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View Full Version : Jay-gon Jinn's Chrome Saber 30 (CS-30) Build (U.S. 2.1, illuminated AV switch)



Jay-gon Jinn
05-25-2010, 09:36 AM
So, since FX-Sabers is down (again....) I thought I'd post a build topic here for a change! ;)

This saber will be using a customized 5" double threaded female adapter, and a couple of custom powder coated parts done by Tim.

Here's the render:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/SaberBuilder_render-CS-31.png

Here's the parts:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7728.jpg
As usual, Tim did a fantastic job on all the custom work, from the grooves on the 5" ext. to the custom powder coat job on the blade holder, the ribbed/choke combo, and the pommel (which was the original from CS-24 that didn't look right with that saber when it was completed.)
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7729.jpg
This saber will simply use a couple of Trustfire protected Li-Ions to power it.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7730.jpg
That's an Ultrasound 2.0....might be a 2.1 though, after having had Zook repair it with PIC and memory chip of another toasted board, though. The switch is red, and the blade led will be a Luxeon III Red/O.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7731.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7732.jpg
Now that I have the parts here, I'm not too sure I like the blade holder with the choke....looks kind of...off....to me. I may get another one to swap out with that one. Maybe a style 12, or 17. If I use either one, they'll be powder coated to match the saber, and I'll add a chrome shroud to it.

I'm also still working out the design for the sleeve. I'm thinking I'll do a double window on the rear grips, but I'm not sure what I'll do just yet on the other end of. Meditate on this, I will.

Rafalema
05-25-2010, 09:41 AM
I love this desing.

It has everything... It has a red LED, a ribbed/choke combo and that bladeholder.

This is your new best build

Is this saber already for someone or..?

(Can the US 2.0/2.1 be powered by 7.2/7.4v Li-Ion with R/O lux III? 'Cause the 2.5 can't..)

Jay-gon Jinn
05-25-2010, 10:21 AM
I love this desing.

It has everything... It has a red LED, a ribbed/choke combo and that bladeholder.

This is your new best build

Is this saber already for someone or..?

(Can the US 2.0/2.1 be powered by 7.2/7.4v Li-Ion with R/O lux III? 'Cause the 2.5 can't..)I may change the blade holder...still not sure about that.

Yes, it's my newest...sitting on the bench as I type this, unfinished.

It is for me....you know I can't discuss sales of anything on these forums.

and yes, the US 2.0/2.1 can handle the extra voltage from a 7.4v pack just fine....it gets warm, but doesn't overheat.

Rafalema
05-25-2010, 10:26 AM
Yeah, no sales here.

Just wanted to ask, because it is a nice saber, but I couldn't afford it anyway at the moment..

Do not change the bladeholder.

Jay-gon Jinn
05-25-2010, 02:21 PM
The first thing to do on this is cut the chrome tube to the correct length, and angle it:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7733.jpg
I set the saw's angle to 31.6 degrees. This worked best for the length of tube I had on hand for this. 45 degrees would have been my first choice, but the tube was too short.

All done:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7734.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7735.jpg

It will fit on the 5" extension like this:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7738.jpg

I need to de burr the edge of the angle cut:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7739.jpg
I used a 120 grit sanding drum on the rotary tool for this. I'll hit it with some 400 grit paper by hand to further smooth it out:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7742.jpg

Now to mark the tube off for the grip window cut outs:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7743.jpg

I had Tim cut the rear grip grooves within a 2 1/2" span on the part, but didn't mention where to start them from on the extension. He started them in the perfect spot, really:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7744.jpg
Exactly the width of the tape...5/8" which is also the depth of the threads in the extension.

I want some of the black to show on both ends of the grip, so I'll cut it a bit wider than the 2.5" the grips are spaced in:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7745.jpg

I measured the width of the ribs and came up with 5/32". I added that to either end of the window's width, and transferred the measurement:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7746.jpg

And taped it off:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7747.jpg

I'll add a 1.2" extension that I keep just for this purpose; putting a sinktube sleeve in the vice:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7748.jpg
This keeps the tube from being crushed out of shape by the vise.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7749.jpg
Now I can start cutting!

