The Contest is Done! I will have the winners results in a few days. Once the judges all contact me, I will tabulate the results and let you all know.
Here are the Winners in the 2013 DIY Contest:
Rufusbduck for Single Emitter Hand Made
relic38 for Multiple Emitter Hand Made
MRsDNF for Single Emitter Machine Made
vestureofblood for Multiple Emitter Machine Made
Rufusbduck is also the Overall Contest Winner. Best in Contest!
Here is what the contestants win:
Rufusbduck walks away with $100 USD
relic38, vestureofblood and MrsDNF each get $50 USD
There's more - I can't tell you how hard it was for the judges to choose winners, so for the rest of you guys? You are all winners and it was so close that you need to be rewarded too.
DBCstm - $25 Gift Certificate from LightsCastle + $15 Gift Certificate from Illumination Supply
RaceR86 - $25 Gift Certificate from LightsCastle + $10 Gift Certificate from Illumination Supply
FmC - $25 Gift Certificate from LightsCastle
JA7 - $25 Gift Certificate from LightsCastle
dave_ - $25 Gift Certificate from LightsCastle
texaspyro - $25 Gift Certificate from LightsCastle
ruffles - $15 Gift Certificate from Illumination Supply
nickelflipper - $10 Gift Certificate from Illumination Supply
Pulsar - $10 Gift Certificate from Illumination Supply
Hopback - $10 Gift Certificate from Illumination Supply
Contestants - I will PM you in a day or two and let you know how to redeem your prizes.
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I sincerely want to thank the contestants for making their builds. I know sometimes it's hard to reach out and try something new and also it can be hard to be in the limelight sometimes, for risk of failure. None of you failed. You all exceeded any expectations with the fabulous builds and the great threads you made. I am deeply indebted to you all for making this such a great contest!
To the sponsors, (both BLF members and sellers), I thank you for giving me the ability to give prizes out to our contestants.
The the rest of the forum, I thank you for supporting our contestants during the competition.
YEEHAW!!!
I think that about sums up how I feel.
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The BLF DIY Forum First Annual Scratch made light contest
Contest Entry – Sign up here, to enter the contest. When you post that you want to enter, make sure you state if you are entering in the Machine Made category or the Hand Made category. You can enter only one of the two. Entries will be accepted until 06/08/2013 at Midnight UTC.
EDITED 6/7/13: The Contest begins on Midnight UTC 06/08/2013 and runs until Midnight UTC 06/30/2013 07/15/2013 (hope that helps). Do not start your build before the contest starts.
Here is a World Map of Time Zones showing the current time, with UTC time at the bottom of the chart.
Here is a UTC converter, which may help.
Contest rules are described below. (This is an honors system contest, please honor the rules so we can all have a fun and honest contest).
Requirements for the Machine Made category:
No modding of an existing light. It Must be made from scratch. No pre-made heat sink, or flashlight head, body, tail cap, etc.
Lights must be constructed out of at least 75% metal. The other 25% may be of some other material.
Exceptions: You may use a pre-made switch, driver/contact board, spring, led, star, reflector, lens, “O” rings. EDIT: I will add a P60-Drop-in (bare/empty drop in), to the list of acceptable.
The light has to fit into One of two sub-categories: Edited
- Single emitter light
- Multi-emitter light
It must be a hand held light, not stationary.
It has to work and you must be able to show a beam shot of it working.
In order to participate and be judged, you must be able to photograph the build as it progresses. Actually, that will help the judges determine how well you have made your light, so photos of the build, as it is being done, are mandatory. Use anything that can take clear and detailed photos for your build thread.
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Requirements for the Hand Made category:
No power tools. Nothing that is powered by AC or DC, such as a lathe, end mill, drill press, saw, sander, buffer, etc.
No coatings that would need electricity, such as Anodizing, Plating, etc. Nothing sent to outside shops to have work done or coatings done. Painting with a spray can is allowed.
Exceptions: An electric hand held drill or a Dremel/Rotary Tool. A soldering gun for soldering wires.
No modding an existing light. It Must be made from scratch out of non-flashlight parts. No pre-made heat sink, or flashlight head, body, tail cap, etc.
Lights must be constructed out of at least 25% metal. The other 75% may be of some other material.
Exceptions: You may use a pre-made switch, driver/contact board, spring, led, star, reflector, lens, “O” rings. EDIT: I will add a P60-Drop-in (bare/empty drop in), to the list of acceptable.
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The light has to fit into One of two sub-categories:
- Single emitter light
- Multi-emitter light
It must be a hand held light, not stationary.
It has to work and you must be able to show a beam shot of it working.
In order to participate and be judged, you must be able to photograph the build as it progresses. Actually, that will help the judges determine how well you have made your light, so photos of the build, as it is being done, are mandatory. Use anything that can take clear and detailed photos for your build thread.
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You may enter in only One Category, Machine made OR Hand Made
Judges, made up of BLF members, will judge for:
- Most original
- Best constructed
in each category, with an “Overall Best of Contest”.
All Contestants: You must make your own build thread in the DIY Forum and PM me with the Link. I will Link ALL your threads in One Post here, where everyone can get to it easily. So make your thread when you are ready and PM me with the link. Wait till the contest starts before making your thread please.
Prizes:
$50 for Most Original and Best constructed, in each category
And another $50 to whoever is “Overall Best in Contest”.
All builds and build threads must be completed by the end of the contest. No late entries. I think it would be good if you make your thread as you work on the light, to build a little suspense and give the judges more time to view your work. I just think it’s better to have the thread up there for members to see during the 3 weeks.
