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View Full Version : Shadar's "Agony" (Crystal Chassis with Ventress FX board)



Shadar Al'Niende
08-28-2010, 08:35 PM
Ok Folks, I caved.... (yes skott I know) I was going to wait until i had a gallery thread on this build before posting a Build Log... but I am just to excited and had to share!

This build will be privy to a couple of firsts (to the best of my knowledge) in custom sabers. First being the use of a Ventress soundboard in a fully custom saber, not a conversion. (Since I know this will come up.... I am well aware of the controversy over this board. Some hate it, some love it. Through speaker placement and hilt resonance I hope to cure the "angry bees" and have quality, low toned, Sith sound without the monkey gong. now enough of that discussion...;))

Second being something I debuted the idea of back in November of last year.... A crystal chamber reveal using a clamp (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=9449).

To give you a little background, and to help you understand the reason behind the name for this saber, I will explain how it all started. There were a couple of design cues that I wanted in the next saber I built.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/TCSS%20Renders/SaberRenderAccents.png

I had been wanting to do the C4 design mentioned earlier which, As you can see from this initial render, meant a crystal chamber. I also wanted the Gear section below the Blade Holder, I had not seen this recently and truly loved the idea aesthetically. The saber began life as a Jedi saber (i have made 3 so far, all Jedi) but then later became a Sith design.

The name Agony initially came about because no matter how I tried, i COULD NOT get the hilt below 14" using the Gear section and space for a crystal chamber, two design cues I was not willing to build the saber without. I personally prefer sabers to be 10-12" in length, anything over this feels too long and cumbersome to me. So I initially called this saber "Agony 14" in humorous reference to the agonizing i did, attempting to get everything i wanted to fit in anything under 15". The fact that it became a Sith saber and the back story later on, just fit perfectly.

The build has presented MANY challenges in the time that i have designed, and re-designed it. Adding to the reference of Agony. Soon the Saber included a PLI, another thing i simply could not live without.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/TCSS%20Renders/render.png

Here you can see the Clamp reveal. Thanks goes to Skottsaber, and many others who have been my confidants on this build, and helped me hammer things out. Doing a Crystal Chamber presented me with a unique opportunity to design and implement a chassis! In designing the chassis, I realized that having the crystal chamber near the blade holder allowed for a few more easily executed parts of the build, wiring being one of them. This was about the time that the saber evolved into a Sith saber.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/image003.png

You can see from this render that a few things changed, namely the color, positioning of the chassis, crystal chamber and switch placement, with an addition of a Shroud piece. The shroud piece has yet to be decided upon, chrome or brass, and what design to put in it. (or if to do a completely different shroud all together. :p) You will also see some rough approximations for measurements, meant to help me design the electronics. At the present time, the Custom work on the Blade holder (the milled slots) may not happen, but I am gunning for it ; It all depends on funding and timing. Skott you have my paypal address ;))

Now that you understand a little more about the background, (thanks for those that are still reading...)

ON TO THE BUILD LOG PICS!
(to help with the already long load for this thread, and due to the fact that not all images are within forum guidelines, i will make these click-able thumbnails.)

Firstly I had designed the internal Chassis system using 4 threaded rods to hold the batteries, soundboard, and PLI. I started out drilling a typical 1.25" OD steel Fender Washer to accept my 8/32 threaded rods.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3089.jpg (http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3089.jpg)

I had previously purchased some brass tubing when making my crystal chamber proof of concept (found here (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=11006)) and planed on using this tubing in my build for Agony. A lot of people use rod such as this to cover the threaded rod, to make things look more sleek.

Here you can see the tubing on the rod, along with the knurled nut used for the Crystal Chamber.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3090.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3090.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3087.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3087.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3088.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3088.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3086.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3086.jpg)

This was done early on, before more problems came up and parts were even in hand. The Chassis system became redesigned due to space limitations. Shortly I was able to purchase some initial parts for the internals and Chassis, and was able to really measure things out and see them visually.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3130.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3130.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3131.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3131.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3132.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3132.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3136.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3136.jpg)

I am going to be using 4 AAA NiMH to power this build, and initially wanted to place them in a 4x configuration so as to save on length...

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3135.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3135.jpg)

This ended up not working due to space constraints of the chassis and so I will be soldering them in a 2x2 configuration as shown in the render above.

Setting up the chassis the way I did, I could not connect the rods for the chassis to the pommel insert, and I did not want to attach it to the Pommel since i would have to pre-twist my wires for the recharge port that will be in the pommel. In order to do this, i needed a way to keep the pommel insert from "receding" back into the hilt. Especially since i was going to be plugging and un-plugging the kill key. I was able to engineer a solution!

