Welcome to the forum bsfollows. I understand where you're coming from. There is a lot more to a flashlight than meets the eye and it can be overwhelming at times. Since you sound like you're a fairly handy person with some transferable skills, the best approach would probably be to just jump right in and get your feet wet. I find I learn way more doing than reading alone. You need something straight forward and cheap so you won't feel too bad if you break anything. If you give a little more info, I think someone will have a good simple build recipe for you. Can you give any info on the following:
- Do you have any experience with or the knowledge to safely handle rechargable lithium batteries?
- Is there a type of light you don't currently have that you would like to have?
- Info like what you would use the light for, what size you would like it to be, etc is another way to answer this question.
I'll leave you with this thread link. Several new people have successfully modded the light in it. Try searching New 612.
Welcome again.