There are several member judges for this contest. I am one and I will not be participating as a contestant.
Once the Contest ends, the judges will have 3 days to select their choices for each category and for best of contest. I will notify the winners and post the results here.
This is hopefully, the first of many Annual modding contests. If it goes over well, I hope to have other contests of this type.
Above all, have fun with this. It’s just a way to let you get more involved in the forums and have some fun with flashlights.
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
Sponsors:
I am looking for sponsors or benefactors for this Contest. I will pay out the prizes, but it would help tremendously if any members wanted to kick in a buck or two, to help with the prizes. You can PM me or send money via PayPal to oldlumens@gmail.com
If for any reason the contributions become more than the initial prize values, I will add 2nd and 3rd place prizes and/or raise the prize amounts for the winners.
07-07-2013 I wanted to let you all know that Illumination Supply has just become a Sponsor in this Contest. The pot gets larger and now there will be a couple (or more), gift certificates going out to "runners up".
07-09-2013 We have another Sponsor for the Contest. LightsCastle is donating SIX $25 Gift Certificates. That means more prizes for more contestants! Yahoo!
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
I am trying to keep track of a list of contestants and a link to their builds as they put them up.
If you see I have not included you, or put you in the wrong category, let me know via PM and I will change it.
Hand Made
relic38 http://budgetlightforum.com/node/22203
Slim Pickens
mattthemuppet
NightCrawl
Rufusbduck http://budgetlightforum.com/node/22205
FlashPilot
ruffles http://budgetlightforum.com/node/22234
RaceR86 http://budgetlightforum.com/node/22207
kbark
djozz
JohnnyMac
baterija
DBCstm http://budgetlightforum.com/node/22254
FmC http://budgetlightforum.com/node/22208
dave_ http://budgetlightforum.com/node/22226
nickelflipper http://budgetlightforum.com/node/22215
texaspyro http://budgetlightforum.com/node/22945
Hopback http://budgetlightforum.com/node/22250
JA7 http://budgetlightforum.com/node/22848
Pulsar http://budgetlightforum.com/node/22213
Machine Made
MRsDNF http://budgetlightforum.com/node/22253
Chicago X
vestureofblood http://budgetlightforum.com/node/23004
lunaras
Serifus
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
Reserved
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
This is awesome! I may not be able to start the build, but I can think about what to build. I would be interested in the hand-built category.
Great idea O-L!
Welcome the night.
My Reviews My Mods http://budgetlightforum.com/search?
Great contest!
I will think about it, but because I have limited time and a family with a young boy, I'm afraid I do not have enough time/workspace for a build from scratch
link to djozz tests
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.
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
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!
Review: 150 Million Candlepower Military Xenon Arc Battlefield Illuminator (AN/VSS-3A)
My new collection of 50+ Chinese knives
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
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.
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
this will be so much fun
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.
The numbers from my light tests are always to be found here.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0ApkFM37n_QnRdDU5MDNzOURjYllmZHI...
Very cool!
I am extremely curious what great lights will come out of this.
(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.
djozz quotes, "it came with chinese lettering that is chinese to me".
"My man mousehole needs one too"
old4570 said "I'm not an expert , so don't suffer from any such technical restrictions".
Old-Lumens. Highly admired and cherished member of Budget Light Forum. 11.5.2011 - 20.12.16. RIP.
My PayPal address: oldlumens (insert the @ sign here) gmail.com
My YouTube Flashlight Video Channel
The BLF Modding Links Thread
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.
Three Tanna leaves to give him life, nine to give him movement. But what if he eats the whole bag?
Scott
[tenting fingers]
Excellent...
http://wardogsmakingithome.org/index.html
War Dogs, Making it Home - Rescue Dogs for Returning Vets
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.
djozz quotes, "it came with chinese lettering that is chinese to me".
"My man mousehole needs one too"
old4570 said "I'm not an expert , so don't suffer from any such technical restrictions".
Old-Lumens. Highly admired and cherished member of Budget Light Forum. 11.5.2011 - 20.12.16. RIP.
this will be excellent source of free ideas
The countdown begins. J)
Welcome the night.
My Reviews My Mods http://budgetlightforum.com/search?
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
No referral links and nothing embedded . . . ever.
 
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.
Three Tanna leaves to give him life, nine to give him movement. But what if he eats the whole bag?
Scott
Now you tell me…
What you meant to say
Welcome the night.
My Reviews My Mods http://budgetlightforum.com/search?
I thought those ingredients were inherent, like eggs for breakfast J)
Welcome the night.
My Reviews My Mods http://budgetlightforum.com/search?
Well I hate to admit it, but I once build a light from galvanized pipe and a P60 dropin. It was so ugly that I dubbed it “the fuglight”. I should have taken pictures before throwing it in the garbage can. What a hideous obamanation.
I’ll have to try some if the medicinal inspirational additives listed above before I break out the soldering iron again. Can I dowse a rag with xylene, toss it into a paper bag and use it as a creativity inducing inhalant?
Review: 150 Million Candlepower Military Xenon Arc Battlefield Illuminator (AN/VSS-3A)
My new collection of 50+ Chinese knives
You know the original light built can only be improved on.
djozz quotes, "it came with chinese lettering that is chinese to me".
"My man mousehole needs one too"
old4570 said "I'm not an expert , so don't suffer from any such technical restrictions".
Old-Lumens. Highly admired and cherished member of Budget Light Forum. 11.5.2011 - 20.12.16. RIP.
Handmade and fugly is what y’all can expect to see from me. Thanks, O-L for thinking up this bit of awesomeness.
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