The fit of the brass ring in the head has a lot of play so when it is tightened down it can be slightly off center -at least that was an issue on a few of mine. Just have to take care when tightening to make sure ring is also centered
Not sure why there was ever a fit issue at all though, since the first few prototypes were fine. It didn’t become an issue until later.
It was probably a case of the driver manufacturer not realizing the tolerances needed to be so exact. Their pcb boards might have a tolerance range of 0.6mm which is no big deal for most lights, but is a big deal for this light. So the pcb manufacturer might err on the side of caution making the boards a tiny bit smaller. This is better than too big like in the past. Still, too small means the driver might not be perfectly centered.
This is my guess.
If Lumintop did not contract out the drivers and instead made them in house, then they could probably stay on top of the tight tolerances.
—
Texas Ace Lumen Tube and JoshK Sphere calibrated with Maukka lights
The fit of the brass ring in the head has a lot of play so when it is tightened down it can be slightly off center -at least that was an issue on a few of mine. Just have to take care when tightening to make sure ring is also centered
I would guess that Lumintop machines the retaining rings themselves, so I don’t know why they can’t get a better fit. Maybe that was their first run of retaining rings and they are going to refine the fit on the next batch of rings.
What was the early ring made of, aluminum? It fit better, right? They may have switched materials, but kept the same cnc profile. The brass might cut differently than the aluminum and changed the fitment of the threads. It’s certainly possible. Or they did change the machining profile to compensate for the different material, but changed it too much.
They will probably never tell us these small details, but we can clearly see they are trying to make improvements where they can.
—
Texas Ace Lumen Tube and JoshK Sphere calibrated with Maukka lights
Someone posted their home made version somewhere around here. They found an 18350 tube from another light and then made their own inner tube. Is that what we’re looking at or is this made by Lumintop?
If Lumintop, then it’s a big deal. If homemade, then it’s ehh. Good for that person, but not those who want to buy it.
—
Texas Ace Lumen Tube and JoshK Sphere calibrated with Maukka lights
Pictures of the FW3A 18350 tube are from Martin’s facebook account so it might be official : https://www.facebook.com/172854069727800/posts/936991549980711
It’s a bit odd that it hasn’t been announced here first since the FW3A is a TLF/BLF flashlight. :/
Someone posted their home made version somewhere around here. They found an 18350 tube from another light and then made their own inner tube. Is that what we’re looking at or is this made by Lumintop?
If Lumintop, then it’s a big deal. If homemade, then it’s ehh. Good for that person, but not those who want to buy it.
Somebody? Did not find a 18350 tube…I bored the tail end and machined the tube to a press fit…the Ti/mini is at a Jewelry store to be Laser welded inside the tube as I machined a double lap joint for extra strength….
. Sent a bunch of pictures of my builds to Neal who in turn sent to Lumintop to get the ball rolling, thank Neal for pounding this into Lumintops head, they didn’t want to do it initially…
. Neal sent me this badass Titanium clip I guess for helping?… so I mounted it… added trits…
Very cool! That mokume gane clip looks very excited to be on that light!
Hahaa yep excited, I wanted so badly to put it on the FW3a mini but it is too long… so looking into finding or designing shorter clips for my mini FW3’s I plan on making more of the “Homemade” Ti/mini’s for a few close family/friends…
Separate so we can use it if we want or not. One more thing, COPPER please!
Chris
—
Chris
richbuff said “Sometimes, I feel depressed about my spirit having been cast down to the hostile surface of this one-star planet, without my asking God first, and without God asking me first. I have found that a brief burst of maximum light from what is currently the smallest size flashlight per power makes it all ok/fine for a while, until the next time I feel the need to repeat.”
richbuff said “Sometimes, I feel depressed about my spirit having been cast down to the hostile surface of this one-star planet, without my asking God first, and without God asking me first. I have found that a brief burst of maximum light from what is currently the smallest size flashlight per power makes it all ok/fine for a while, until the next time I feel the need to repeat.”
Removable ring is better I think. By the way, what are the current best 18350 cells?
It would be a good idea if those could be sold with the tubes.
Best in what way? I use Vapcel 1000mAh (purple) in all my 18350 lights but the largest available capacity is what I base my choice on, there may be a higher current option if you want more output at the cost of runtime.
—
RIP SPC Joey Riley, KIA 11/24/14. Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.
Someone posted their home made version somewhere around here. They found an 18350 tube from another light and then made their own inner tube. Is that what we’re looking at or is this made by Lumintop?
Somebody? I did not find a 18350 tube…I bored the tail end and machined the tube to a press fit…
Not too bad for being “Homemade” I guess…
Not you, someone else.
—
Texas Ace Lumen Tube and JoshK Sphere calibrated with Maukka lights
Someone posted their home made version somewhere around here. They found an 18350 tube from another light and then made their own inner tube. Is that what we’re looking at or is this made by Lumintop?
Somebody? I did not find a 18350 tube…I bored the tail end and machined the tube to a press fit…
Confused on whether this short version would work on the first version of the FW3A.
Other than that I would want it to be usable with a pocket clip. ^^
The fit of the brass ring in the head has a lot of play so when it is tightened down it can be slightly off center -at least that was an issue on a few of mine. Just have to take care when tightening to make sure ring is also centered
It was probably a case of the driver manufacturer not realizing the tolerances needed to be so exact. Their pcb boards might have a tolerance range of 0.6mm which is no big deal for most lights, but is a big deal for this light. So the pcb manufacturer might err on the side of caution making the boards a tiny bit smaller. This is better than too big like in the past. Still, too small means the driver might not be perfectly centered.