I'll use the reinforced cutting wheel on the rotary tool:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7750.jpg

I'll do the long side cuts first:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7751.jpg

Then I cut the short cuts on the ends, and the cross cuts in the corners:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7752.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7753.jpg

I rotated it in the vise and did the other side:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7754.jpg

Now I needed to remove more material from the corners. I'll use the cutting wheel for that too:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7756.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7757.jpg
Now I'm ready to round out the corners!

Jay-gon Jinn
05-25-2010, 02:27 PM
Yup, double post!

I rounded out the corners of the sleeve:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7758.jpg
I use an oscillating (up and down) motion for this to even the wear on the drum...otherwise, I might end up with a cut sanding drum (been there, done that!).

I rounded out the first corner:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7759.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7760.jpg
Then did the other 7:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7761.jpg
With all of the corners rounded out, I'll need to straighten and de-burr all of the cuts. I'll use a hand file for straightening the long edges, because using the rotary tool would be too easy to take off too much material:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7762.jpg
When this is finished, I'll go over it again with some 400 and then 800 grit paper by hand to smooth all of the edges so there will be no cut fingers when handling the saber.

Then I'll test fit it on the hilt, and post those pictures after the camera's battery re-charges.....

Jay-gon Jinn
05-25-2010, 08:43 PM
I got the sleeve all cleaned up and de-burred and ready to go:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7765.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7766.jpg
Looks pretty good....now to move on to the CT wheel:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7767.jpg
I marked it....then drilled it:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7768.jpg

I tapped the hole for 8-32 threads, and installed the wheel:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7769.jpg
Done!

Now to drill for the switch hole. I'll start by marking off depth of the threads, and then the center of the hole:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7770.jpg

I drilled a couple of holes first before moving up to the required 5/8" bit...I used an 1/8" and then a 3/8" first, then stepped up to the big one:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7771.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7772.jpg
I de-burred the hole using the rotary tool and sanding drum, and test fit the switch:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7773.jpg
It was right about now that I realized I had the hilt turned in the vise just a couple ticks off center, resulting in a "leaning" switch:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7774.jpg
Bummer....I hate it when that happens! I put it back in the drill press, and drilled the hole a tick to the other side, and also used the sanding drum on the rotary tool to open it up a bit more. Now it isn't quite so bad:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7775.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7776.jpg
I guess that'll have to do.

Next, I drilled for the recharge port:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7777.jpg
I used a 3/16 bit at first for this, because the depth the battery pack goes in required that the hole be located partially in the chrome sleeve. By drilling a smaller hole first, I was able to center the 5/16" bit and cut into the chrome too. I wasn't thinking ahead quite far enough when I decided to have the grip windows extend beyond the grip grooves like they do. No biggie, it looks okay like this.

Now to make the recharge port mounting clip:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7778.jpg
This is a small piece of a 1 1/4" pvc sink tube extension. Not to be confused with 1 1/4" pvc pipe. It is basically a plastic version of the chrome sink drain extensions I use in the Chrome 1 1/4" series sabers I build. I drilled and tapped it for the 5/16-32 threads and screwed in the port. I then cut the tube section directly opposite the recharge port to create a c-clip and test fit it:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7780.jpg
This slides into the MHS hilt and when the recharge port hits the hole and pops through, the c-clip snaps into place and prevents the recharge port from being pushed back into the saber when a plug is inserted. It also makes the nut totally unnecessary, and gives the charge port a flush look:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7781.jpg
I think I can start on the wiring now!

