Modding a Mag 3D for my dad (MT-G2) (My first build)

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

Hello all,

I am in the flashlight scene for a while now and I own a couple of nice lights. However they are all stock lights and it has been a while since i have build something (i like to build stuff, usualy DIY camera gear). But i feel like starting a nice project and build a flashlight from scratch so it can be how i want it to be. But i have never done this before and i have never even modded a flashlight but i think it will be a cool project for me to work on. Basicly i want to make the body out of alluminum pipe and i want to put a mt-g2 in it. 2-3 18650’s. Do you have any advice for me (and no i’d like a flashlight from scratch i know as a beginner modding a 2d mag or so seems more logical). I have searched ebay but where can i find emitter heatsinks drivers etc. to build my flashlight?

Greetz Bart

(ill keep you uptated as i make progress)

Update 11-9-2014:

I have now aquired a (free :slight_smile: maglite 3D wich I did some filework to. (Thanks to Old-Lumens video)
Imgur
Imgur
I am now figuring out what kind of parts and stuff I will need to complete the build. I know a 2D mag is better but I could get this one for free so ill use a 3D, ill make a dummie battery to make everything fit.

2

If you’re aware of regular Maglite builds then why don’t you look at those threads? They provide driver, emitter, MCPCB, and heatsink info.

It’s hardly “buildikng a MT-G2 based flashlight from scratch” if you’re using someone else’s heatsink though.

3

See my signature line. The videos might help give you ideas. Do a search here and especially on CPF for "mag", Maglite".

4

Personally, if I want to have a light the way I want it to be, I mod an existing light because if I start from scratch my limited skills and tools make it worse than an existing light. There is an amazing variation of cheap lights out there that, when rebuild with the right parts and skills , can be turned into great performers, and with some extra attention the appearance can be personalised too (see for inspiration Old Lumens art work).

If however you are really dedicated to do a from-scratch-build, please immediately stop listening to me and go ahead. I will folllow the build in awe (I presume you are going to start a building thread, please? :-) )

5

I love the idea and hope you go for it. Don't know if there will be another scratch build contest this year, but it may be worth holding off on actual building and just work on planning the build for a few months.

6

Hi,

Match did a from-scratch light that he documented here (a triple):

You could do something like that, and maybe use the Carclo optic for the MT-G2?

Do you want modes? Or just on/off?

If just on/off, you could do a direct-drive, with just a contact board and a resistor to limit current.

Good luck, and post your project!!

Jim

7

Hello all,

Thank you for the reactions! I have done some reading and I have decided that instead of building it from scratch i will be modding a 2d or 3d mag. This way i can get in to modding and building a bit easyer and besides I wanted to make a modded maglite for my dad for xmass since he still uses his incan mag. This seems a more logical step up towards building a light myself. I will do some more reading and i might ask some of you to help me out later. Luckely I know a guy who can make engravings in metals so i will be engraving “Bennolite” on the mag. Benno is the name of my dad so it becomes a nice personal gift.

Greetz Bart

8

Sweet. I know it’s a compromise, but in my opinion it’s the right move.

9

Do it! I wish more members would jump in and entertain us with build threads so we can share ideas and solutions.

10

I agree regardless of the experience of the modder/builder.

11

Here’s my last effort at that.

12

sorry i cant seem to get the pictures right in post #1

13

What’s your budget? Do you want a blinding light or something practical, within LED specs for eg. Runtime? Is your father techy enough to understand low voltage warning, or lithium ion safety? Check out mtnelectronics for starters.

14

Very nice file work. I'm sure your dad will love it.

15

Hmmm… blinding should do the trick ;p. My dad has some technical knowledge so 18650s should be fine.