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Sold/Expired SOLD: Custom 1x18650 with nailbender SST-50 D36

saltytri

Enlightened
Joined
Dec 20, 2008
Messages
531
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$300 including shipping conus

The SST-50 D36 module that nailbender crafts and sells has received very favorable comments here so it seemed like a good idea to make a body to take advantage of it. The SST-50 certainly lives up to its reputation, with a luscious beam that has both a strong spot and good spill. A three level driver adds welcomed versatility to the package.

I've made several lights, some of which have appeared here:

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/249599

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/246490

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/237711


However, this is the first one up for sale. I've put a lot of effort into learning machining techniques that apply to light bodies and I think that a buyer will be pleased with the result.

Here's a tour of the machining process that went into this. A hunk of 6061-T6 was roughed out for the body and a smaller piece became the tail cap.

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Of course, a nice light deserves a McClicky switch.

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The thread for the tail cap was turned on the rear end to establish the correct length to accommodate the 18650.

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The front end was then trimmed to the correct length and opened up with a taper to match the D36 module. This provides plenty of contact with the body to insure effective heat dissipation. The interior finish was given as much attention as the exterior.

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Threads were cut on the front to take the lightly crenelated bezel.

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The body was cut down bit by bit. Although the design was drawn in detail before the lathe was fired up, it was still necessary to carefully watch the proportions and the fit of the parts as the work progressed.

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Once the basic shape is finished, the details can be done - this is when the real fun starts.

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The final part to be finished was the tail cap. A mill and rotary table are the key here.

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The entire body was bead blasted. The areas that became bright bands were left a few thousandths higher than everything else so that they could be carefully turned down as the final step.

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The lens is sandwiched between two o-rings to provide a tight seal.

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A lot of time went into this project and I hope that someone will get a great deal of enjoyment out of it!

Almost forgot the beam shot! This will have to do for now because it's snowing outside.

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Last edited:

warx23

Enlightened
Joined
May 16, 2007
Messages
469
Re: FS: Custom 1x18650 with nailbender SST-50 D36

Thanks for the build pictures. Thats great.
Good luck with your sale. :thumbsup:
 

ivanchek

Newly Enlightened
Joined
May 10, 2008
Messages
181
Re: FS: Custom 1x18650 with nailbender SST-50 D36

Very nice design.
 

nailbender

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 9, 2008
Messages
3,682
Location
North Carolina
Re: FS: Custom 1x18650 with nailbender SST-50 D36

Hi

I think that is as nice of looking light as is out there. It is just a GREAT looking light. The mixture of shiny and matte it a great look.

I think you hit a homerun.

Dave
 

Aircraft800

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 24, 2007
Messages
1,487
Location
DFW Texas.
Re: FS: Custom 1x18650 with nailbender SST-50 D36

:bow: :wow: :bow:
That is one Beautiful light!
:bump:
 

bf1

Enlightened
Joined
Feb 13, 2008
Messages
946
Re: FS: Custom 1x18650 with nailbender SST-50 D36

Great work!
 

^Gurthang

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 2, 2009
Messages
1,071
Location
Maine, deep in the Darkness of the North
Re: FS: Custom 1x18650 with nailbender SST-50 D36

3 cups of drool for you work of art! Way beyond my price range. It does inspire me to get practicing on the lathe.... Hope you get your asking price, based on looks alone its a bargain...
 

joshconsulting

Enlightened
Joined
Jul 21, 2009
Messages
640
Re: FS: Custom 1x18650 with nailbender SST-50 D36

What an awsome looking light. If I hadn't just dropped $170 on a SST-50 setup with an L2p, I would be sorely tempted.
 

saltytri

Enlightened
Joined
Dec 20, 2008
Messages
531
Re: FS: Custom 1x18650 with nailbender SST-50 D36

Thanks for the nice comments, folks!
 

ledcarry

Enlightened
Joined
Sep 4, 2009
Messages
355
Location
Close to the Rockies
Re: FS: Custom 1x18650 with nailbender SST-50 D36

David,

:takeit:
This is one remarkable piece you have designed and built and I feel lucky to have been able to grab this one. I do have some additional questions for you before we finalize the purchase but want you to know this one is a done deal. I will PM you with my email address and the questions I have for you. Awesome light!:thumbsup:


Thanks,

JM
 

saltytri

Enlightened
Joined
Dec 20, 2008
Messages
531
Re: FS: Custom 1x18650 with nailbender SST-50 D36

Thanks so much, Jeff. PM and email sent.

David
 

ledcarry

Enlightened
Joined
Sep 4, 2009
Messages
355
Location
Close to the Rockies
Re: FS: Custom 1x18650 with nailbender SST-50 D36

David,

:paypal:Payment Sent (Unique Transaction ID #9KD21207R0641472D).
Thanks again for the great light and the quick shipping turnaround.:thumbsup:

JM
 

ledcarry

Enlightened
Joined
Sep 4, 2009
Messages
355
Location
Close to the Rockies
David,

I received the SST-50 Bead Blast Custom today and find it to be spectacular in many ways. The BB surface is beautiful and the polished areas are perfectly done with ultra precision. The light components are so well matched, you can not even tell where they come together and as a result are completely seamless. The nailbender SST-50 D36 is equal in brightness to my Ganp Griffin Custom but has a cool white tint rather than the warmer 4000 K emitter of the Ganp. I am really happy to have had the chance to buy this wonderful light and will keep my eyes open for anything new that you might offer.
Thanks very much. :thumbsup:

JM
 
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mdocod

Flashaholic
Joined
Nov 9, 2005
Messages
7,544
Location
COLORado spRINGs
This is really nice looking. I appreciate that you shared your progress of building the light with picts. Brings out the true value and shows what went into it. I'm sure JM will carry it with pride knowing the great effort that went into making this fine flashlight.

Awesome work!

Eric
 
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