I screwed the recharge port into the insert and measured everything, I would need to clip the port a bit, but everything should fit. That left me with the problem of getting 6 wires (4 for the port and 2 for the speaker) between the OD of the speaker and the inner wall of the Pommel. Any of you who have used a speaker anywhere like this know how difficult this can be, UNLESS... you modify the speaker....

You can see (may have to look closely at the full resolution photo) that I put 3 notches in the OD of the speaker. There is enough space for exactly 2, 26 gauge wires to sit side by side in each of the notches.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_06SpeakerNotched.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/06SpeakerNotched.jpg)

Next I clipped down the tabs on the port and used my sanding wheel to smooth them out (jagged metal + speaker + wires = BAD! :lol:)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_07RechargePortClipped.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/07RechargePortClipped.jpg)

I Placed the insert into the pommel with port screwed in, and then placed my speaker on top for a test fit. There is just enough room for wires between the port and speaekr!

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_08TestFit.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/08TestFit.jpg)

I could not sleep one night and had sabers on the brain :p I came downstairs and started fiddling with my parts. (alright you guys, no wisecracks ;)) i knew the batteries in a 2x2 configuration would barely fit the board on top between my two threaded rods. How the HECK was I going to get my PLI secured with it? In frustration I set my PLI down against the batteries and rested my chin in my hands... then, blankly staring at the PLI inspiration struck! I quickly got out my measuring tape and measured the width of my batteries + the PLI. 1.243" !!!

It will JUST fit, with the heatshrink i'm using.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_09ChassisConceptLength.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/09ChassisConceptLength.jpg)

As you can see from the image above, i briefly played around with the idea of using some of the chrome housed accent LED's for the crystal mounts as I had seen some do. (I have since ordered a couple Makototsai v2 red LED's to use with the knurled nuts instead.)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_12CrystalPlacement.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/12CrystalPlacement.jpg)

The board and batteries JUST fit between the rods, I may not be able to use the brass tubing without modification, its that tight....

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_10ChassisConceptBatteriesandBoard.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/10ChassisConceptBatteriesandBoard.jpg)

So I had my Washers somewhat drilled, at least for the main chassis section, but I needed to drill holes for my "switch section". As you can see from earlier pictures, i had my two rods on the "top" and "bottom" of my chassis, this would interfere with my AV switch, so I would have to run them differently. I first planned on running them on the two "sides" Like i was planning for my crystal chamber, but realized this would interfere with my accent LED's. To remedy this i drilled out a couple holes a little higher on the washer, in order to "nestle" the switch in between them. This would also serve to hold the chassis in place from spinning in the saber.

And then....

DISASTER STRIKES!!!

I miss-mark my punch for the drill bit...

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_13DisasterStrikes.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/13DisasterStrikes.jpg)

You can see the idea i was going for below

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_14DisasterStrikesCont.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/14DisasterStrikesCont.jpg)

With all of this out of the way, i started fresh today, with some new washers. I started completely over. After everything was drilled and tapped, I put it all together!

You can see here my idea for the Crystal Chamber

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_15CrystalChamberFinalStages.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/15CrystalChamberFinalStages.jpg)

As well as the main chassis section (the rods will be trimmed later)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_16CrystalChamberandChassis.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/16CrystalChamberandChassis.jpg)

Here is cross view of how the switch will sit as mentioned earlier

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_20SwitchSectionCross.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/20SwitchSectionCross.jpg)

And a couple more shots

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_22SwitchSectionAngle.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/22SwitchSectionAngle.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_21SwitchSectionSide.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/21SwitchSectionSide.jpg)

Finally, I had to make sure that the two rods that held the crystal chamber section would be close enough together to allow my Main LED wires to pass through the choke section. I had a choke 3 sitting around from another build and tested to see how it would fit with the ID

Success!

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_17MainLEDWirespotsDownChoke.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/17MainLEDWirespotsDownChoke.jpg)

The choke will sit against the "front" washer of the chassis, like this:

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_18CrystalChamberonChoke.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/18CrystalChamberonChoke.jpg)

so it is important that everything be snug.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_19CrystalChamberonChokeAngled.jpg (http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/19CrystalChamberonChokeAngled.jpg)

This is where I am at so far. I should receive my 8" DF and Choke from Tim on Monday, which will allow me to test fit everything in order to get measurements exact. At that point I will be able to start plotting everything out and begin the wiring of this monster ;) I want the accent led's, PLI, and AV to come on when the kill plug is pulled, and the crystal to sync with the main LED, so I will have to wire in the crystal chamber off a neg lead on the board, and the other accents straight off the pack. I am concerned about loosing current this way (read: run time) but have yet to decide how this will occur.

