[Andy13]

I just got all my stuff for a single xml light. I checked out Troutie's post about notching out the holder for a Laura lens holder to allow it to sit flush without the solder points getting in the way. I need to mount the LED w/ two screws, one will fit between the solder points where it is notched. It looks like I need another notch opposite this on the holder to allow room for a screwhead to sit above the LED and not cause the holder to sit 'nonflush'(? I don't want to glue the LED to the sled I am using..... or do I?
AND Does the lens come out of the holder easily? I assume I don't want to start sawing, drilling, filing the holder while the lens is attached. I just don't want to break anything.
Thanks.
Andy

 

[mattthemuppet]

the optic comes out of the holder dead easy - just find a nice flat tipped screwdriver and on one side of the holder there's a slot between the holder and the front edge of the optic. Lever gently and it pops right out. You might break one of the 4 pins holding the optic in the holder, but it goes back in easily if you need it to.

 

[Andy13]

Thanks Matt. What do you think about using thermal epoxy to mount the star? My desire is to be able to change the star later (like that'll happen) but since it'll be mounted to the sled which is removeable I guess I could pry the star off if necessary in the future? Thanks for all the help on this project.
Andy

 

[P220C]

If you work under the star with a thin utility knife (box cutter) that uses stout razor blades, you should be able to remove the glued-on star without issue.

Arctic Alumina Epoxy stuff is sticky and strong, but it is brittle enough that you can use picks and sharp blades and what not to chip away at it if you change your mind.

 

[mattthemuppet]

I personally wouldn't epoxy stars down, unless I was positive I would never want to remove them. You can get them off, but there's a big risk you'd damage the rather thin alu of the sled doing so. I just upgraded an XP-G to an XM-L in my Achesalot style helmet light, which took perhaps 20min - my sled-style lights would take even less time. Just knowing that I can do that to my other lights is enough to want to use screws, even if it means other hassles

I keep telling myself not to upgrade my XP-G commuter light to an XM-L (I only finished it on Sunday fercrissakes!), perhaps when XM-Ls get superseded and drop in price..