UPDATE 9-29-04:
Machine shop report -
Only the specific (but very complex) cuts in the head, as well as the radiusing of the bezel to hold the lens o-ring, need to be done now. Then most will go off to the anodizers and then laser etchers, while some will be sent straight to me for the Fast Track build up. Here's a pic of a set of Actual Pieces so far, as sent to me by the CNC shop just this morning:
As you can see there is no channeled hole yet milled into the head/control-module component for the switch, and it next goes into the CNC milling machine for that. Also note the slightly raised rim around the bottom of the battery tube. On anodized versions this is where the logo will be etched so that the rim protects it from scuffing, etc., such as when set on end during candlemode - "We will degrade no LionHeart logo before its time!"
Thanks.
UPDATE 9-21:
Not much to update, still waiting on the Fast Track bodies from the CNC shop. But just to keep you entertained here is another picture of size reference for the size reference-challenged:
************************************************************
Due to quite a few requests plus the fact that even the most recent Fast Track preorders will be delivered beofre the earliest HA3 units, List #2 is now open.
Feel free to order as many as you want, no limit, also specify the finish COLOR (Fast Track is plain bare aluminum w/no logo), and exact config (Full Kit, etc.).
Keep in mind that Fast Tracks are $11 less ($164), although all the battery accessories will remain the same - $37 charger, $18 150A battery, etc.
Also depending on what you are ordering, you may not necessarily need to add anything extra for shipping as I can get two or more lights in one box - although full kits will each need their own box due to the charger, etc., and thus the additional shipping charge must be added.
So depending on what you order, shipping may or may not be necessary - for example if you order a Fast Track and an HA3, the Fast Track may be shipped as much as a month or more earlier than the HA3 (unless you can wait), and thus should be treated as a separate order with its own shipping fee.
But if for example you want another Fast Track along with your orignal Fast Track, but NO extra charger, then no need to add for shipping. This is all in reference to using the standard "videocassette" size Priority Mail box, which is like 5W x 9L x 2D inches or so. If you want an additional Full Kit, I would prefer you treat it as a separate order and add the $4.30 shipping.
See, clear as mud!
The PayPal addy again is
[email protected]
but snailmailers must e- or PM me (e- preferred for accurate filing purposes).
Here's the updated timeline - the battery tubes will be done by next weekend, after which the heads and bezels will be cut, figure maybe a week for each of them (remember that's 500 of each part). Then the Fast Tracks will be sent to me immediately while the rest still have to go to the anodizers and then for laser etching (different shop) of the logo.
I know the question will arise about just cutting a hundred of the tubes, then 100 heads, then 100 bezels, etc., but I would have to pay for setup and breakdown of the CNC machines each time, not to mention re-setting back up for the head/tube/bezel components all over again for the rest of the (HA3) units. Not fiscally sound procedure.
Thanks!
Machine shop report -
Only the specific (but very complex) cuts in the head, as well as the radiusing of the bezel to hold the lens o-ring, need to be done now. Then most will go off to the anodizers and then laser etchers, while some will be sent straight to me for the Fast Track build up. Here's a pic of a set of Actual Pieces so far, as sent to me by the CNC shop just this morning:
As you can see there is no channeled hole yet milled into the head/control-module component for the switch, and it next goes into the CNC milling machine for that. Also note the slightly raised rim around the bottom of the battery tube. On anodized versions this is where the logo will be etched so that the rim protects it from scuffing, etc., such as when set on end during candlemode - "We will degrade no LionHeart logo before its time!"
Thanks.
UPDATE 9-21:
Not much to update, still waiting on the Fast Track bodies from the CNC shop. But just to keep you entertained here is another picture of size reference for the size reference-challenged:
************************************************************
Due to quite a few requests plus the fact that even the most recent Fast Track preorders will be delivered beofre the earliest HA3 units, List #2 is now open.
Feel free to order as many as you want, no limit, also specify the finish COLOR (Fast Track is plain bare aluminum w/no logo), and exact config (Full Kit, etc.).
Keep in mind that Fast Tracks are $11 less ($164), although all the battery accessories will remain the same - $37 charger, $18 150A battery, etc.
Also depending on what you are ordering, you may not necessarily need to add anything extra for shipping as I can get two or more lights in one box - although full kits will each need their own box due to the charger, etc., and thus the additional shipping charge must be added.
So depending on what you order, shipping may or may not be necessary - for example if you order a Fast Track and an HA3, the Fast Track may be shipped as much as a month or more earlier than the HA3 (unless you can wait), and thus should be treated as a separate order with its own shipping fee.
But if for example you want another Fast Track along with your orignal Fast Track, but NO extra charger, then no need to add for shipping. This is all in reference to using the standard "videocassette" size Priority Mail box, which is like 5W x 9L x 2D inches or so. If you want an additional Full Kit, I would prefer you treat it as a separate order and add the $4.30 shipping.
See, clear as mud!
The PayPal addy again is
[email protected]
but snailmailers must e- or PM me (e- preferred for accurate filing purposes).
Here's the updated timeline - the battery tubes will be done by next weekend, after which the heads and bezels will be cut, figure maybe a week for each of them (remember that's 500 of each part). Then the Fast Tracks will be sent to me immediately while the rest still have to go to the anodizers and then for laser etching (different shop) of the logo.
I know the question will arise about just cutting a hundred of the tubes, then 100 heads, then 100 bezels, etc., but I would have to pay for setup and breakdown of the CNC machines each time, not to mention re-setting back up for the head/tube/bezel components all over again for the rest of the (HA3) units. Not fiscally sound procedure.
Thanks!