A couple extra points to make note of:

I noticed in one of Makototsai's threads that he uses clear packing tape for heatshrink, I picked up a roll to use at my local hardware store and will test it to see how heatshrink-able it is (should only be lightly so) and how feasible it is thickness-wise. Otherwise I will order some online. (Note, this is only for the board and batteries, all wires will be heatshrunk with normal materials)

Also, my MPP clamp for this build has to be shipped next week so should arrive by the weekend. I still have one more order to make when Blade holders come back in stock and then that should finish it all up.

Thanks again to Tim for this site and AMAZING customer experience, and Skottsaber for the HOURS of AGONY! :D Thanks to raf who did an amazing render of my saber (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90uJA0j29eg) which will be included in the Gallery thread as well, and thank you to all those who are following this. I am more excited that words can describe. Trust me, look at the length of this post!!!

Stay tuned... more to follow!

Ronan
08-28-2010, 10:33 PM
Sweet! Good inspiration for me to get started!

Sent you a PM mate :)

Rafalema
08-28-2010, 11:38 PM
Now that's the longest post I've ever seen!

Your doing good so far..

(If I have some extra time I will HAVE TO re-do your render because right after that I became a billion times better, so...)

Skottsaber
08-29-2010, 01:45 AM
Skottsaber is now inspired....

*Goes off to finish the backstory*

Shadar Al'Niende
08-30-2010, 08:48 PM
Ok folks, another update. Got my DF and my Choke from Tim today along with a few other components. I had Tim heavily modify the 8" Double Female part, (ok so maybe not so heavily, but it seemed like a lot to me...) I figured I would show off what I had him do.

In keeping with the design posted earlier, I had him drill a 16mm switch hole for an Illuminated AV, I will be using a Black Red Dot AV sold here in the store, and two holes for the accompanying Accent LED's.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_24AVandSwitchHoles.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/24AVandSwitchHoles.jpg)

To save on space, i opted to have Tim cut the Crystal Chamber cutouts directly into the Double Female, so that I did not have to use an adapter between it and the choke. While I was at it, I figured I would have him Chamfer the slots to give it a little something extra.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_23CCCutouts.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/23CCCutouts.jpg)

I also opted to have him put a cutout for the PLI, directly behind the Crystal Chamber cutouts, you will see why in a moment.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_25PLIandCCCutouts.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/25PLIandCCCutouts.jpg)

Another quick shot of the Crystal Chamber, because it looks so amazing ;)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_26ChamferedCloseup.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/26ChamferedCloseup.jpg)

So now that I had the parts in hand, I could really start measuring things out, seeing how they fit, and definitively start constructing my chassis. First thing first I test fit my washers.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_27WasherFit.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/27WasherFit.jpg)

They don't fit perfectly, so I took my dremel and sanding wheel to the OD, BARELY shaving off a bit at time. I knew that my Crystal was not long enough to occupy the entire 2" chamber I had planned, and so I measured my Knurled nuts to see if it would make up the difference... I was roughly .5" short...

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_28CrystalMeasure.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/28CrystalMeasure.jpg)

So, I cut two .25" sections of brass tubing off of the 3 foot rod that i purchased at a local RC hobby shop (for 6 bucks might i add :D) and used them as spacers for my crystal. I Don't have epoxy (i reeeeealy need to get some) and so decided to solder my components together. It was a bit of an exercise in frustration, but eventually I got it all together, and am fairly satisfied with the result. If I had to do it over again, I would use a 2 part epoxy to solidify the parts a bit more.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_29CCWithSpacers01.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/29CCWithSpacers01.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_30CCWithSpacers02JPG.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/30CCWithSpacers02JPG.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_31CCWithSpacers03JPG.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/31CCWithSpacers03JPG.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_32CCWithSpacers04JPG.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/32CCWithSpacers04JPG.jpg)

After putting together the actual crystal chamber part of the chassis, I test fit it in the hilt. Due to some crooked drilling on my part :oops: my washers were not COMPLETELY parallel, and so it took some more light dremeling on the OD to get it to slide in and out of the hilt without "sticking."

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_33CCInHilt.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/33CCInHilt.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_34CCInHiltClose.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/34CCInHiltClose.jpg)

While I had my parts on the "bench" (read: kitchen counter :p) I wanted to check how far in the Accent LED's sat. I had heard that you could pull the LED out of the "plug" and screw in the insert, then simply pull the wires through the plug and wire it up snapping the accent led back into the insert. I could not easily figure out how to do this. The Accent LED seems stuck although there is SOME wiggle to it....

