Rayovak 2xAA host.

Found this host at menard's for $12.98.
The top of the head doesn't have a lip, so the heat sink can't be mounted like in most hosts. But there is a lip on the inside in which an o-ring originally sat, So I made use of it.

The heat sink is direct diode heat sink (first one i've made) It would of been perfect but i found that i need a bottoming tap because i can't get the threads deep enough. The heat sink has a groove cut toward the top where a rubber o-ring sits. Once everything is wired up, you simply press the heat sink into the top of the host. When you press it in, the o-ring sits inside the groove on the inside of the host. This creates a VERY strong bond. The only way to get the heat sink out now is to reach in with an x-acto knife and cut the o-ring.

The tail cap features a momentary switch. It also has a constant on/off feature by twisting the tail cap. So you've got both momentary and CW capabilities. Everything on this host screams quality. I can't believe they are only $12.98

I was forced to use my 445nm diode to test the host, it's the only diode i own...
Luckily i made myself a tool to pop the diodes out of modules without damaging them.

I scratched up the top rim of the host when i was designing the heat sink, cutting o rings out ect...

:beer:Nice work Moh!!!

I like it!:beer:

Sexy. Plan on selling any?

-Jakob

Maybe once I get a bottoming tap so I can get the lens threads deep enough (or make it for a module)

It's a.....worrisome? build. There is just a little bit of spacer for the driver, plus once you pop that heat sink into place, it won't come out so you have to make sure everything is perfect.. unscrewing the head of the laser with twist the wires and snap them off, and you can't grab the heat sink to pull it out, you either have to cut that o-ring and pull it out first, or force the heat sink out with a vice from the inside. You wouldn't think that little rubber ring would hold it so tight, it's quite impressive.

Damn that sounds like a pain if you'd want to adjust the current or something similar. Still a beautiful job though, I really like the twist for constant on or push for momentary on. That's an awesome feature.

-Jakob