Tofty's Custom Brass Torches

Gareth · **Reply #30 on:** January 30, 2012, 08:23:45 PM

I think I might even prefer the look of MkII, the triangular end especially looks great IMO.

Sparky415 · **Reply #31 on:** January 30, 2012, 11:03:09 PM

That is very nice and would probably feel better in your pocket than the one with the knurling

Tofty · **Reply #32 on:** February 18, 2012, 07:38:32 PM

Time for Mark III,
slightly different tail arrangement that allows an attached split ring to lie flat when tail standing.

Check out the General Tool Discussion Forum for a chance to win this torch.

Sparky415 · **Reply #33 on:** February 18, 2012, 07:53:24 PM

That's beautiful Tofty

edcgear · **Reply #34 on:** February 18, 2012, 08:04:42 PM

Quote from: sparky415 on February 18, 2012, 07:53:24 PM

That's beautiful Tofty

+1

AHB · **Reply #35 on:** February 18, 2012, 08:52:47 PM

Amazing craftmanship Tofty..

Neil · **Reply #36 on:** February 18, 2012, 10:41:44 PM

Brilliant work (pun intended

)

I know it would result in a chunkier torch but seeing the end of MKII makes me think a torch with a triangular cross section would be fun.

Tofty · **Reply #37 on:** February 18, 2012, 11:17:07 PM

It's an idea certainly,
It would be a deal more complicated but would make an interesting feature for torches that use a 3xAAA configuration like the maglite xl100. The joins would be the really hard part unless round end sections were used but that would defeat the point.

J-sews · **Reply #38 on:** February 19, 2012, 12:24:45 AM

I said so in the other thread, but I'll say it again here: Outstanding machine work there sir!

You've really outdone yourself yet again. Congrats on a stunning torch, and thanks for the generous giveaway!

A question though (perhaps already discussed previously in this thread..?) What will you do to prevent the brass from tarnishing? I love the shiny gold color of freshly cut brass, but after just a bit of handling, it always turns a dull dark brown.

The only thing that I've tried that seems to prevent this is a coat or two of clear enamel spray paint, but the downside there is that the paint doesn't seem very robust, and tends to come off with rough handling, thereby exposing the raw brass again.

Have you had any better luck than me?

Tofty · **Reply #39 on:** February 19, 2012, 01:58:11 AM

I hadn't really considered any way of keeping brass from tarnishing, in fact it's the fact that it does tarnish in the way that it does that attracts me to it.
In 50 years this torch might look weathered, stained, tarnished and corroded but will still be in as good a working order as when it was made (ignoring the inevitable failure of the led).
I like the fact that it Looks used.
If i want a material that will not change over time i would go for stainless or titanium, or if i really want to spend money i could try and source some of the more corrosion resistant bronze alloys like alu-bronze.

I wouldn't consider coating items because as you say the coating is not durable enough and it will wear unevenly exposing bare metal in patches leading to an uglier surface than natural tarnishing.

Another reason why i haven't considered surface protection is that whenever i feel i want to clean something up i can clamp it in the lathe and spin it up with some brasso, takes a couple of minutes.
Not really a useful solution for most people but there you go.

J-sews · **Reply #40 on:** February 19, 2012, 06:42:02 PM

Ahh, I hear you there.

Yes, I suppose that is the best approach to take.

Again, lovely machine work sir.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #41 on:** February 20, 2012, 02:13:46 AM

I agree with everyone else- that is some excellent work there, and kudos for sharing it with everyone!

Def

muddysuki · **Reply #42 on:** February 21, 2012, 08:08:42 AM

Really impressive. Wonder what the MKIII will look like?

muddysuki · **Reply #43 on:** February 21, 2012, 04:59:18 PM

Quote from: muddysuki on February 21, 2012, 08:08:42 AM

Really impressive. Wonder what the MKIII will look like?

Oops, i mean the MKIV

Tofty · **Reply #44 on:** February 21, 2012, 06:08:11 PM

Yes you do you big numpty, cheers anyway.
Mark IV may well end up using a different lens, reflector, led/driver and battery type but apart from that it will be the linear progression of the original concept (being made of brass).

J-sews · **Reply #45 on:** February 22, 2012, 02:50:53 AM

I just re-read your photo captions from earlier in this thread....you made your own tap?!

Wowwwwwww.

Tofty · **Reply #46 on:** March 04, 2012, 11:33:56 PM

Well here it is, version 2.0, the forth iteration of my brass torch experiment.