Looks nice and pretty so far! :D

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_35AVandAccentsInHilt.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/35AVandAccentsInHilt.jpg)

I checked the internal spacing:

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_36AccentsandAVSpaceCheck.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/36AccentsandAVSpaceCheck.jpg)

Like I had suspected, the leads will need to be clipped, but with the planned spacing, the AV sits right between the two Accent LED's and it shouldn't be too big of a deal to get it all in there.

Here is a quick shot to show the spacing on the PLI cutout that Tim did for me, it will fit PERFECTLY! All I have to do is line it up when attaching it to the chassis.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_37PLISpacingShow.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/37PLISpacingShow.jpg)

Remember how I mentioned earlier that I had Tim cut the PLI slot right behind the Crystal Chamber? Here is Why:

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_38InternalsMockUp.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/38InternalsMockUp.jpg)

Like I previously mentioned, the PLI will sit against the "side" of the batteries and press up against the ID of the hilt. I will mount the PLI on the "front" set of batteries, or the ones nearest the blade holder. Here is a closer shot of the battery board combo

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_39BatteriesandBoardShow.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/39BatteriesandBoardShow.jpg)

I also wanted to show the wiring diagram as I have it planned. I have hesitated to share it since it is not clear in the least bit, but figured I would post it here in case someone had feedback on it. (P.S. Don't mind the duck, its a clash sensor...:p)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/th_AgonyWiring.png (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/AgonyWiring.png)

That is all the build pics for tonight, I am still waiting for the Blade Holders to come back in stock before placing my final order. (as of composing this post they are still out of stock) I have decided a few things since my last post that I will make note of here.

The Blade holder will NOT have milled slots similar to the Crystal Chamber. This is due to a number of reasons, funds being one of them and the design overall being another. Also, I will leave the shroud Chrome to match the rest of the "silver" on the outer hilt and to allow the brass in the Crystal Chamber to "pop" more.

Thanks for reading! I am hoping to have more updates in the next day or two as time permits. I would like to cut and position the tubing for the "switch" section of the chassis to make sure it all lines up, and possibly work on the custom battery pack and/or begin some wiring work.

Stay tuned....

ARKM
08-30-2010, 09:17 PM
Pretty cool build. I look forward to seeing it complete.

Rafalema
08-30-2010, 09:19 PM
Wow, this is going to be SWEEEEET!

The crystal chamber looks awesome so far!

slothfurnace
08-31-2010, 07:16 AM
Oh, those slots look awesome! I had no idea Tim could do that. I will have to talk to him about an upcoming project... cause that is EXACTLY what I need!

xl97
08-31-2010, 08:15 AM
custom CNC milling work is now available :)

I think there is a thread/gallery on customized MSH parts to check out if you wanted.

Shadar Al'Niende
08-31-2010, 07:59 PM
Ok, so I promised an update tonight if time permitted, and it did! My biggest worry going in tonight, was the switch section of the chassis. I realized When I was test fitting, that the rods might not have been done symmetrically with the rest of the chassis. This would throw EVERYTHING off as its all held in place (as stated) by the AV between the two brass rods.

So I measured everything out, cut my brass tubing to fit, tested, re-cut, re-fit and finally did a full chassis test fit in the hilt.

Here is a shot of the chassis outside the hilt

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_46ChassisConstructed.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/46ChassisConstructed.jpg)

Inside the hilt from the Blade Holder end

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_40ChassisFitFrontShot.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/40ChassisFitFrontShot.jpg)

Inside the hilt from the Pommel end

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_41ChassisFitEndShot.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/41ChassisFitEndShot.jpg)

A couple of shots of the rods inside the hilt

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_42RodSpacing01.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/42RodSpacing01.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_43RodSpacing02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/43RodSpacing02.jpg)

It looked ok, so I stuck the AV in to test fit....

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_44AVTestFit.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/44AVTestFit.jpg)

IT FIT! and the chassis looked great! Here is a shot of the switch section with no Pommel end washer:

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_45AVTestFitOpen.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/45AVTestFitOpen.jpg)

Here is a short test video showing the AV in place, along with the Accent LED's (don't mind my son playing in the backround. I thought i had muffled the camera mic well enough since he wasn't in bed quite yet ;))

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_ChasisTestFit.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/ChasisTestFit.mp4)

Now that the chassis is built, I needed to start on the internals. I have never done a custom battery pack before, and wanted to do so in this saber. I was not prepared for the frustration of doing a custom battery pack. even after sanding the surfaces to be soldered, I STILL had difficulty. For any of you out there planning on doing this, let me share with you what works and what doesn't.

