new flashlight design

I appreciate the input! Ive made the light as narrow as i can to still be able to use the carclo optics that I wanted. I chose these optics because they are affordable, easily available and come in many different styles and cam be changed quickly by the end user by simply unscrewing the front bezel.

As for the button I am making my own that consists of a tactile switch with a silicone top hat under a metal button that is held in by a threaded ring that also seals around the silicone hat. This is in my opinion the most waterproof way you can make a button and still have a metal surface. I plan on including multiple height buttons; recessed, flush and protruding that can be changed by simply unscrewing the retaining ring. I would also like to offer lighted buttons as an upgrade.

I am considering adding some recesses on the sides to lower some weight but I really love the clean look of it how it is, though it may be something i do as a different version. Right now they will be made of aluminum, i do plan on doing some in titanium eventually but it will add over 30% to the weight.

Overall I am happy with how is coming out, I think it presents an interesting alternative to other side by side lights on the market. Its way harder than you would think to design a non round light and have it somewhat waterproof and not be giant but most of my dimensions come in just under what others are making and i am able to fit larger optics. The only place mine is bigger really is the length but my closure mechanism adds about .25” and is really my favorite part. At just over 4” I think it feels really nice in the hand.

thanks for sharing your thoughts
though I like the look of the closure dial, once I figured out it is not the switch,
I think I would rather have it at the tail

totally respect your switch button design goals, it matches my Sunwayman V11r construction, it actually comes with two switch caps, both flush, one rubber, one Ti

I like that the switch position in your design allows either thumb or index finger operation, and is easy to locate by feel… it will be even more ergonomic with the closure dial at the base of the grip

like the very clean lines
and a cool resemblance to a derringer
thanks for sharing pics

given the choice of optic and straight sides, the weight makes sense…
marketing spin:
more thermal mass, supports a higher sustainable output

question
for that optic size, does the present design have enough room for a 16340 battery also?

a 16340 option, could be shorter, and weigh less…
and you could use a separate AA adapter also…

I’ve had a number of dqg’s with both rubber and metal buttons. Didn’t especially like the feel of the rubber buttons but never had any problems or issues with any of them. What was so terrible about them?

Don’t forget the mt21a. That was a nice size 2aa light

Sounds like you got the switch sorted. Maybe you could do the weight reduction on the ti model …?

In order to fit a 16340 battery the light would have to be taller as there is very little room in between the batteries for the bolt that brings the 2 halves together.

As for the thumbwheel ergonomics you really cant feel it when your holding the light using it as it is narrower than the body. The recess is designed so that your thumb and index finger can perfectly access the wheel when holding the light from he base, and its one of those unique features that will make a pretty recognizable light.

Hopefully I will have some pics of a finished body tomorrow, depending on when the ups man drops a couple cutting tools I need to finish up. I may try and film some of the machining too if anyone is interested in that stuff.

Yes please :slight_smile:

ok, good luck with that, as they say.

wle

Sorry for the delay, was out of the shop for a few days but here’s some progress shots. I have the body and head finished, there a few small cosmetic changes I’m going to make but they are 95%. Now just have the bezel, button and thumb wheel to make and should have a fully working prototype in a day or two.

Hopefully I got the pictures right still not positive I’m doing it right.

Very interesting.

Oh man, no pics… I am dying to see the progress.

Second try for the pics

very nice!
thanks for sharing your work
tritium slots? :wink:

That is so cool. Have been on a 14500 kick lately and that is nice. Wish I could justify ine.

There’s definitely plenty of room for tritium slots, any suggestions on where may look cool?

? :student:

I would like to see a 3d plus or X under the emitters on the front.

Actually on the front under the emitter there is quite a bit of meat, perfect spot for tritium now that you mention it!

Just made the bezel, by far the hardest part yet. It’s tiny, super fine threads, tiny, super small and oh yeah I don’t have a lathe so I had to make it on my mill lol. It came out pretty good definitely the piece I’m most proud of so far. The lighting sucks in my garage and the finish right off the machine looks much better in person but here’s a couple of pics.

Looking really good, great skills.

Finally finished! Taken forever but I have a completed light all made from scratch! let me know what you guys think!

Lead with the last paragraph in the OP. That’s my best suggestion.

I would like to see that kind of product.

Looks really nice!