Crux
February 28, 2012, 2:29am
1
Just an idea for anyone who has made lights using 3/4" copper pipe - which is just the right size for 18650 cells.
My problem had always been figuring out a way to replace the cells without the use of "oops, I dropped it in the grass" screws.
Well it hit upon me one day as i strolled the isles of the hardware store - viola!
I cut the threads from a hose repair coupling and added a brass stop-cap.
You don't need a lathe if you solder the threads on! And they're water tight.
A big thanks to Old-Lumens for re-sparking my interest in these plumbers-nightmares.
I plan on finishing the light using this tailcap soon - 1-4 months...
JohnnyMac
February 28, 2012, 2:52am
2
What a great idea! I will have to check this out. ;)
Or you could simply use a copper male adapter
trooplewis
February 28, 2012, 3:03am
4
So now I want to see what the rest of the CopperFire light looks like.
Burro
February 28, 2012, 3:11am
5
Nice lateral thinking, and you could always solder the brass adapter.
ezarc
February 28, 2012, 4:50am
6
And you can take out the drop-in and water the garden with your flashlight.
Old-Lumens
February 28, 2012, 6:36am
7
Male adaptor and a screw on plug would work, but check the ID to be sure. I think it’s the same ID all the way through the adaptor.
The I.D. (Inside Diameter) can vary slightly from manufacture to manufacture on the fittings.
The O.D. (Outside Diameter) of copper pipe is consistent but the I.D. is different between the different grades. Type M, Type L and Type K are the most common with M being the thinnest (largest I.D.) and K being the thickest (Smallest I.D.)
I'll post all the photos then.