It took a bit of heating to get the solder to do anything but stick to the iron and come right off, since that was the hottest piece of metal. Once I heated the surface sufficiently, the solder started to flow. (I was afraid of overheating my batteries... truth be told they got a bit warm while soldering them.) You MUST sand the tips lightly to give the solder something to grab on to. I tried soldering the batteries directly together... this did NOT work. What DID work, was pre-tinning so to speak, the + and - ends of the batteries, and using a small bit of wire (also pre-tinned) to connect the two battery surfaces. pictures are worth a thousand words so....

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_55SolderPack02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/55SolderPack02.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_54SolderPack01.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/54SolderPack01.jpg)

After soldering them up into a pack, I checked them with my Multimeter to make sure that i was getting sufficient Voltage and that my solder joints were ok. (fighting with them i wondered if i had created a bad connection in one spot)

With my leads touching the open ends of the circuit (by the way it is really hard to get that setup so it stays that way and you can take good pictures)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_53MeterProbes.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/53MeterProbes.jpg)

I checked my Multimeter

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_51SolderedPackMetered.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/51SolderedPackMetered.jpg)

Here is a closeup so you can see the voltage, 5.15! YAY! (this is a 4.8v pack so these are giving a good intital charge.)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_52MeterRating.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/52MeterRating.jpg)

Next I wanted to work on de-soldering the switch leads from the board. This was probably the most difficult and frustrating time of my night.... If I could take one thing away from this experience (since i feel that anything that brings that much pain also in opposition gives you that great of a lesson...) It would be that a solder braid (or "wick") (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062744) is 100x better than a solder sucker (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062745).

You can see here the 5 target pins so to speak. (PS if anyone knows which of the pads need to be soldered to for a switch let me know. It has an On, an OFF, and 3 On/Off pads)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_48TargetSwitchPins.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/48TargetSwitchPins.jpg)

I de-soldered most of the switch but it refused to come out. So, I ended up (with my lovely wife's help) Prying most of the switch components off the board leaving only the pins. I was careful not to damage the board whilst doing this since it would be quite the pain to acquire a new one :???:

Here you can see what was left of the switch components

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_49SwitchParts.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/49SwitchParts.jpg)

Here you can see the pads now bare of pins on the "top" side of the board

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_50SwitchPads.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/50SwitchPads.jpg)

Finally I figured I would add a "bonus" pic! I have finally worn through my first sanding drum ;)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_47WornSandingWheel.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/47WornSandingWheel.jpg)

I am not sure what else I will be able to get done in the next day or two. I would like to start wiring everything up but want to wait on a few more parts from my final order. Hopefully the Blade holders will come back in stock tomorrow and I can get my stuff by the weekend!

Stay tuned....

Ronan
08-31-2010, 09:14 PM
Nice mate :D

jin starkiller
09-01-2010, 09:05 AM
very good looking build ...can't wait to see it all done...hopefully Tim will have the rest of the parts you need to finish your saber..:D

Skottsaber
09-01-2010, 12:11 PM
It would be that a solder braid (or "wick") (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062744) is 100x better than a solder sucker (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062745).

*coughmyaweosmevideochough* :p



Hopefully the Blade holders will come back in stock tomorrow and I can get my stuff by the weekend!

And so they did! (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showpost.php?p=179658&postcount=1) :D

Shadar Al'Niende
09-02-2010, 11:40 AM
Small update today...

As skott mentioned I was able to place my final order from Tim now that the BH's are back in stock.

Also...

I came home from lunch today and found a package in the mail, my MPP Clamp!!!! I was pretty excited. I hurriedly opened the box and unwrapped my prize.

I was immediately disappointed. In my efforts to secure a clamp I petitioned other members on the FX fourms and found one willing to sell me his clamp. Partially due to my lack of questions asked, i apparently had missed a few key things before purchasing it.

Firstly, the clamp was missing a lever. Also, there were MANY surface/cosmetic defects to the clamp, the rubber shim, and the bubble card. It is also quite loose over the Crystal Chamber.

(Click for larger images)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_01Clamp-1.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/01Clamp-1.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_02Clamp.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/02Clamp.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_03Clamp.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/03Clamp.jpg)

xl97
09-02-2010, 12:03 PM
awww man that stinks.

a bummer too.. hopefully it wasnt too expensive.. what does the seller have to say?

I dont know anything about the clamp really.. but can it be 'cleaned up'?

is it painted or pc'd?

maybe you can sand it/clean it up and send it out to be PC'd flat black??

alternately, maybe you can use this to your advantage?

levers make control boxes bulky IMHO.. unless you going for that classic look or want to use the lever as a functional part.

maybe hide some aux buttons..or accent leds in the holes/cutout in the box?