This is my guess.
If Lumintop did not contract out the drivers and instead made them in house, then they could probably stay on top of the tight tolerances.
Texas Ace Lumen Tube and JoshK Sphere calibrated with Maukka lights
Click this to go to signature links. I'm still around, just not reading many new threads.
I would guess that Lumintop machines the retaining rings themselves, so I don’t know why they can’t get a better fit. Maybe that was their first run of retaining rings and they are going to refine the fit on the next batch of rings.
What was the early ring made of, aluminum? It fit better, right? They may have switched materials, but kept the same cnc profile. The brass might cut differently than the aluminum and changed the fitment of the threads. It’s certainly possible. Or they did change the machining profile to compensate for the different material, but changed it too much.
They will probably never tell us these small details, but we can clearly see they are trying to make improvements where they can.
Texas Ace Lumen Tube and JoshK Sphere calibrated with Maukka lights
Click this to go to signature links. I'm still around, just not reading many new threads.
Found on reddit : 18350 tube for FW3A
Add a new pocketclip that will work with that and I’m in!
Someone posted their home made version somewhere around here. They found an 18350 tube from another light and then made their own inner tube. Is that what we’re looking at or is this made by Lumintop?
If Lumintop, then it’s a big deal. If homemade, then it’s ehh. Good for that person, but not those who want to buy it.
Texas Ace Lumen Tube and JoshK Sphere calibrated with Maukka lights
Click this to go to signature links. I'm still around, just not reading many new threads.
Pictures of the FW3A 18350 tube are from Martin’s facebook account so it might be official : https://www.facebook.com/172854069727800/posts/936991549980711
It’s a bit odd that it hasn’t been announced here first since the FW3A is a TLF/BLF flashlight. :/
I think Lumintop designed this accessory, not a BLF team member
I did not share the pics here because it's not easy using the phone
planned to do so tonight from my PC
PLEASE NOTE
i do not work in "reviews, deals and codes" for the time being
maybe M4D M4X will return one day, but until then:
THANK YOU FOR YEARS OF YOUR SUPPORT AND FRIENDLY CONTACTS!
OK martin, no big deal.
So there is a 18350 tube with a machined cigar grip ring and a 2nd one without ?
Somebody? Did not find a 18350 tube…I bored the tail end and machined the tube to a press fit…the Ti/mini is at a Jewelry store to be Laser welded inside the tube as I machined a double lap joint for extra strength….
. Sent a bunch of pictures of my builds to Neal who in turn sent to Lumintop to get the ball rolling, thank Neal for pounding this into Lumintops head, they didn’t want to do it initially…
. Neal sent me this badass Titanium clip I guess for helping?… so I mounted it… added trits…
. Not too bad for being “Homemade” I guess…
KB1428 “Live Life WOT”
Very cool! That mokume gane clip looks very excited to be on that light!
Hahaa yep excited, I wanted so badly to put it on the FW3a mini but it is too long… so looking into finding or designing shorter clips for my mini FW3’s I plan on making more of the “Homemade” Ti/mini’s for a few close family/friends…
KB1428 “Live Life WOT”
I want that clip on a Cu version. That needs to be an option.
Direct from lumintop:
RIP SPC Joey Riley, KIA 11/24/14. Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.
Awesome. I think rubber grip ring myself.
18350 version looks nice.
I think it looks strange. Maybe it looks better without the rings. Kawiboys version for the win for now.
Separate so we can use it if we want or not. One more thing, COPPER please!
Chris
Chris
richbuff said “Sometimes, I feel depressed about my spirit having been cast down to the hostile surface of this one-star planet, without my asking God first, and without God asking me first. I have found that a brief burst of maximum light from what is currently the smallest size flashlight per power makes it all ok/fine for a while, until the next time I feel the need to repeat.”
Also:)
Chris
richbuff said “Sometimes, I feel depressed about my spirit having been cast down to the hostile surface of this one-star planet, without my asking God first, and without God asking me first. I have found that a brief burst of maximum light from what is currently the smallest size flashlight per power makes it all ok/fine for a while, until the next time I feel the need to repeat.”
I would say that the rubber, removeable ring would be better for me. I’d buy one for each of my lights.
Removable ring is better I think. By the way, what are the current best 18350 cells?
It would be a good idea if those could be sold with the tubes.
The rubber one looks better.
Best in what way? I use Vapcel 1000mAh (purple) in all my 18350 lights but the largest available capacity is what I base my choice on, there may be a higher current option if you want more output at the cost of runtime.
RIP SPC Joey Riley, KIA 11/24/14. Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.
I guess both high drain and high capacity leaders. I haven’t used anything but 18650s in quite a while.
Not you, someone else.
Texas Ace Lumen Tube and JoshK Sphere calibrated with Maukka lights
Click this to go to signature links. I'm still around, just not reading many new threads.
Was it this………..
KB1428 “Live Life WOT”
Removable ring is much better.
KawiBoy1428, that looks great. Incredible work. Also, that clip is lit.
Confused on whether this short version would work on the first version of the FW3A.
Other than that I would want it to be usable with a pocket clip. ^^
That 18350 FW3A is awfully cute!
How to Post Images on BLF // Many knives for sale (USA only)
How to move a thread
I say with removable rubber ring
I hope 
And finally it is a reality
Any news when this will be available?
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