Ok, so I am keeping this Gray 3D Maglite as is and building it with 3- XM-L U2 and 9- AA batteries.
I'm going to start somewhere in the middle. Here is a video on how I am making cosmetic rings around the barrel, as you might see on a custom light done in a lathe.
Edit: Here are some photos of the finished barrel!
I will also be trying some other filework on this light, to see if it can be done, similar to what is seen on a knife.
The components (when they arrive in 2-3 weeks) are. 3 XM-L U2 emitters with a 3 led reflector and a Dry driver. All courtesy of CNQualityGoods.
The aluminum heatsink has yet to be made and so does the battery holder for 9 AA NiMHs.
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3-11-12 I finished the polishing on the Host. Here's a few photos of it.
When I got this Grey light, I wasn't really impressed and I didn't really want to leave it 3D, because it would look bad. Well I have changed my feelings for it now. It really came alive with the polishing!
I still have to paint where I messed up the ano, but overall, it looks really nice. Now it waits for components.
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My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
reserved
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
If you can sell 6AA-2D, 9AA-3D adapters at a reasonable cost, there is a very big market for them.
All of the ones currently available are ridiculously expensive.
The numbers from my light tests are always to be found here.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0ApkFM37n_QnRdDU5MDNzOURjYllmZHI...
Actually they are not expensive compared to the quality. They are excellent, very sturdy and very safe. There is no way I can make anything close to that without a lathe, end mill, drill press, etc. Those holders are worth every penny, as they will last longer than the lights they are put into.
The holder I will make will be barely useable at best, but not much better than the stick and tape holders. I would much rather put one of those expensive holders in, but the cost is prohibitive for the kind of budget group here (understandably so).
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
I wasn't all that impressed with the quality of the 9AA-3D holder I spent rather too much on. And sold here to someone in Finland.
Me, I'm a duct tape sort of guy so popsicle sticks and tape are fine by me.
It is a real pity that none of the Chinese manufacturers have seen fit to make such devices. The design is simple enough - a base the diameter of a D cell, a non-conductive threaded at one end centre rod and a top the diameter of a D cell. A conductive cap and some heavy copper foil and the job is done.
The cost would be very, very low and I think there'd be a huge amount of enthusiast demand. I'd get a bunch of them in a heartbeat. 18AAs in a 6D gives 20 or so volts nominal from NiMH which might be fun for silly LED mods. This is a strong hint to any manufacturer who might be reading.
The numbers from my light tests are always to be found here.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0ApkFM37n_QnRdDU5MDNzOURjYllmZHI...
I really appreciate all the work you do. These videos really are an inspiration on what you can do with just hand tools.
Keep up the great work.
Finished polishing on the host. Photos in the first post.
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
WOW. and that is all by hand?? Amazing work.
OL - have you checked these out?
http://kaidomain.com/product/details.S003294
I bought 6 and converted them all to parallel. I added solder (not pretty) and can get >3A from 9 panasonic 1600mah. I imagine eneloops would do much better.
Removing the original components would be pretty easy (to be replaced w/ some cut from copper sheet).
anyway, nice job w/ the mag. polished/gray looks good.
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Girls can shoot!
I am also working on some 4AA holders, from overseas. I mean, I know they are made, as there are a few lights out there with 4AA in them, like those 51 led lights, so it's just a matter of sourcing them and I have someone trying to get them. I need those for all these shorty mods, so hopefully soon..........
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
MagMan
What I do
That is one slick looking light, Old-Lumens! They keep getting better and better.
Old-Lumens, do you have a tip on how to do that trick on the thinner side of the head?
I mean: on the body it doesnt look too difficult to get a very straight line, and go from there, but if you would try it on the head, especially where the "neck" gets thinner/narrower... how would you handle that?
Yours doesnt have these rings on that side of the head either, but I would be interested to know if you had any idea to get a straight line there...(with a "human lathe")
Also: how are you smoothing the edges of these rings out?
The Eneloop 2005-2021 info thread
Hi O-L - amazing work, as usual.
Please be careful with Drano, especially the crystallized type. While Mags are only Type II ano, they are a very thick type II.
May I recommend a foaming type oven cleaner? It is nearly as caustic as straight Drano, with fewer safety issues.
http://wardogsmakingithome.org/index.html
War Dogs, Making it Home - Rescue Dogs for Returning Vets
I have no idea of how to cut a ring on the angled part, that's why I didn't do it.
I smooth the rings out, by using 400-600 grit sandpaper around the file I cut the rings with. With very little pressure, so the file does not break thru the sandpaper. It works pretty good. Then I use 0000 steel wool (just a little on the end of my finger and rub) and MAAS polish, which makes a not perfect surface look perfect.
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
The Eneloop 2005-2021 info thread
Well, things change, as they often do. I sold all of these bare hosts and the thread is done here.
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
This is some great stuff without a lathe! I might try and do the same! Btw, I use Easy Off heavy duty oven cleaner and takes off the anodizing pretty well.
My site: lights and lasers
Watching this video . . . this is why I bought this light. May not be a big deal to a lot of folks but I think it makes this particular Mag pretty special.
Foy
No referral links and nothing embedded . . . ever.