The AL-320G is a nice machine. I currently have the next model down from that one. I also looked at the optima combo because I thought I could save on space but didn’t opt for it for a couple of reasons. The work table is limited compared to a regular mill, plus it’s not designed to do 4th axis work. Didn’t really seem worth it at the time. If I had the time and money I would consider getting one and doing severe modifications to make it a 4th axis capable machine. Probably beyond my abilities though 
Main reason for a new lathe is an enclosed gearbox, also thinking about the combo so when i work out what i dont need i can buy a bigger table and mount the mill head on it. I already have indexing head, swivel/tilt vice and a heap of cutters. Haha I cant work out if im on the wagon or have fallen off it. As DB custom said it is good fun.
A decent table won’t be cheap
Sleeve is finished. I could probably have reduced the diameter of the threads a little but width is not the issue with this build.
I came up with an idea to save space with the switch. I’ll epoxy the board into the retaining ring.
I thought I was on track to get everything to fit
…but the threads on the sleeve I made take up too much space. It’ll need to be trimmed
Luckily I hadn’t worked on it yet because I had this oveready pocket clip show up in the mail. I have 1-2 bolt on style clips but didn’t really want to be screwing tiny bolts possibly into soft copper. This clip does not fit over the threads on the sleeve so I’ll re-machine the threaded section both shorter length and narrower diameter.
To long, to short, its hard to please some people.
Looking good pp. Its amazing how some problems have to get sorted on the run and how they do get sorted. On the home run now. 
I want to see a nice retaining ring, screwed or press fitted for that switch
Not sure i understand your comment CRX 
Maybe I picked up wrong but you said you were going to epoxy the switch into the retaining ring?
I meant the screwed switch module would be better with a retaining ring of some sort.
I’ve found the L4P drivers & switches like a good solid ground connection.
Aah, I see. Thanks for the tip. The board is somewhat of a press fit but maybe a secondary press fit ring would help. Cheers
Yeah, a retainer ring for the inside of the retainer ring, would hold the switch PCB securely, while ensuring better electrical connection than just using epoxy to hold it in.
So I made the press fit retainer, thanks CRX 
Also reduced the threads on the sleeve. The o-ring sticks out quite a bit now but by the same token looks like it’ll do a good job of retaining the pocket clip while the tail is unscrewed.
Together we can win this! 
I next mounted the tail in the chuck to start on the internals.
It looks like I had a minor point of delamination from threading
Threads for the switch. I had to drill some holes in the switch retainer for tweezer installation. I meant to do this prior to press fitting the switch board in place but forgot about it 
Also looked like the smaller threads had some delamination but I think maybe it is more to do with the copper being so soft rather than delamination.
Almost ready to press fit the sleeve in… but not tonight 
Thanks for the update pp.
There will be an intermission while I go riding through the bush for a few days. The Old-Lumens competition will resume in a week or so 
Has any of the regulars spoken to or heard from _ the _ organiser about the usual competition?
Or any other indications?
Previous judges, sponsors, people usually involved feel free to say something here or in PM please.
Happy trails. Dont want you coming back wearing plaster.
no
My guess is it’s been put in the too hard basket. Last year’s organisation/organisers seemed to waiver. Sponsors nearly outnumbered contestants and probably didn’t have the best feeling about it, some prize winners reported not receiving prizes, I think there was a small feeling of discontent from all parties.
Hence I made suggestions after the last contest to have a review of the contest rules.
Even if there’s no official contest I still love the idea of people creating stuff from scratch. To me it’s more interesting than reading umpteen threads about led swaps and tints etc…
If an official contest starts and I’m disqualified or unable to join, it will not deter me. I like making lights on my lathe 
but for the sake of encouraging others to have a go I hope an official contest starts. I just don’t hold much hope.