One of my other hobbies. Flashlights

[slo-ryd]

how much does it cost to make or buy one?

Bare bones, no frills in the $200-$250 range
As pictured with custom machine work and the multi-level switch...almost double that.

and if it starts paper on fire how safe is it?

It's as safe as matches, not for kids.

how long do the batteries last?

At full brightness 8-10 minutes. Thats the nice thing about the multi-level driver/switch, you can run it at 30% brightness for presumably 30 minutes. On low (30%) it's still roughly 20 times brighter than a stock MagLite.

Keep in mind this uses a 100w bulb whereas a regular 3D MagLite uses a 4-6w bulb.

I too love flashlights! (I'm a LED fan) but I think I might just have to get this one next:
Handheld Sunbeam | Popular Science
They mislabeled it though, it's 52 million candlepower.

That light was produced by one of our forum members that goes by "Ra" (Egyptian Sun God) lol

It's quite a piece of work. :righton:

 

[slo-ryd]

Here's a small clip showing some real world light output.

Small (raw) clip showing light output HERE <---CLICKY (3.3mb)

 

[Z06-Goose]

Here's a small clip showing some real world light output.

Small (raw) clip showing light output HERE <---CLICKY (3.3mb)

Wow! that's some powerful stuff

 

[ryandamartini]

Id be very interested to seeing if we cant see what to put to gether for a pocket swirl detector.

 

[maesal]

My Fenix is amazing for that !!

 

[ryandamartini]

i never messed with flashlights, but I was very into making mini mags and breeding them with dvd burner lasers.

 

[dengood1]

What would you recommend to cheaply make your standard Maglite brighter? Sometimes I would like mine to have a little more "ummmph". Any bulbs you recommend?

 

[Gary Sword]

Wow, I would be scared to shine that thing on my car.

 

[slo-ryd]

What would you recommend to cheaply make your standard Maglite brighter? Sometimes I would like mine to have a little more "ummmph". Any bulbs you recommend?

A simple bulb change won't do it. You also need to increase voltage and prepare the other components for additional heat.

I've built a few for friends that make stock Mags look like a single match

 

[neoseikan]

I also designed some flashlights, for example, the Spartanian II and Legion II.
If you don't care, I will show your some photos in dark night.

 

[unclestu]

Yet another way for us newbees to burn our paint. What ever happened to a marshmallow on a stick in front of the fire. LOL