Maglite Like Handles

[acook59]

Hi guys,

I'm figuring out how to make my first prop and it would seem that the easiest way for me to get a battery out and replace it would be by having a end screw cap that i can unscrew, pull out the battery and replace it, simple.

However, i can't find any maglite style things that have a knurled metal screw cap attached, that i can glue to the body of my prop and integrate it. Do you know anywhere that does things like this so i don't have to put the screw ridges in the cap and body myself?

 

[acook59]

Please help guys!

 

[Great_Bizarro]

Easiest way to add power is something like this

http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...&cp=2032058.2032230.2032264&parentPage=family
Put a hatch on your project where you can remove it.

 

[acook59]

Thanks but not really what i meant

 

[noble]

Can't you just use a donor Flashlight?

 

[SaberFreak]

Even if you were to find a knurled metal screw cap, do you have a machine that can put the threads onto the body of your prop so you can screw on the cap?

Reason I ask is because if you have access to such a machine, then you probably also have access to machines that can make a knurled metal screw cap.

Maybe you can post some pics of what you're making so we have a better idea of what you're trying to achieve?

 

[noble]

Some sketches may help, but

why not use an actual maglite?

You could just use the Battery cap + body.

Just chuck the rest.

 

[acook59]

Well i guess saberfreak that's what i want to find if i can get made OR if i can find a tool to do both of those jobs or a company that does it to order!

Sounds dumb, but i don't actually know how to post pics but if u tell me how, i will do.

Also, i would use a real maglite but they're expensive and also i can't just find the threaded casing and threaded end cap which is really all i want

 

[SaberFreak]

To post pics you need to sign up for a free account at a photo hosting site like www.photobucket.com or www.imageshack.com, upload your photo there, and then copy & paste the IMG code here.

I have this Eveready flashlight which has a rather interesting look. Is this like what you're looking for?

It even come with a built in retractable metal loop:

Loop retracted

Loop Extended

Loop Ready To Use

 

[acook59]

Hmm not really, it's more maglite like.

Are there companies out there or tools you can buy to do the knurling and threading?

 

[acook59]

Here are the pics!

 

[SaberFreak]

Wow, that is some funky looking parts, whatever they are...

Did you make them or are they made from found parts?

 

[SurferGeek]

A little nod to the TOS Phaser eh...

 

[feek61]

Wow, that is some funky looking parts, whatever they are...

Did you make them or are they made from found parts?

Those photos are all from the IAW Star Trek auctions.


Will

 

[noble]

Also, i would use a real maglite but they're expensive and also i can't just find the threaded casing and threaded end cap which is really all i want

Be prepared to pay a lot more to have a machine shop do custom one-offs.


There are several places in the socal area that have industrial junk.
Airplane,electronic,heavy equipment,misc. parts that have things like you
want. The movie industry uses them often. I'd check if you have something
like that in your area.

 

[acook59]

I know some people have had their props made of metal on here, is there anyone here that's had it done? How much was it and for what?

 

[SaberFreak]

Anything made for sale here is always for a large quantity. The larger the quantity the cheaper. If you want to make just one item, or one each of a few items, its gonna cost you a LOT.

 

[acook59]

I mean does anyone have the kit at home for any reason and are into props and wanna help out?

Otherwise, if i were to go to a company and say, make me one, what kinda figure you talking?

 

[SaberFreak]

I still have no idea EXACTLY you're trying to get made. Its definitely gonna cost a lot more then a maglite that's for sure.

Just to give you an example russrep's screw mount for the driod caller is going for $59 shipped from the UK, and its only an itty bitty thing slightly over an inch across:

And Russ made a bunch of these to arrive at this price.

 

[acook59]

I just thought it would be easier to change batteries on a prop if i had a screw end and since maglite screws are rather nice looking i thought about those but it just seems like it'd be too expensive to get anything like that so i'll have to come up with something else.

Then again, people always seem to be having aluminium light sabers machined to what they want, so it can't be that expensive, can it?