Project Idea: CNC'd Flashlights

Maybe you're interested in acquiring something created using CNC, or you could just be looking for a unique project or present. What's sturdy, fitting of the unusual contemporary adjective "Tactical", constructed using CNC, and a great alternative when firearms and knives don't appeal to your interest. Have you considered crafting your own trendy tactical flashlight design?

Yes folks, there is a hobby centered on making cool custom flashlights.  There's even a great big online community that's chock full of ideas, techniques, and others who are enthusiasts.  It's called "Candlepower Forums," but these babies are anything but simple candles.  Be forewarned, a lot of these threads do not involve custom machine work.  Most are focused on modifying existing commercial lights in some way or another to improve and customize.  Like so many other hobbies, those who have the gear and the know how to CNC are in the minority, but that minority has the ability to really push the envelope when it comes to creating some cool projects.  No matter, even commercially made lights can serve as inspirations for your own custom designs.

To do this kind of work,  you'll want a CNC lathe, and probably a mill too.  Full details on the electronics needed to produce the best result are available in the forums.  Here's a sampler of designs and articles to get the juices flowing:

Beautiful work by PhotonFanatic who has a forum thread showing off his prototypes...

PhotonFanatic also has a web site dedicated to his work...

Custom "Pineapple" knurling looks great...

Gentlemen, start your ballnosed endmills, there is texturing to be done!

The diminuitive SPY007 is fully machined and palm sized...

Simple design, nice finish, would love to have one...

There are many more designs posted as well as numerous build logs and how-to's.  If you think you might like to build a custom CNC flashlight, head on over to the CandlePower Forums for more information.