The bug has bitten now, I want to upgrade my 2d maglite to be something more useful.
I’m happy cutting and soldering, even a bit of sanding is ok. But I don’t have access to any sort of lathe or milling machine. So parts need to be off the shelf and relatively direct fits.
I’ve got 18650s so happy to switch to those or other cells if needed.
What sort of parts do I need to be buying to achieve what I want?
Budget and any ideas of how you want it to turn out?
My most common 2D mag mod is to buy an H22A heatsink from CPF, NANJG 105C driver, XM-L or XP-G2 emitter on a 14mm star, cut down the tailcap spring, use PVC pipe as a battery spacer to allow for 3 x C cell NiMh (or AA's with C sleeve).
However, It's probably easier and cheaper to get some type of 52mm drop in from one of the China vendors. I haven't done that yet though.
Would $50 be enough?
I’d like something that’s technically involved enough to be a challenge, but also ending up with a bit of wow factor if possible? Maybe just silly bright? Maybe huge throw if that possible? It’s for fun/show rather than practical use.
The first option sounds like just what I’m after. Complex enough, but not too bad. Ill search for a thread with an example.
[quote=5678]
Just realize that once you open that door (modding) there's no turning back :)
Ha! My wife will go nuts! “Why have you bought more torch parts?!”
Any chance you can help me out with links to the parts Ill need? I’ve found the heat sink on Cpf already. Any info on the pipe spacer measurements?
[quote=JonnyC]
Once you open that door and find out that your mod is not as powerful as you thought, that’s when the gates of hell open up (so to speak).
If you're wanting to use 18650's, then you would probably look at the DX drop ins. I think they take about 6-8v, where the mod already suggested here will only take one 18650, or 3 NiMHs.
Well at least you have a wife to try and stop you ;)
Sure, hopefully these will help.
Heatsink - you found it. I just get the DHS Flat Top D.
Driver - Info: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/1022. Can be found at almost every flashlight site, like KD, DX, intl-outdoor, cnqualitygoods, lightscastle.
LED - Any of the sites above, I would just suggest an XM-L.
Spacer - I'll have to measure when I get home. I just brought my Mag to the hardware store and found some PVC electrical conduit that fit perfect.
The only other parts you will need are thermal adhesive, wiring (22 gauge silicon jacketed is a good way to go),and batteries that can handle 3+ amps (will not be able to run alkalines).
Hi i’ve built a few Mag’s and this is the route i’ve chosen.
Heatsink from DerWichtel on CPF
20.45 shipped (Euro)
Driver from Kaidomain
http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S020073 $4.79 free p+p
Led: of course XML
http://kaidomain.com/product/details.S009989 $6.65 shipped
And then some artic adhesive i think i got mine from ebay…
This set up whilst tricky with regards mounting the led is very sweet when finished and allows me to run the xml using only off the shelf C cell nimh which i got from Lidl for a few quid 
The heatsink JonnyC mentioned is probably easier to work with though…
Theres a silver on in my sig
Thanks all. I need to do a. It more reading up and get my head around the components and battery setups first it seems.