MK23 LAM Custom Build

Inari

With the arrival of the KSC/KWA/Umarex MK23, it got me thinking about an LAM unit. A functioning LAM unit.

The Wilcox industries one is a rare collectors item, selling for anywhere between $1,000 - $2,500, and possibly even more. I don't know about you, but that makes it a guaranteed no-go for me.

With the only two airsoft replicas being either A) Useless (TM), or Rare and expensive (Wolf), the only real option is a custom build.

Personally speaking, I wouldn't mind not having the functionality of splitting the unit for individual mounting, even though that is exceptionally cool. If it makes the build considerably easier, then it's a trade off I am definitely willing to make.

Proposed features:
- 130+ Lumen Torch
- Irish-legal red Laser
- Switch system for toggling between Light only, laser only, or both
- Pressure switch activation for pre-selected option above
- Switch for constant on, once again according to the above selection
- Durable plastic construction (i.e. resilient against BB strikes)

Now, the fun part. The dimensions of the Wilcox Industries LAM gives quite a bit of space to work with, and without the stringent requirements of Real Steel, it shouldn't be too difficult. I think the most expensive part will probably be the casing.

Anyone have any ideas on how to go about this? I haven't got the first clue about molding plastics etc

Firekitten

Probably best off if you get a TM lam unit, and gut it, replacing the internals with the parts you desire. Seen it done a fair few times, works nicely.

The TM lam casing is tough enough. Good start point?

CpcRc

I believe that element did a PEQ box before with a laser and light assembly (an IR LED too) and it functioned like what you are looking for with pressure pad and switch for between modes. That might be a good thing to look to in terms of the internals you need. I know that the bulb wasn't too bright though from reviews I'd seen. Best of luck with the project too

Inari

I've been racking my brain for the proverbial 'simple solution', as it is all too easy to over-complicate a simple premise.

My current train of thought is:
- Metal box made to the dimensions of the LAM unit
- Box is split down the middle, hinged at the bottom, and secured at the top via the mounting rail
- Torch & laser unit mounted inside, wired up so that you can toggle between both on, or either one - this then hooked up to a push-button switch made to look like a pressure switch
- Use fibreglass, glue and some random things to make it look right from the outside

Should look the part (when painted), and function exactly as I'd like, albeit without the pressure switch (instead click on/off where the pressure switch would be)

NakedDex

Take one TM LAM unit, split in half and make a mould using thermoplastic nylon or a similar moulding material, place a box inside the mould and fill with resin.
Repeat for other side, paint and assemble.

Voila, one blank clone of the LAM casing to do with as you please, and the means with which to make more.

Southern Dandy

Best material to use is Kydex, its very easy to work with and very tough bout 2mm thick should do you but hard to get here, think there might be a plastics supplier in dublin that has it dont know the name though, its used for holsters and knife sheaths, tool wise you'll need a dremel, heat gun and a oven yes thats right a oven and patience. Research diy vaccum moulding thats the key to your predicament, to make a mould modeling clay is probaly the best. Honestly it aint a "simple premise" theres a lot of trial and error with moulding and a lot of frustration.

Just keep researching DIY moulding techniques on net, best of luck.

Inari

Lots of interesting suggestions. To be honest, I'm likely to try a few different ones. I'll attempt to keep this thread up to date with progress etc...but I will probably forget

bullets

For the light bit I would recommend "Lenser" branded Cree Chip based products. I've been meaning to buy a better one, I've an older model
but its incredible. the newer ones such as the below link are jawdropping
for something thats powered by 4AA batteries.

The Cree in these littly babies are nice and impressive! 180lm.
Lenser has a system that allows a spot light at long range which most LED
torches cannot achieve. And at short range you get a complete circle of white light.
(ie no ring or dark spot in the middle, its like the spot light used to signal for Batman)

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_8&products_id=105151

~B

thermo

protac do a range of these torches aswell
linky

NakedDex

bullets wrote: »

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_8&products_id=105151

~B

I have one of those P14's, and the P7 version too. I use them in work. Cracking torches, but not for the budget conscious. I have the older V2 on my rifle. It's been my rifle-torch for so long it still has mud on it from the first night game in the country, but it's as good as ever.
They do a "Tactical" range which is more suited to airsoft, not because it claims to be tactical, but because they're fixed focus. While the Professional series can be turned from a long range spot to a short range floodlight, the mechanism isn't waterproof, like the Tactical range is. Same price, quality and performance, just waterproof too.