My first magnum mod...nothing special

[boondongle]

So I got bored and picked up a flashlight from Walgreens. I believe it's the same one Cisco used in his tropical magnum mod...I went with blue, though:

The only real problem I ran into was finding a way to mount the PCB inside, as it's a bit smaller than the inside diameter, and I broke the metal retaining ring that originally held it in place. I finally just filled the entire head with hot glue, and it seems to work well enough, although going back in and fixing anything with be a major hassle.

I think I'll like it a bit more when my 18500s come in, and I can stop using the PVC sleeve to fit a 14500 in there.

 

[AngusATAT]

Great job. It looks really good.

 

[vendo]

nice job
the're not as big in the hand as you would think are they.
I went with a bottom button on mine so I could cram an 18650 in it.

 

[boondongle]

Great job. It looks really good.

Thanks! I'm not too happy with it, though. The glue was a pretty clumsy fix, so I'll probably take another stab at it. The connector is off center by a hair, and I can't help but notice. And I put a ding in it. In case you couldn't tell, I'm a bit of a perfectionist.

 

[boondongle]

nice job
the're not as big in the hand as you would think are they.
I went with a bottom button on mine so I could cram an 18650 in it.

Now that sounds like a challenge. I'll have to see if I can fit an 18650 with a side switch, now.

 

[vendo]

Now that sounds like a challenge. I'll have to see if I can fit an 18650 with a side switch, now.

The first one I did had a side switch but I had to remove the bottom clicky and replace with a washer to make the room for the 18650.
I actually prefer the bottom button now though and if it ever fails it will take less than a minute to replace

 

[boondongle]

Well, I went and did it...it's a tight fit, but it's got a side switch, bottom safety switch, and an 18650.

 

[AngusATAT]

Well, I went and did it...it's a tight fit, but it's got a side switch, bottom safety switch, and an 18650.

Very nice!

I wish I had the skills (and the tools) to make one like that.

 

[breakfastchef]

The first magnum mod is always the most memorable. Great job on both units!

 

[boondongle]

Hah! Replace "skills" with "willingness to screw it up a dozen times over before figuring out how to do it right" and "tools" with "cheap dremel and soldering iron" and you'll be working with what I've got. Seriously, I didn't do any of this stuff until I started building mods. Almost anyone can do it if they're willing to learn by screwing up, as well as dealing with cut/scraped/burned fingers/hands.

 

[AngusATAT]

Hah! Replace "skills" with "willingness to screw it up a dozen times over before figuring out how to do it right" and "tools" with "cheap dremel and soldering iron" and you'll be working with what I've got. Seriously, I didn't do any of this stuff until I started building mods. Almost anyone can do it if they're willing to learn by screwing up, as well as dealing with cut/scraped/burned fingers/hands.

Well, I do have a dremel somewhere... just got to get a soldering iron. Maybe I'll ask the "old pros" like you for some advice when I start my first one.

 

[boondongle]

I wouldn't call myself either "old" or a "pro," but I'm happy to share my experiences and advice. And if you're going to give modding a try, I'd suggest a nicostick as a first project. There's nothing easier to make.

 

[opuscroakus]

Well, I went and did it...it's a tight fit, but it's got a side switch, bottom safety switch, and an 18650.

How much of the bottom spring did you have to remove to get that 18650 to fit?

 

[boondongle]

I didn't shorten the spring. I figured it would be entirely compressed anyway, so there would be nothing to be gained by it.

 

[vendo]

Hah! Replace "skills" with "willingness to screw it up a dozen times over before figuring out how to do it right" and "tools" with "cheap dremel and soldering iron" and you'll be working with what I've got. Seriously, I didn't do any of this stuff until I started building mods. Almost anyone can do it if they're willing to learn by screwing up, as well as dealing with cut/scraped/burned fingers/hands.

LOL i'd give you the thumbs up if I had any left.
Looks like you used the same solution I did with the led holder in the end. I had to dremel the coating off mine as it is conductive and made the circuit without the switch
I will have to get another of those torches to try as the other magnum I got the side switch in did not have the screw top and had to press fit the end cap of another £1 magnum to make the room

I just bought these today

The big one is just too small (ID) for a 18650 but plenty of room for 2 x 16340,switch and regulator for a 5v option

 

[boondongle]

Looks like you used the same solution I did with the led holder in the end. I had to dremel the coating off mine as it is conductive and made the circuit without the switch

Huh...nope...mine's definitely not conductive. I just pulled out the multimeter to test it. Must be a different model.

I just bought these today

The big one is just too small (ID) for a 18650 but plenty of room for 2 x 16340,switch and regulator for a 5v option

Those are awesome! What are they and where do I buy them?

 

[vendo]

Search for pollen press. It's something to do with compressing wacky backy. guy in shop looked bewildered when I pulled out some AA batteries and inserted them (ok re-read that and I mean in the pollen press ok folks 8-o )
The smaller ones fitted the AA but will not take a 14500 and the larger one will not take a 18650. will take 2 x 16340 but I will get some 17670 and try. They measure about 17mm with my ultra precise tape measure so they may not fit either.
The large one measures 90mm x 23mm OD so about the same as the magnum I have, but with the end caps unscrewed about half way gives another 10mm if required

 

[Bubo]

Almost anyone can do it if they're willing to learn by screwing up, as well as dealing with cut/scraped/burned fingers/hands.

I'm still recovering from burned and cut thumbs and fingers from a simple passthough I made last Friday... Still hurts!

But it works GREAT!

 

[Guitarslinger]

The lights with the removable top portion (PCB, etc) are much easier to work with, imo. Bought some from Harbor Freight without it and they are a bit of a pain.