Everydaysurvivalgear and I have exchanged thoughts on this.
We believe that it is okay to use a tool or to incorporate an object (parts) in a challenge entry as long as that item is a stock item, not custom-made by someone else special for you.
For example, in some of his projects, Old Lumens himself used copper discs which he bought from Bopper Metal Supply. I have used some copper discs from them after Justin suggested them as a good source. Many different sizes and thicknesses are available. However, it would be wrong to have anyone else cut some discs from a copper bar or sheet for me as a special service. Does that make sense?
I have just brought a shed or house depending on how you look at it on a 1000m² block. Plenty of room for a workshop including a forge. I get keys next week so I may still have time for a simple build.
I think I have everyone listed and a link to their project topic. Not everyone has sent me a PM so if I have missed posting someone’s entry please PM me. There are many days I don’t peruse all the new posts
Is the rubber boot for the tail switch of a light allowed to be used or does that not fit the criteria of allowable manifactured parts for the hand made category?
Interesting question.
Over the past 5 or so years that I have watched and participated in the O-L challenge, I do not recall a switch boot question coming up. Many of the past challenge winners (those entries that got to select a prize) used flashlight switch boots for their switches. To my knowledge, nothing was said to any of those enrants. I have used switch boots in several of my prior year entries with nothing being mentioned to me. I have never been a judge so I have no idea if any past judges discussed the use of a switch boot.
I have sent a PM to my cohort, everydaysurvivalgear, to see what he and the judges think on this.
Are factory-made switch boots okay or not?
Do you consider a boot to be a part of the switch assembly?
How about the pcb that some switches come attached to?
I think the PCB is fine, since we allow circuit boards anyway in general (drivers, MCPCBs). Bonus points of course for those who have etched their own.
Switch boots are just generic enough that I’d say they should stay okay. I did also use one on a previous light. After all, I can find rubber switch boots on random aliexpress stores, not just flashlight stores.
I of course yield to judges decisions, but I recommend at this point in this year’s contest that we allow precedent to remain. If people want to change it for next year, I don’t care.
Disclaimer: I am not entered in a category that would be affected by the ruling, but I am competing (just, in modified light category, where they’re obviously fine).
