I’m looking for a relatively cheap and round 3xAA or 4xAA light to modify into a 1 D light, there doesn’t seem to be many 1 D lights around.
The SAiK SA-305 looks like a candidate but I’m not sure if a D cell will fit in there. The Ultrafire and Aurora 3 AA lights also look nice, but also not sure if D cell will fit.
Are you in the US? I have s Saik-SA-305 as well as the Home Depot 4AA Defiant light (posted here, do a search) and a 3AA from Tractor Supply very similar to the Saik. I'll try to get back with measurements.
Yeah, I didn’t think the SAiK-305 will fit a D cell, and a cut-down Mag would be a but pricey.
I made a Neutral white XM-L 3D mag and recently got 4 D cells to run it (Tenergy Premium 10Ah), so I’ve got an extra D cell that I would like to put into a light. Already have a 3 mode single cell driver and LEDs from other mods so all I’ll need is a host.
See link here: http://m111.photobucket.com/albums/garrybunk/4AA%2050%20LED%20Home%20Depot%20Light/?src=www which has photos of my 4AA Defiant light. My post is here: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/9776.
I'm not sure how well the head is going to work for you, but it definitely fits a D cell.
That is quite literally all you need. I have made one and am working on my second using the same things. It is time consuming but totally worth it. I will be back in a few minutes once I find the tutorial.
Edit: Here the guide on how to do it is. Use this bit in your dremel to bore out the inside and a file to do the outside. (Dremel bit 115)
What about buying aluminum/copper tubes and making the light from those? Like match’s custom light. If I use copper, I can solder/braze the parts together in an oven or over a fire.
A cut and retread is fairly easy to do, but, my lathe isn’t big enough to handle longer jobs. If its a 2D or less cut-down with external threads I can do it, but, internally, it is pushing the limits of my lathe. A 1D with internal threads I can easily do. Either job is $20 if you supply the host. I’m buying 3D MagLites plus a Mini-Mag these days for about $20 if you want me to supply the host.