Making my own host

[Uberstrobe]

A few days ago I though it would be a neat little project to make my own host. With darkzero's recent release of his own host it pushed me even more.

This will be a fairly long (I'm expecting a month or two) build. I will update this regularly.

I was pretty determined to use 2011 T3 Aluminum, but now I see I can get 303 Stainless Steel. Right now I'm thinking of using a 1" hex stock with a price under $20/ft. This rules copper out. 360 alloy brass is also an option, but with a considerably higher price meaning I would only buy 6".

Or, donations/low priced sales of various materials would be nice.

Cliffs:
I'm making a host. What material would you like to see? I will probably be giving it a high polish after the body is done. Will be using one type of thin fin design or another as well.
Options in cost ascending order:
2011-T3 Aluminum
303 Stainless Steel
304 Stainless Steel
360 Brass
Suggested metal/alloys besides copper/other expensive metals unless sold at a low price or donated.

Also, what is the typical host diameter for normal hosts? 1"?

All comments/suggestions welcome. Positive or negative.
Thanks!

 

[charliebruce]

6000-series Aluminium alloys are quite popular too, I've used some and like how easy they are to machine and work with. They can be polished to a mirror finish or buffed, but can also dent more easily than stainless steel will.

 

[Uberstrobe]

6061-T651 was my very first choice, but for some reason I wanted to try some free machining materials.(Listed)

I may just go back to it because I can get 1.25" hex stock for about the same price as the 2011-T3.

Though I'm liking the idea of a stainless steel/brass host... I just can't make up my mind. :thinking:

 

[Pontiacg5]

What are you using to turn this thing down? The size of your lathe will decide what material to use.

As far as 303 stainless, I can probably get you a couple of bars of cold rolled bar scrap from 6" to about 10" long, anywhere from 3/4" to 1" diameter. Send me a PM if you are serious and I'll see if I can get my boss to let some scrap go for recycle prices.

I would personally use aluminum for a first run, then the more expensive stuff if it turns out good.

 

[Uberstrobe]

It's a 6x24. It will do fine for this stuff.

I'm going to be using 1.25" 6061-T6511 aluminum just because I can get it for for decently cheap.

Working on some CAD files really quick. Should have something to post tomorrow. The diode will be a SF-AW210.

If you can get some 1"-1.5" stuff I would really appreciate it!

 

[Uberstrobe]

Sneak peak

 

[Pontiacg5]

That lens looks a bit far away from that diode, the lens usually sits really really close to the diode.

Just looked again, and I guess that might not be a diode but a termianal. Either way its looking good!

 

[darkzero]

It's a 6x24.

Cool, what kind? Got a pic?

Can't wait to see what you turn up.op:

 

[Uberstrobe]

I didn't put the lens/carriage in there, nor the spring or turn knob. Right now the only thing that is in there is the Aixiz head with no diode etc. I also didn't do the external safety switch terminal and spring assembly.

Sure, I'll grab a pic or two once I get to turning. I actually decided to borrow(temporary trade) my friend's Enco 9X20 for this project. May just throw some cash on mine and trade with him if it does well. I'll have to figure out something since the spindle bore is only 20mm...

I don't have very many tools (certain boring bars for internal bores etc) and my CADs show that. I liked your brass ring idea for terminal soldering for the driver and I used that if you didn't notice. The hexes are 1.25" wide face to face. It holds 3 CR123As and the overall assembled length is approx 7". It's pretty robust and I think is an appropriate heatsink for a 12x. I may make the hole cut to carry the wires larger in order to remove the press fitted Aixiz module if I want to change diodes without possibly ruining the threads of the Aixiz module.

I may be putting one of the ~400mW 445nm diode in this thing...

I plan on polishing this thing to the best of my ability and eventually selling it on here. What are some bad things about the design?