(this one ended up taking 22 hours to render)

(this one took less than an hour and a half to render as it doesn't show the lens)

It uses a cree XM-L on a 14mm MCPCB passing through a carclo 10003 20mm TIR lens.
The driver is a 3 mode, 2.8A, 8xAMC7135 unit running off either a single CR123, RCR123 or 16340 battery.
The main head has a solid core between the light engine and the driver for improved heat dissipation with the finning further reducing the problem.
The tail contains a forward mcclicky switch which is shielded from accidental operation.
The components that are usually threaded onto the main body are mostly secured with small M2 countersunk screws.

If a moderator could change the title of this thread to "Tofty's Custom Brass Torches" i would really appreciate it.

Gareth · **Reply #47 on:** March 05, 2012, 01:51:41 AM

that's one heck of an impressive project mate.

Title change done.

edcgear · **Reply #48 on:** March 05, 2012, 08:21:30 AM

Aiiiiii

Neil · **Reply #49 on:** March 05, 2012, 10:25:59 AM

I'd forever have a toothbrush on it between those fins

I'm sure it'll be lovely

Essexman · **Reply #50 on:** March 05, 2012, 07:09:55 PM

Quote from: Tofty on March 04, 2012, 11:33:56 PM

Well here it is, version 2.0, the forth iteration of my brass torch experiment.

It uses a cree XM-L on a 14mm MCPCB passing through a carclo 10003 20mm TIR lens.
The driver is a 3 mode, 2.8A, 8xAMC7135 unit running off either a single CR123, RCR123 or 16340 battery.

2.8A from a CR123 ?

Tofty · **Reply #51 on:** March 05, 2012, 07:35:47 PM

Yeah alright, not with a CR123 then just the rechargeables, and i doubt it will reach 2.8A, it's just the driver i chose. https://illuminationsupply.com/8xamc7135-28a-selectable-mode-driver-p-45.html.
I could of course make an extra middle section to allow it to use two CR123s and run closer to it's maximum but does it need it? i just designed it to look pretty, if light comes out one end then it's a bonus.

J-sews · **Reply #52 on:** March 09, 2012, 02:33:49 AM

WOW!!

That rendering is spectacular Toft!

Can't wait to see the real thing in the flesh

Tofty · **Reply #53 on:** March 09, 2012, 08:41:01 AM

In that case here are a few more renders just for you

Unfortunately i can't really start this build until illumination supply get the LEDs and driver boards back in stock, and i also ought to finish my dive torch before starting this one.

Essexman · **Reply #54 on:** March 09, 2012, 01:47:06 PM

Quote from: Tofty on March 05, 2012, 07:35:47 PM

Yeah alright, not with a CR123 then just the rechargeables, and i doubt it will reach 2.8A, it's just the driver i chose. https://illuminationsupply.com/8xamc7135-28a-selectable-mode-driver-p-45.html.
I could of course make an extra middle section to allow it to use two CR123s and run closer to it's maximum but does it need it? i just designed it to look pretty, if light comes out one end then it's a bonus.

i've used the exact same driver in maglite mods with and XML. But I was using 3 C cells making 3.6V. Dam bright!

With such high current your runtime will be limited using CR123 size batts. Have you looked at 18650s ? Twice the length of CR123 size, but you would get longer run time.

Lookimg good anyway, love the pics

Tofty · **Reply #55 on:** March 09, 2012, 05:30:49 PM

I want to keep the form factor so if after some testing i'm not happy with the performance i will use the 1.4A driver instead.
My Dark Sucks Alpha uses the 2.8A driver with a 18650 cell so i want to try something a little different.

J-sews · **Reply #56 on:** March 10, 2012, 04:37:36 PM

Let me know if you need any particular size carbide endmills, drills, taps, etc Tofty.

Essexman · **Reply #57 on:** March 10, 2012, 06:32:08 PM

Quote from: Tofty on March 09, 2012, 05:30:49 PM

I want to keep the form factor so if after some testing i'm not happy with the performance i will use the 1.4A driver instead.
My Dark Sucks Alpha uses the 2.8A driver with a 18650 cell so i want to try something a little different.

Good point, the single CR123 is a reallt nice in the hand form factor.

I love the Dark Sucks Alpha, had one for a week on a passaround. But it is a long body for a 18650. If you were to compare it to a Zebralight 18650 the zebralight looks like an AA light!!

Tofty · **Reply #58 on:** March 11, 2012, 12:22:55 AM

Yeah i like the look of the zebralight sc60 and at 40mm shorter than the alpha seems too short to be possible, pity it can't run at full output for more than 5 minutes.
At least you know your holding the alpha and has been proven to be rather robust.

Thanks for the offer J-sews, i need to do a drill audit soon as some of them are a bit worn and some of them are completely......well you know, i'll keep your offer in mind.

665ae · **Reply #59 on:** March 11, 2012, 02:25:18 AM

That looks pretty darn cool. What's the reflector going to be made of?

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