expand...

+1

I understand if you want to make lights out of them, but I'd definitely be interested in some raw Ti if it's in the right sizes.

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

I'll throw my name in as interested! So here are a few thoughts of mine:

A very small 18650 twisty out of Ti sounds nice!

There is a Group buy in the marketplace of the latest and brightest K2 TFFC's maybe you could use those! They tolerate heat very well and the price on them is good. I need a good K2 light. I have dozens of Cree lights and the only Seoul LED I want right now is the warmer U2SUN and nobody has them. I am left with trying the K2 or going for the 5A MC-E. Not really thrilled by the performance of small reflectored MC-E's either. :green:

Single mode is good but then you have to find a drive level that pleases most. I think it would be easier doing a simple 2 mode with low coming on first PLEASE. A nice 1 lumen low and 200 or so for the high perhaps. Just give us a low low, I don't worry about high very much!

If you are going to allow only 1 level perhaps you could set the drive level of each one based on the buyers preference? :shrug:

Give us tailstanding, a tritium slot in the rear, and maybe a bit of grooves so you have purchase to make 1 handed twisting easy. :thumbsup:

Could you offer a stonewashed finish? It wears well and is not seen that often so you would be unique. Every seen the beauty of stonewashed Ti?!

Ever worked with optics? I can't recall seeing many Ti lights with optics. Do they even make an optic for the K2? Interesting.

Source some glow in the dark O-rings from Sigman! I love GITD O-rings for my lenses!

What do you think?

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

Sounds interesting : 18650 Batt , Hmmmm

200+ Lumen on Hi , 100 Lumen Med , 50 Lumen Lo , 15 Lumen Ultra lo .

My EDC is 15Lumen on Lo , and I would no want to see a lower setting .

Have you thought of using a spring loaded BALL + Indents to hold twisty settings ? A recessed tail clicky so it will tail stand ?

Sounds interesting in anyway , ill keep an eye on this thread !

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

SgtLED
It's amazing how you seem to be reading my mind sometimes.

I am leaning in the direction of your entire post.

I will offer a blasted finish on some lights.

Optics are my first choice right now. There are several choices for the K2. I would prefer GITD inside too.

I will get a few K2s and optics to try.

Possibly a low model around 350mA and a High output around 1A

I would like to do a low and high UI, but not a "on off on off on" type of interface.

It would be cool to have a twist on for low and twist a bit more for high.

Some lengthwise grooves are in the plan, no knurling on these.

All who want some Ti stock...
I will PM you sometime soon.

The light pictured is VERY nice.
Ends are a bit square for a pocket or clip carry IMO.
Planning on some smooth rounded ends on these.

Keep the ideas coming

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

To be honest, a light that uses an 18650 can't be "small".
But I might also be biased, owning mostly RCR123 / RCR2 lights...

I like a light to be more "fatter" (wider) then tall (long).
Is the 18500 an option ?

Optic sounds nice btw, but would like to see beams if possible.

Keep up the good work !

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

Great minds think alike is all I can say!

I can't wait. This sounds like a definite buy to me, especially since we both want the same light!

Twist on for low and twist more for high is an excellent UI! Simple and effective!

I look forward to seeing this thru development.

Moddoo said:

SgtLED
It's amazing how you seem to be reading my mind sometimes.

I am leaning in the direction of your entire post.

I will offer a blasted finish on some lights.

Optics are my first choice right now. There are several choices for the K2. I would prefer GITD inside too.

I will get a few K2s and optics to try.

Possibly a low model around 350mA and a High output around 1A

I would like to do a low and high UI, but not a "on off on off on" type of interface.

It would be cool to have a twist on for low and twist a bit more for high.

Some lengthwise grooves are in the plan, no knurling on these.

All who want some Ti stock...
I will PM you sometime soon.

The light pictured is VERY nice.
Ends are a bit square for a pocket or clip carry IMO.
Planning on some smooth rounded ends on these.

Keep the ideas coming

Click to expand...

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

Tiny update.
I ordered some K2s a couple days ago.
And a bunch of different optics today.

...and a new supercharged PC to aid in the design work.:devil:

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?


Oh boy!

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

I'm excited.

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

Do you have any rough sketch or design in mind?? BTW:

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

Cuso said:

Do you have any rough sketch or design in mind?? BTW:

Click to expand...

I have to agree!

I'll get a few screen shots of designs for you all tomorrow.

Been pretty busy lately:tired:

Re: So, what should I do with all of this Titanium?

You need an assistant!