Ronan
09-02-2010, 02:30 PM
Name & Shame... any honest seller would have stated issues like those.

I would paypal claim him if he doesn't reverse the transaction.

On the other hand if you got it dirt cheap, i would do what xl said.

Shadar Al'Niende
09-02-2010, 03:32 PM
Well, a picture was posted of the Saber it was parted out from... It was also my fault for not asking more about the part.

This is the image posted....

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Random/Clamp.png (http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=22678.msg337900#msg337900)

Do you think i have a right to ask him to refund my money?

I mean, i was expecting something similar to this:

http://www.saberkit.com/images/menu/new_menu/mpp_clamp.jpg

Lord Corsair
09-02-2010, 04:31 PM
Ive been following your build and it is looking great !
It is a real bummer about the graflex clamp .. but over all I cant wait to see what you come up with !!!!:rolleyes:

Ronan
09-02-2010, 04:36 PM
Id ask for $$ or a complete reverse.

I hate people like that grrrrr.

jin starkiller
09-02-2010, 06:25 PM
i agree that you should be at least compensated since he didn't say it had scratches ..but the pic does show some wear not sure if you want the headache of dealing with the person again and just fix the part with some sanding and new paintjob so you can get on with your build....but on a positive note you now know to ask more questions before purchasing

i believe you can also try and find a substitute for the lever at a local hardware store ......i believe a toggle actually might work with some modification

Ronan
09-02-2010, 07:18 PM
i agree that you should be at least compensated since he didn't say it had scratches ..but the pic does show some wear not sure if you want the headache of dealing with the person again and just fix the part with some sanding and new paintjob so you can get on with your build....but on a positive note you now know to ask more questions before purchasing

The scratches isn't the issue Jin, its the missing parts.

jin starkiller
09-03-2010, 05:42 AM
true missed that part ...fixed my post

Skottsaber
09-03-2010, 11:27 AM
Id ask for $$ or a complete reverse.
I hate people like that grrrrr.

TBH, Ronan, you don't know the full story. The seller is actually being really nice and accommodative and giving Shadar a refund. Also note that the Darth Vader ESB hilt does NOT have a lever on the clamp, so therefore there was actually nothing missing from the part he was sold. The seller apologised for the misunderstanding and a new solution is being worked out.

Shadar Al'Niende
09-03-2010, 01:12 PM
I think Ronan was merely sympathizing skott, and I appreciate it. Skott is correct, the Seller has agreed to refund me in full and apologized for the difficulty. He has been fully willing to work with me up to this point. So no hard feelings so far.

Hopefully i can turn around and buy one from another member I contacted but received a reply too late. The Build Must Go On. I should be able to get more done on the build this weekend!

Stay tuned!

Ronan
09-03-2010, 03:57 PM
TBH, Ronan, you don't know the full story. The seller is actually being really nice and accommodative and giving Shadar a refund. Also note that the Darth Vader ESB hilt does NOT have a lever on the clamp, so therefore there was actually nothing missing from the part he was sold. The seller apologised for the misunderstanding and a new solution is being worked out.

WOW! Take a step back Skott, i was just responding from what Shadar posted, and replied accordingly to his questions (based on what he told us)!

You say the seller is working with Shandar (no i did not know that, since Shadar contacted him AFTER posting this thread, asking what he should do). But that's good, it's what i would expect from the seller. But this whole thing could have easily been avoided if the seller was more franc/descriptive (lets be honest, that clamp looks like someone threw it across the room).

I did not know about ESB not having a lever, and it seems i wasn't alone. Thanks for the info Skott :)

@Shadar, good to know its being resolved. I can't wait to see more pics of your build ;)

Rafalema
09-03-2010, 10:54 PM
WOW! Take a step back Skott, i was just responding from what Shandar posted, and replied accordingly to his questions (based on what he told us)!...

You say the seller is working with Shandar (no i did not know that, since Shandar contacted him AFTER posting this thread, asking what he should do)....
@Shantar, good to know its being resolved. I can't wait to see more pics of your build ;)


It's Shadar :p


Glad that it's being solved out.

Ronan
09-03-2010, 10:57 PM
It's Shadar :p


Glad that it's being solved out.

LOL! Fixed :oops:

Skottsaber
09-04-2010, 12:10 AM
Sorry Ronan, I didn't mean to sound aggressive. I was just stating the facts ;)

Ronan
09-04-2010, 02:05 AM
Sorry Ronan, I didn't mean to sound aggressive. I was just stating the facts ;)

Yeah i know bud, but i posted based on what Shadar told me/us.

