A Compilation of Useful Information Thread (Work in progress, please help!)

[Chloe]

Recent thread about anodizing:

Anodizing on flashlights. How can you tell a difference?

Ok, so I’ve been doing some reading on anodization. It seems there are sub levels, even within HAIII, HA II, etc. Then there’s also those who can tell the difference between HAII and HAIII, even if the manufacturers specs say something different. My question is, how does one tell the physical difference and feel between II and III- based up touch and look?

Soldering setups:

What kind of soldering setup do you use for mods?

Hi guys, After recently completing a mod on my JM07 I’ve decided that the cheap $2 chinese soldering irons are not the way to go for future mods, especially considering the one I’m using doesn’t seem to get hot enough at the tip even at 60W. I’m going to buy a new one on the net somewhere. Any advice, in particular on soldering vertical (when relying on the tip of the soldering iron). Are flat tips better? How many Watts would you recommend?

Tool recommendations:

Tools Recommendations? Need Soldering iron, Multi-meter, etc....

Hello fellow flasholic+modders, I’m looking to mod my SMALL SUN ZY-T13 (T40cs clone) like the links below. It’s under-driven and I won’t stand for it Do you have any recommendations/deals for tools? I know I’ll need a decent soldering iron with a fine tip, and something to measure voltage and current. Depending on how this goes, I hope to mod more in the future. Thank you for your help!!

Two threads on DMM leads:

Modifying Digital Multi Meter (DMM) Leads

one thing i dont get is people modifying digital multi meter (dmm) leads i have a cheap dmm and a fluke dmm they read very very close to each other i belive the fluke leads are calibrated with the unit (and should not be changed). i also belive the cheap dmm is to, i have used shorter larger dia leads with less resistance it gives higher current draw test on the cheap meter but when compared to my fluke dmm and a family friends new fluke the readings are much higher more impressive but to me th…

So you need thicker leads for tailcap readings... where do you buy them?

Using my Excel XL830L cheapie multimeter, just tried measuring some tailcap readings and get consistently lower readings. Leads too thin? I’m using some leads that labels itself as MASTECH 1000V CAT III 10A, bought it at local supermarket. Would a Fluke test lead be good? I’m expecting some people to reply DIY own test leads (btw can’t find any good guide to DIY thick leads), but I’m wondering if there are ready-made around.

Cerakoting lights:

Stormtrooper lights - lots 'o pics

Hi folks, With the recent arrival of several Star Wars-themed lights, I thought it appropriate to add my take on the theme. Here are some Stormtroopers. White Cerakoted Solarforce L2T with custom head and black Cerakoted Klingon bezel: [image] [image] [image] Solarforce L2i body, custom finned head in white Cerakote, coated tailcap: [image] [image] [image] Custom grooved and Cerakoted Solarforce L2i body, custom white bezel ring: [image] [image] [image] Solarfor…

Resourceful reflowing:

Reflowing on a glass-ceramic cooktop is really easy

[image] I did my first reflow work today and discovered that it was so easy that I had to report it here. I reflowed 5 bare nichias to 16mm stars for XP-G’s in less than 5 minutes including a function test of each. And the result is excellent. A year ago I bought some solder paste but have’nt really used it: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/lodestar-soldering-paste-50g-4711 It had hardened some (solder paste should be kept in a refrigerator) but I managed, with tweezers, to put small blobs of i…

Sourcing o-rings:

Good place to order orings from?

I’m looking to order some o rings. I need a size chart and good place to order from.

DIY integrating sphere:

Match's Mods: Homemade Integrating Sphere

Gentlemen, (Foy inspired quick summary: I made my own I.S. using a $2 big rubber ball, paper mache, and a luxmeter[image]) [image] When I was into building disturbingly fast street cars, one tool that I always wanted was my own personal dynometer so I could accurately test/tune the fruits of my labor. Seeing as how they cost over $15k and would take up the entire garage, I was stuck either finding a local shop with one or testing at the local drag track. For reasons I can't fully…