Knighthammer
05-25-2010, 10:06 PM
Keep the pics / walk through coming - looks awesome to me. (and training ;) )

Jay-gon Jinn
05-26-2010, 10:34 AM
For the wiring, I'll start with the switch:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7791.jpg
I'll use white wires for the switch leads, because I feel like it....;) I started by adding the first one to the common tab:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7792.jpg

The next wire went on the Normally Open, or NO tab:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7793.jpg

For the switch led, I'll use a gray wire for the negative:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7794.jpg

The positive will be purple:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7795.jpg

I finished it by heat shrinking the connections:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7796.jpg

To install it, I fed the wires through the hole:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7797.jpg

Slipped the nut over the wires and down into the hilt:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7798.jpg

And tightened the nut:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7799.jpg

Voila:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7800.jpg
The switch is installed! Now to wire up the board!

I'll use one of my soundboard mounts, and thread the wires through the holes in the center of the mount:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7801.jpg

Next, I started soldering the wires:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7802.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7803.jpg

Now's a good time to test it, before I fully assemble it:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7804.jpg
I added a pair of protected Li-Ion Trustfires, and it powered up. I then hit the button to activate it, and it worked...until I went to shut it down and remembered one tiny detail...these boards a re picky about the switch that you use, so I added a capacitor (50v, 1uF) to the switch circuit:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7805.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7806.jpg
Much better! I scrolled through the menu just fine, and set it up for the Luxeon III Red/O led, and all of the other settings, too.

Now I can finish the wiring:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7807.jpg
I'll leave the wires for the switch led off for now....

I also used some foam mounting tape to mount the board to the cradle:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7808.jpg

Now's a good time to drill for the extra sound vents:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7809.jpg
I marked off where the shroud edge is on the extension, and then drilled some holes in between the ribs:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7810.jpg
With that done, I went back to wiring the saber up, and assembled the led on the heat sink:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7811.jpg
Plugged it into the newly attached QD and started up the saber:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7812.jpg

I figured I'd need a resistor for the switch, and just to be safe I used a 220 ohm, 1/4 watt and soldered the connections on the board, putting it in parallel with the main led:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7813.jpg
Cool...not bad...it actually matches the color of the blade led very well.

The resistor for the switch is under the board:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7814.jpg

Here's the finished wiring on the board:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7815.jpg

Now to button it up:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7816.jpg

Added the lens assembly:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7817.jpg

The blade holder:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7818.jpg

and here it is, basically finished:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7819.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7820.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7821.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7822.jpg
There's a couple things left to do, and I'll get to that tomorrow. I'll also be taking final pictures and shooting a video, hopefully!

Rafalema
05-26-2010, 10:46 AM
What a beauty... The US was mounted so neatly and everything..

This saber is perfect. Perfect I tell you.

Good choice with the LED. ;)

Jay-gon Jinn
05-27-2010, 09:32 AM
So, one of the things left to do on this one was to cut the speaker grille/pommel insert. I'll use one of the snap-in strainers from the hardware store for that:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7827.jpg
I'll use the cutting wheel on the rotary tool for this.

I cut it around the diameter of the bottom of the strainer:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7828.jpg

And it fell right out:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7829.jpg

Now I'll switch the rotary tool over to a sanding drum and de-burr the part:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7830.jpg

It fits right into the pommel:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7831.jpg

These are too thin to secure with a snap ring, so I'll use an o-ring instead:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7832.jpg

I just push the #18 o-ring down into the pommel, and it seats into the groove for the snap ring just well enough to hold the grille:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7833.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7834.jpg
All done!

The last thing this saber needs is a blade retention screw....I like to use stainless steel set screws on these types of blade holders.

I set it up in the drill press:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7835.jpg

and drilled the hole:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7836.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7838.jpg
I tapped it for 10-32 threads (I like these, they bite more on the blade than an 8-32 will, and use the same wrench as an 8-32 pan head screw).

Installed the screw:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7840.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7841.jpg
and this saber is officially finished! Look for the Final Pics in the Gallery section tomorrow.

Oh, here it is lit up with a blade:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7824.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o141/Jay-gon_Jinn/Chrome%20Saber%2030/100_7825.jpg
This last pic is closer to the actual color...it's a nice dark shade of orange!

Jay-gon Jinn
05-27-2010, 09:10 PM
Final pics are up in the gallery section here: http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?p=170243