That seller should have simply been more franc.

But all ends good, Shadar is being refunded, now he just needs to find another clamp :lol:

Cheers.

jin starkiller
09-04-2010, 02:08 AM
well good its being resolved and then he can get back to his build:p

Shadar Al'Niende
09-04-2010, 07:40 PM
Yeah i know bud, but i posted based on what Shadar told me/us.

That seller should have simply been more franc.

But all ends good, Shadar is being refunded, now he just needs to find another clamp :lol:

Cheers.

Indeed, he admitted himself that he should have sent me a pic or mentioned it but that it slipped his mind. I had another offer on a clamp, just have to see if its still available when the money comes back from this one.


well good its being resolved and then he can get back to his build:p

Indeed, hopefully my final order will ship sometime this week and I can get going again this coming weekend. :D

Shadar Al'Niende
09-07-2010, 07:09 AM
Ok folks, small update since my camera was MIA for a bit...

I wired up my recharge port with leads so that i could get the speaker/port/pommel module done.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3228.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3228.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3229.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3229.jpg)

The wires fit right over the speaker, cradling it on one side and keeping everything fairly snug.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3230.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3230.jpg)

I had to label out my wires so that I could keep track of them. A little masking tape and a pen and I was off and running.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3231.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3231.jpg)

Here are the parts for the pommel "module" all laid out, the port, the speaker, and the plug.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3232.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3232.jpg)

Here you can see it all together.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3233.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3233.jpg)

And a couple shots of the speaker and wires fitting in place.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3234.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3234.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3235.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3235.jpg)

Hopefully in this last image you can see how the speaker barely fits with a tiny gap in the pommel.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3236.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3236.jpg)

I went and bought another tip for my soldering iron. I did not realize how BADLY I needed a new one until I compared the two... NO WONDER I was so frustrated with soldering lately....

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_IronTipComp.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/IronTipComp.jpg)

Crystal Chambers
09-07-2010, 08:19 AM
I'm really confused by all the wires...a few too many isn't there? I'd expect 5. I'd be concerned about the wires pushing against the speaker as well. Especially if they need to be twisted. Definitely pushing the cram-fu though.

Skottsaber
09-07-2010, 09:10 AM
Remember, Crystal. The saber will have a PLI, and an AV switch. Thats 3 extra wires right there. ;)

Rafalema
09-07-2010, 09:45 AM
Skott, your sentence makes no sense to me.. If you mean that he is using the same positive tab from the recharge port to all of them, it still doesn't make any sense, because it would have saved a lot of space just splicing it later..

Or maybe I just don't get it.

Crystal Chambers
09-07-2010, 10:19 AM
Remember, Crystal. The saber will have a PLI, and an AV switch. That's 3 extra wires right there. ;)
I'm not even sure how you get 3 wires from that either. Wouldn't that be 4? 6 if the AV is lit.

Rafalema knows what I'm saying. The port has 3 contacts and the speaker has 2, anything else can be spliced once the leads have past the speaker. I have no idea why the extra wires, but I've only wired a few boards so maybe Shadar needs to fill us in...

I would expect to see 2 reds and 3 black.

Shadar Al'Niende
09-07-2010, 01:49 PM
I'd be concerned about the wires pushing against the speaker as well. Especially if they need to be twisted. Definitely pushing the cram-fu though.

As mentioned earlier in the build log, i have modified the speaker with little notches for the wire to sit in. This was the ONLY way to get the wires past the speaker. The way I have setup the pommel module it will be attached to my chassis and the insert will sit flush with the pommel as it is screwed down, eliminating the need for twisting of wires or securing the MPSI. (Check out earlier explanations in the log for more info)

Yes, i did have a lot of wires coming off the port (from a certain point of view.) ;) A couple of reasons for this actually, and boils down to merely ease of build.

There are currently 3 positives coming off the right hand tab, Pack, Board, and one wire for AV and accents so that they come on when the kill key is pulled. I am not sure i will be able to have all the splices done correctly since this will be a VERY tight section to get into for the accent led's and AV anyway, not to mention trying to fit all the wires in there with everything but the main led and crystal chamber coming through there and then trying to splice everything....

I will really need every ounce of Cram-Fu for this one. I need to fit the 8 wires through the roughly 1x2" switch section, add two more for the switch wires to the board, and splice two of those 10 wires into 3 more each (+ and - for the 2 Accent LED's and the AV). which will make a grand total of 14 wires (unless my math is off) to try to fit in that section along with an illuminated AV and 2 accent LED's. *whew*

One negative comes off the middle for the Pack, and 2 negative wires come off the left hand tab for the board and AV/accent LEDs. That leaves me with 6 wires (3 + and 3 -) going past the speaker, then you add the two speaker wires and you get 8 wires. Not sure how I could have done that with less and still have my speaker pointing up the hilt.

