The BLF DIY Forum First Annual Scratch made light contest - CONTEST IS DONE - WINNERS are Announced! in the OP

Well guys, I hope you do decide to try it. When I say from scratch, think of "receptacles" that could already hold a led, heat sink, etc. A piece of pipe, a plastic coke bottle, a beer can, etc. Think about it and your inventiveness might make it an easy build and still be a fun build. Can't a P60 drop-in be put in just about anything? Remember, you can use a pre-made lens, reflector, led/star, switch, etc. I think a P60 drop-in would qualify, even though it kinda sorta has a heat sink I really would not call it a heat sink. Or a copper pipe cap would substitute for the P60 "heat sink".

Anyway, I Hope you guys can be in it for sure.

EDIT:

And another thing..... Remember I am not in the contest. I am the one setting it up, but I'm not in it. It's for y'all, not me, so jump in and take a chance.

Ooh boy. This will convince me to start a build I’ve been thinking about for a while. Is butane powered torch (or similar) an acceptable tool for Hand-Made entries?

No fair! Old-Lumens (the king of customs) will win all the prizes for himself! :smiley: :smiley:

It sure should be. Glad to see you giving it a go.

Nope, I'm not in the comp, just running the comp. It's for the rest of you. I will just enjoy getting to see all the cool builds.

this will be so much fun :slight_smile: I’ve been meaning to build a new headlamp for ages as my current one annoys be no end - would a headlamp count? It’ll be made from 1in.sq. tubing like all my scratch built lights, but it won’t be hand held (that’s the idea!).

What a great idea!

I really look forward to seeing the builds.

Very cool!
I am extremely curious what great lights will come out of this. :slight_smile:
(but sadly can’t enter myself)

Thanks OL. Time to put the thinking cap on. Are we allowed to ask for ideas? Probably not so don’t answer that. I cant wait to see what some off the extremely capable and creative people here come up with. I know my main item will be a lot off scrap and my main design area will be filled with a lot off words that may be cursing. Where to start AA, 18650. 26650, gees i have a 16340 there I haven’t used yet.

How about portable? Hand held, head heldWink, as long as it’s meant for portability. Make sense?

This is a Terrific Idea O.L. ....

O.L. the Master Craftsman, will be a Judge. I can't wait to see some "Other" craftsmanship, but we ALL know we can't "Hold a candle Lumen" to O.L.

This is going to be FUN !!!

Great idea! :)

If I find the time, its hand made of course.

Count me in. Feindishly, feverishly thinking over the next 10 days. HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! >)
Handmade in the USA.

[tenting fingers]

Excellent...

To any members here that want to join in the fun but maybe a little intimidated by the experienced modders and builders here I would suggest that the judges may take previous experience into consideration. Even if they dont this may be the perfect opportunity to jump in the deep end and have a go and maybe learn a little more. Personally nothing please’s me more than seeing someone post a new mod or build for the first or second time that they dont deem worthy but made the effort anyway to show us what they have achieved even sometimes with pictures that may not be that clear.
So jump on board and help OL as he is helping us all.

this will be excellent source of free ideas :slight_smile:

I have my general concept planned now.

  • Reflector ordered
  • Home Depot loitered
  • Dremel primed
  • Sandpaper ready
  • soldering iron tested (can I use hot air reflow?, it’s part of my soldering station :smiley: )
  • hacksaw blade replaced
  • First-Aid kit restocked
  • Emergency numbers posted nearby

The countdown begins. J)

MRsDNF nailed it; a first effort is always interesting. I especially like seeing how someone overcomes say, a lack of certain tools or limited resources of some kind. The story matters too - having a son/daughter helper or incorporating some small aspect of your life makes it personal.

When I first joined BLF, it was always fun for example, tuning in to whatever Don was doing and seeing The Assistant always nearby. One time, he simply emptied the contents of his backpack and we spent a week or two comparing the carry-junk we have in our man purses. I knew then, I was in the right place.

To use a worn out phrase; it's not necessarily the destination, it's the journey.

reflectiveFoy

You have forgotten the primary ingredients,
For design: halucinogenics
For developement: mild euohorics(beer, etc)
For recovery: pain killers(band aids), I see you have those listed.

Warning, it is inadvisable to work with an open flame near alchohol above 100 proof.

Now you tell me…