Diode press tool.... 12mm modules.

[photonaholic]

Anyone have a faster way to press diodes into modules?? If I had a CNC I'd just make a jig. Using a socket and pliers works, but I'd like a fast way to mass install diodes. Thanks..

 

[BowtieGuy]

Just curious, how many diodes do you need to press?

You could use one of Flaminpyros installation tools, it would still be one at a time, but probably easier and more consistant.

 

[photonaholic]

Just curious, how many diodes do you need to press?

You could use one of Flaminpyros installation tools, it would still be one at a time, but probably easier and more consistant.

I build light shows, and can get bulk diodes cheap, I really like the no press lab modules, especially for higher powers. But for 80mw and below, a 12mm copper ring module is just fine, and a lot cheaper..

 

[photonaholic]

You could use one of Flaminpyros installation tools, it would still be one at a time, but probably easier and more consistant.

Thank you so much... I will do this, and it is nice to support a fellow enthusiast.....

 

[paul1598419]

I use this same tool to press my diodes. I have a large pair of channel locks to press them with. I just got my 9 mm diode extractor today because once in awhile you will get a module that isn't within the correct tolerances and you need a way to remove the diode if it doesn't seat properly. BowtieGuy made me my extractors for 5.6 mm diodes, so I now have everything I should need even if the press goes wrong.

 

[Anthony P]

Slightly off point, but the insert stiffener from a 3/8od plumbing compression fitting is the perfect size to seat 5.6 diodes

 

[paul1598419]

The diode presses we use screw onto the module and guide the press so that it is unlikely that the diode will shift position and press in crooked.

 

[RedCowboy]

Much better than channel-locks use a vise or a c-clamp and lay a scrap of flat metal over your modules lens end to protect it while pressing.

 

[paul1598419]

My channel locks open to 4 inch jaws and I put a piece of metal over the top jaws years ago to keep them from marring any modules. They are over two feet long, so there is a great amount of pressure that can be exerted at the jaws. I have pressed well over 100 diodes this way and it works very well and amazingly fast.

 

[RedCowboy]

No, No, No, the vise is better, always the vise is bett............2 feet long.............REALLY ? Those are like door knob breakers, were you on an eviction crew with those ?

I can't find any 24 inch slip joint pliers for sale.
I did find some 16 inch > https://www.eastwood.com/channellock-460-16in-straight-jaw-pliers.html?SRCCODE=PLA00020&msclkid=a337ce023a0a143d169f95d1cb577041

 

[paul1598419]

Yeah, those are shorter than mine. I have a vise, but it is so much easier with these massive pliers. Much faster too. I used a piece of steel off of a cheap battery charger to cover the jaws on the upper mouth and it takes me about 30 seconds to press a diode. I cannot do that in a vise. I do get a lot of leverage from the long handles. Don't knock if you haven't tried it.

 

[RedCowboy]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO ..............LOL, Just messing with ya, hey if it works for you cool, I prefer my vise although sometimes I use a C-clamp depending on where I am working.
You have a good level of control with the vise, such as slacking up and turning it 180 mid press, but if you're happy with your pliers then KOOL







---

 

[paul1598419]

Man, that is one well fed cat. I think it could stand to skip a few meals. Maybe that is what he is complaining about. NO, NO, NO, NO more food!

 

[RedCowboy]

Cat seems to be just a bit insane.

 

[paul1598419]

Yeah, I got that same vibe too. It looks like it is a cross between a long hair and a short hair something, with laid back ears that almost look like it has no ears at all.

 

[Anthony P]

Just a thought... build some sort of jig for drill press.