Match's Mods: Budget P60 Host Extreme Makeover

I have been wanting a lathe for just that reason. A whole lot of lights could benefit from having all the extra stuff machine off. I have to do it with my grinder. Not so pretty.

Well that's the nicest light I've seen in a long time and not just because I'm a sucker for anything copper.

Awesome work as always :)

that is magnificent!

Very nice Match! A bit of retro '50s crossed with some sci-fi raygun styling - very cool. To say I like it is an understatement.

Off your rocker? I don't think so. The only relevant question to be asked here is: At the end of the day, did you have fun doing it? And I'm guessing the answer to that would be a resounding YES!

Great light Match. If I saw that guy on a site somewhere for the right price, I would buy it. Love how simple and uncluttered it looks.

Foy

Awesome job, Match! Beautiful machining. 8)

inspiring , if it wasnt 3000 degrees out i would have when out an worked on one of my mods.

Nice copper! And sweet machining. You seriously were able to take off the flat faces below the head? Nice work Match! Thanks for sharing. You're on the frontpage and sticky.

Great job.. As usual!

Thanks all. Ya, the flat faces which resemble a big nut were the first things I wanted to get rid of. I know they're put on most P60 hosts as an "anti-roll" mechanic...but I've never cared for them.

Almost time to go build a host all your own ?

[quote=old4570]

Almost time to go build a host all your own ?

[/quote]

Been there, done that ... https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/2037

It's a theme I'm going to revisit though....with a lathe this time!

Match, you mention the TIR optic above. Is it drop-in (or close to) replacement for reflectors on p60 hosts? Does it in them with the center drilled out, or maybe some support has be made for the pill to stay put??

It's the same diameter, but a fair bit shorter than a stock P60 reflector...so no, it wouldn't be a direct replacement. However, with a bit of adjustment/mod to the pill, one should be able to make them work in almost any host. Yes, there's a hole in the bottom to help center the lens on the emitter.

It's the same diameter, but a fair bit shorter than a stock P60 reflector...so no, it wouldn't be a direct replacement. However, with a bit of adjustment/mod to the pill, one should be able to make them work in almost any host. Yes, there's a hole in the bottom to help center the lens on the emitter.

So, by "replacement", do you mean use instead of the reflector (not just cut off the top of the reflector or drill it out)? How would that work without the diameter of the reflector to fill in the space in the host? Spring pressure?

I was originally thinking you just stretch out the spring to make up the height, but without the cylinder of the reflector to center it (and conduct heat) that wouldn't work.

I think your confusion is stemming from thinking this was a typical/modern P60 drop-in and a direct swap.

Notice the pics of the mod above? This particular light had a different style drop-in that what's normally out there today (it's much thicker, and in my opinion, better...). Despite that, I still added a thick copper sleave to take up the remaining space with the body and provide great heatsinking. Also, I compensated for the TIR lens being shorter by making a new head for the light.

The TIR lens just sits on top of the emitter. The stock reflector isn't used. Having said that, one could use it if they cut the top half of the reflector off and just used the bottom half as a spacer.

Hope that helps clear it up.

Ok, I assumed you were talking about generic p60's. I've used asphericals on them but that doesn't really produce the best beam. It's interesting to me (and probably others) if we can find a reasonably easy drop-in replacement for better optics. Reflectors are ok, but TIR's give lights that extra kick in the pants.

that's a very nice drop you got...

plan to revived my "china-made" old taclights also with this dropin...