Yes, we watch those fires on the news and it will almost make your eyes wet every time. I cannot understand why we haven't called in enough military planes to at least slow down the ...butte fire... is that the right name? Middle Town sure got it bad as well. You folks have sure been through it between the danged drought and fires. I have a lot of customers out there and several have had to run... and a couple lost everything. Just sad.
You ALL are in our prayers and thoughts here. TL
The scope of a fire that burns over a hundred square miles is beyond comprehension. There isn’t enough water or retardant to stop it, the terrain is too rugged to line up on it, and the fuel is too dry. The weather makes a huge difference, as soon as it cools off and the onshore breeze brings up the humidity they can make headway(about 10% more containment per day) but otherwise they just hope to save what they can when they can and stay out of the way. Some are started by accidents and some by dry lightening strikes but when it’s hot and dry something’s gonna burn. Many of the people displaced moved there because land is cheaper but the areas are remote and virtually impossible to protect when airborn embers can start a blaze a mile away or more. Probably need to see a shift in how homes are built(reduce the damage) rather than think it can be stopped once it’s going. I’d think rammed earth would be a better candidate than stick framed houses. In any case a lot of generous people are stepping up and volunteering to help these folks out without waiting for the Red Cross to sort itself out. No matter where you live it’s always something.
Wouldn’t they consider blowing it out? I’d think if they could drop a few well placed blasts and blow out the fire then the properties saved would be worth the destruction of the blast. AsifIknowanythingaboutthatkindofthing
Very nice work, I’m always impressed by your skills when it comes to making lights.
Blowing it out works great on single source burns were you can consume all the oxygen and snuff it out but these forest fires burn along fire lines ten, 20, thirty miles long in ragged, uneven lines that jump over streams and canyons creating huge up drafts that sweep the flames up 1000 foot tall ridges in minutes leaving hot spots behind that burn for hours and smoulder for days, a real holocaust. Sometimes if the wind is right they can set a back fire to burn the fuel ahead of the main blaze but that doesn’t always work. You have to remember that the crews need a way out and winding dirt roads don’t make for fast getaways. I can’t imagine a more hot, dangerous, dirty job.
We went to Carlsbad Caverns a few years ago and the area had been ravaged by fire. Everything was so rugged you could plainly see there was just no way for a firefighter to get to it to fight it. And a lot was barren looking rocky land with cactus, stuff that didn’t look like it would burn, made the mind wonder where the fuel came from, but a massive area was blackened and scorched nonetheless.
For the mountainous/craggy forest fire type that’s going on over there, like you said, no access, no water. A nightmare scenario to be sure.
Hey, I’m in Aus, you can send me that gorgeous light, the postage is cheaper locally. 
Excellent build MRsDNF, your lathing skills are impeccable.
Another really sweet one Steve. How was the light mounted when you cut the slots? It looks like it’s in the lathe jaws and center.
Amazing. Just Amazing. I can’t get over the talent here.
Thanks again guys.
The old part of the bezel was held in a three jaw chuck on a rotary table with a modified center on the tailstock centered in the battery holder where the rubber switch boot sits in. The slot was machined and the rotary table turned manually thirty degrees for the next slot. The tear drops were added later as the battery holder looked unfinished with a plain tail section on it. The small groove around the outer diameter at the end is just to make the tail of the battery holder look like it is held on with the cap screws.
I've modified the battery holder slightly by adding a small piece of heat shrink around the positive button so that if the holder is placed downwards on a metal surface with batteries in it there will be no short.
Wow. Haven't been here in a while. She's a real beaut with a beam to match. Before now, I just thought of the XPE as a small light emitter. Thanks for opening my eyes.
I love chunky lights, but the lines and shape of your creation is beyond compare. Congrats big time!
Thanks. I don't think I'd use one in a big reflector but four small ones work well for me. I should but don't have one a SkyRay King or something similar to compare it with. I have an original Trustfire TR3 T6 but it's not in the same league.
I too was surprised when I put 12 of the little XP-E2 Torch emitters in a shower head light. Pretty amazing stuff!
I still can’t fathom how you derive the idea to chop reflectors and leave that center post and mill slots and teardrops and and and… Orsome! 
Dang you were at Niagara Falls? that was only roughly 2.5 hours from where i live.
I've said this before about leds that it amazes me when I receive or build a light whether it is running at a bazillion amps or half an amp just hoe (edit, how) much light these things put out. The right led in the right reflector for a particular job just works.
Yes I was at the Niagara play ground and lots of other places. It still feels like a dream. I was probably close to a lot of members here but luckily no one had to meet me. 
If anyone has found a SD card with pictures and video of Las Vegas and LA on it give me a holler. 
Super sweet build! Good Work!!!
Don’t ya know? What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. At least your SD card knew the rules.
I think Tina said she’d be contacting your wife shortly about that card and the pictures it has on it…
How did you find out about Tina? Remember what happens on BLF stays on BLF. 
Just between the two of us do you think Tina can be bought.
Yes, and she comes in several sizes. Optics that is. Ledil Tina optics. Really.