Introduction: Eclipse (or Altoids) Torch
I always wanted to do an Altoids project but i have never seen them for sale here in New Zealand... we do however have these Eclipse mints...
Plus its recycling and it green..!
So here goes a simple torch with a a squeezy switch..
Step 1: Procure Tin
First get your trusty empty tine... these eclipse mini tins are good since they have a nice little door that snaps closed...
Choose a tin that flexes when you squeeze it...
Step 2: Drill Hole
Drill a hole in one end to snugly fit an LED...
Step 3: Wire LED
Solder 2 wires (i used cat 5 twisted pairs) to an LED... i chose an ultra bright green to match the tin...
Then glue a couple of wooden packers to the bent prongs... this is to set the LED back from protuding too far through the hole... that way the tin will still stand up....
Step 4: Install LED
Hot glue the LED assembly into the tin so the LED just pokes thru nthe hole...
Step 5: Wire the Switch
Get a microswitch and solder 2 wires to it....
Step 6: Add Mounts to Switch
Hot glue 2 pieces of ice block stick to the micro switch... at right angles to one another... these need to be tuned to fit inside your chosen tin...
the idea is that these sticks will hold the microswitch i place so the flexing tin can actuate it...
Hot glue the assembly inside the tin...
Step 7: Wire Battery
Join together 1 wire from the LED with 1 wire from the switch....
The LED only requires button cells.. but mind needed 3 in series... simple hot glue the remaining wires to each end of the cell pack.....
Wrap the lot in insulation tape...
Step 8: Complete
Stuff the wires inside the tin and close the lid...
Now give it a squeeze to light the LED... check the photos of it in action... quite bright...
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18 Comments
9 years ago
I live in NZ too and I've been wanting to find altoids tins for ages. You might be able to get them at international food stores or something... Do Americans not call these torches but flashlights?!?!!? I've never called them flashlights...
12 years ago on Introduction
you can get cheap ($3.50) boxes on trademe with lots of different flavors
14 years ago on Introduction
mine's better
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Oh really? That's what you think.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Y
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Why not?
13 years ago on Introduction
I tried this last year. It worked perfectly. Thanks for the 'ible.
14 years ago on Introduction
Erm... In america, a torch is a wieldable piece of equipment. It is usually used to catch fire.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
well he's obviously not from America, as he clearly states, you think that you would get the point of it being a flashlight as he uses it in the dark to brighten things.
As for the ..able I think it is brilliant, here in Australia we don't have Altoids (or at least i think we don't) and i think this is just great show of utilising what you have.
FIVE STARS
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
In Australia, we do have Altoids, but they're EXTREMELY hard to find. At Sydney, there's a big glass shopping-centre near (I think it's called Harbour Town)Sydney Harbour, and inside there's a candy shop that sells Altoids Mints (not gum). They also sell Dr Pepper, but that's different.
14 years ago on Introduction
i thought you meant torch as in to light stuff on fire
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
So did I! I was a bit disappointed at first, lol
14 years ago on Introduction
Excellent! I have a couple empty eclipse tins lying around too, One thing i have found that could be very close to a Altoids tin is the Wild Bean branded mints you can get from Wild Bean cafes in BP service stations (RRP $2.50 NZ roughly). But they aren't as cool looking though. Currently my dad uses them for holding various sized drill bits as he has a couple of each size. He may find one missing sooner or later :)
14 years ago on Introduction
If you had the time and patience, you could probably make an entire message out of these. I was kind of looking for an actual "torch", but this is pretty good.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
You could take a Zippo jet lighter insert and put it in there, then make a way to electronically start it.
15 years ago on Introduction
damn tin mint cases are so usefull!!
15 years ago on Introduction
this is awesome now make me an eclipse tazergun lol people woould think your generously offering them a mint then ZAPP lol im evil
15 years ago on Introduction
Kewl! I like that! I also have a few white LED's lieing around. I have everything for this! My eclipse containers are blue and red.