Hello guys, new member here
I’m looking for a relatively cheap and round 3xAA or 4xAA light to modify into a 1 D light, there doesn’t seem to be many 1 D lights around.
The SAiK SA-305 looks like a candidate but I’m not sure if a D cell will fit in there. The Ultrafire and Aurora 3 AA lights also look nice, but also not sure if D cell will fit.
Thanks!
Welcome to this nice place, gunner12!
Welcome to BLF Gunner! There are a few folks around here who own those lights in question. I'm sure they'll be along shortly to give you an answer.
If you're just looking for a host, a simple cut down D mag is always an option.
-Match
I know the saik-305 will not fit a D cell however it will fit a C cell.
Are you in the US? I have s Saik-SA-305 as well as the Home Depot 4AA Defiant light (posted here, do a search) and a 3AA from Tractor Supply very similar to the Saik. I'll try to get back with measurements.
-Garry
Thanks for the welcome!
Yeah, I didn’t think the SAiK-305 will fit a D cell, and a cut-down Mag would be a but pricey.
I made a Neutral white XM-L 3D mag and recently got 4 D cells to run it (Tenergy Premium 10Ah), so I’ve got an extra D cell that I would like to put into a light. Already have a 3 mode single cell driver and LEDs from other mods so all I’ll need is a host.
See link here: http://m111.photobucket.com/albums/garrybunk/4AA%2050%20LED%20Home%20Depot%20Light/?src=www which has photos of my 4AA Defiant light. My post is here: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/9776. I'm not sure how well the head is going to work for you, but it definitely fits a D cell.
-Garry
Are you not in the US?
I’m in the US in the New England region. Might drop by Home Depot to look at the Defiant light, thanks for the tip Garry!
Well if you're in the US then you can get a maglite for 15-20 dollars and then cut it down your self.
I’d love to, but all I have is a dremel and a drill, and a few files somewhere.
That’s never stopped anybody. Have a look for OL’s human lathe video. 
That is quite literally all you need. I have made one and am working on my second using the same things. It is time consuming but totally worth it. I will be back in a few minutes once I find the tutorial.
Edit: Here the guide on how to do it is. Use this bit in your dremel to bore out the inside and a file to do the outside. (Dremel bit 115)
Thanks for the links. I’ve seen mods without a lathe but I personally dislike press fit parts. ma_sha1 on CPF also did a nice cutdown mag mod without a lathe.
Thanks for all the help!
What about buying aluminum/copper tubes and making the light from those? Like match’s custom light. If I use copper, I can solder/braze the parts together in an oven or over a fire.
That could definitely work but the question is whether you would be able to find 32mm ID copper tube.
There are folks on this forum and CPF that can cut down a Mag and rethread it for you.
Would you be willing to do that for me PCC? If so how much would it cost?
A cut and retread is fairly easy to do, but, my lathe isn’t big enough to handle longer jobs. If its a 2D or less cut-down with external threads I can do it, but, internally, it is pushing the limits of my lathe. A 1D with internal threads I can easily do. Either job is $20 if you supply the host. I’m buying 3D MagLites plus a Mini-Mag these days for about $20 if you want me to supply the host.
So it's possible to get a 1d mag with internal threading to match the tailcap for 20 dollars+host?
Yes.
