at first I couldn’t fabricate my way out of a wet paper bag.
then? theres “this guy” using a drill press to get by without a lathe… hmmm…
set of hand reamers… files… different people found me different workarounds? but… OL was the “spark” and inspiration.
when I successfully started “milling” with a converted big drill press? I learned basic machining… eventually knew I COULD use a lathe now, so I got a little one. I am JUST about to get a small milling machine to go with the little lathe… and all my “hand experience” is not a waste, it adds to it.
I still don’t think of myself as “machining” and “fabricating”?? but… I just hum a few bars and can fake it really well, lol…
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NONE of this was all possible? without the “spark” from OLD LUMENS.
SOME times? its just a random “spark” you get from some stranger, that makes a SMALL change in your life, if you only accept it? and that small change slowly turns into a big one, you don’t notice it until you get to your new destination? THEN you realize, you would NEVER have gotten “here”… without that little spark way back when…
What a nice tribute to our dear departed friend. As some of you know I haven’t really been here in a long time. That is very closely tied to all this. After Justin passed I had the honor of becoming very good friends with Val. In the last few months of her life we talked almost every day. Very sweet lady with a great sense of humor despite all the pain. I’m glad she and Justin are both out of pain now but it did hit me pretty hard. I wouldn’t change a thing and it is honor to have been friends with both of them. It did take a big toll on me emotionally though. I haven’t quite been able to get back here like I intended yet. My good friend Dale helped me plenty in all this and I’m happy to say I even made it out to Texas and was able to meet him and his family and share some laughs…and some tears. Wonderful people.
I still have some of the last knives Justin made that I was putting together in wooden display boxes intending to auction them off for Val. More story there and kindness from BLF members who added some special touches to help me complete them. I will complete them eventually and figure out some way to do something good with them and get them to BLF members who will cherish them. I don’t know quite what that is yet but I’ll think of something. I won’t be able to get back here on a regular basis for a while yet but I wanted to check in with y’all and say thanks on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Old Lumens. They both greatly appreciated all the kindness shown by the good people of BLF.
That a great legacy they both leave behind, J-Dub, and so thankful you could spend some of those last precious moments with Val. Take your time, show yourself some grace as you move forward. What a treasure that you’re passing on that same light that they passed on to you. Bear it well and we’ll talk to you when you can…
I’m new here. I’ve read many posts of Old-Lumens but I just found out he’ll not write any more. A great loss for this forum. I’m also sorry for Mrs. V, but on the other hand feel kind of relief they’re together again.
Looking at first post I realized yesterday was secend anniversary of his pass away. Last seen: 2 years, one day ago.
By writing this post I want to let you all know the Old-Lumens has left great legacy in this forum and he was and he will be admired over times. Being a newbie here I do not hesitate to call him a guru of flashlights. He is still living in followers who inspire by his projects.
R.I.P wise man
I have been around this hobby for a while but never communicated directly with Old Lumens.
Recently I found Old Lumens channel on youtube while I was exploring knife sharpeners. His videos are a part of his extraordinary legacy and forever there to enjoy - so are his posts on here.
Rest in Peace Justin and Val. You will be remembered and missed by this community.
J-Dub, so nice to hear you were there for Val with conversation and listening after Justin passed. My condolences on your loss. Having lost three family members myself over the course of 2018, I can appreciate the grief you are going through. It takes a lot of strength and bravery to open one's heart and love. Hang in there buddy.
I just signed on for the first time in a while and saw this in my subscriptions. Sad to hear about Val but glad that her suffering is now over.May they now rest in peace together.
I thought i would post here to keep the legacy of Old Lumens alive. He was an great inspiration to many of us here on BLF, even though he has been gone now for nearly 5 years, … and Mrs. Lumens has also passed on… The legacy & inspiration will live on i hope. It was Old Lumens’s custom MagLite creations i seen first, to discover the Budget Light Forums, and since that day i consider this community a home to one of my most favorite interests & hobbies. We will never forget you Justin.
I am still subscribed to his YouTube channel! I loved his builds and ideas for custom lights. Especially like how he didn’t use advanced tools like lathes or a mill. I came to the forum a little late to catch the main content, but it’s fun to read back through.
:+1:
