: Yes, I know it sounds crazy. Call it an urge. Call it what you want.
: Just don't ask why :-)

: Anyway, I'd like to build a UV flashlight, cheaply. "flashlight" means
: it should be reasonably portable, but could have a power pack if
: necessary.

: My main question is the bulb: where can I get UV bulbs? Do they
: need a lot of power? etc., etc.

: I'm not too concerned with whether it's long-wave or short-wave
: (but hey, if anyone has a cheap source of bulbs, I'll take both).

	Check out a medical supply catalog, the thing you are looking for
is called a woods lamp (so you can check for woods sign, certain skin
conditions flourecse (sp) under UV light)  They come in disposable
penlight like types and larger ac powered types.  It is also used in eye
examinations, a flourescent dye is introduced to the surface of the eye,
then UV is shined on it, shows up scratches and abrasions very clearly
that would otherwise be very difficult to detect.  (for the completest the
dye is called flouescien, and in normal light appears orangish, and leaves
a mild burning sensation to the eye for 10-15 minutes, until the tears
flush it all out.  

Have fun.