Also...

Having more wires allowed me to keep the speaker a bit more secure and keep things a bit more rigid so as the wires are safer.

Hopefully this explains the many wires, it is a little snug and I am worried about the module spinning correctly when screwing the pommel in, but i may be able to remedy this later.

I am not sure I am making sense anymore.... :neutral:

Shadar Al'Niende
09-11-2010, 02:43 PM
Ok folks, a small, but new update!!!

I got a few "tools" to help me along my way, things that I have been wanting to get for a very long time.

First up is a pair of helping hands! YAY!

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_65HelpingHands.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/65HelpingHands.jpg)

Next, I had been wanting somewhere to store my saber stuff besides an old box and some tupperware. While out shopping with the wife, I came across this little beauty for only $15.00!

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_66Toolbox.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/66Toolbox.jpg)

The padlock was only another $5.00, but it keeps my 2 year old out of daddy's saber stuff ;) It has a tray where I can keep most of my current project stuff. (Wires, chassis, hilt parts, speakers screws etc)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_67Toolbox02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/67Toolbox02.jpg)

and underneath I can keep all of my bigger tools and stuff I don't use as much.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_68Toolbox03.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/68Toolbox03.jpg)

Armed with this new "arsenal" of tools, I set to work wiring up some of the components to the pack and board. First I started with the Pack. I am not sure why, but whenever i start connecting everything, i ALWAYS start with the batteries. I suppose it makes more sense to me since nothing runs without it and this is where the juice comes from.

First the Negative wire

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_69PackNegativeSoldering.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/69PackNegativeSoldering.jpg)

Then on to the positive, I made sure to add a bit of extra heatshrink to help strengthen the connection and cheap flimsy wire that comes on the board.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_70PackPositiveSoldering.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/70PackPositiveSoldering.jpg)

Many of you know, that I have been quite concerned about the switch section being an issue with all of those wires attempting to run past. So, to help alleviate my fear, I ran the wires through and test fit the AV, i figure it wont be sitting this low in the actual hilt, but it will be close and any more room is a bonus! :D

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_71AVWiringFit.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/71AVWiringFit.jpg)

Luckily the wires just barely run past the switch and where the the ID of the hilt will be. You can see it a bit better in the top shot.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_72AVWiringFitTop.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/72AVWiringFitTop.jpg)

The battery and speaker positive, both join the same wire on the board, I already had enough wire running through this beast, so i combined the two wires coming off the port and soldered it to my board wire

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_73BatteryandSpeakerPlusSoldering.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/73BatteryandSpeakerPlusSoldering.jpg)

I needed to insulate the board if I was going to have it sitting against so much metal, but needed a spot for the switch wires left clear. I clipped and applied some Packing tape, and lightly shrunk it with a lighter.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_74InsulateBoard.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/74InsulateBoard.jpg)

Here are a couple shots of the wiring up until now. Before anyone says it, i know that I need to trim and resolder a few things due to leaving too much length, this was on purpose. I need some play in the wiring in order to finalize everything once I receive my last order from Tim and am good to go. (Hopefully the order should arrive Monday, Tues at the latest)

Close up

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_75WiringTangles.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/75WiringTangles.jpg)

and a farther shot

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_76WiringTanglesLong.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/76WiringTanglesLong.jpg)

As stated, hopefully the final order comes in and this build will start really taking shape next week. I am hoping that I get my refund as was promised, so that I can attempt to procure another clamp. I was told Thursday that he would overnight a money order the next day. I have not received it as of yet.

Stay tuned folks, more on its way :D

cardcollector
09-11-2010, 06:11 PM
It is coming along quite nicely.

Are you wondering how you ever got along without a pair of helping hands??:D

Shadar Al'Niende
09-11-2010, 08:41 PM
So, I happened to check my shipping notification for my last order (because i'm pathetic like that :rolleyes:) and found out that it was shipped to an old address roughly 30 minutes south of me due to stupid Paypal.... I jumped in the car and RACED down there, hoping that whoever lived there was semi honest.

When I got there, no one lived there. Of course I was not able to get into the mailbox... so there i am at 9pm standing in the dark trying to think of something. Pissed off and a little disappointed that I didn't catch the address thing... i went home.

I have sent an email to USPS who delivered it, in hopes that they can check to see that the address (old and new) once existed on a forward that I had setup and will deliver it to me here at my new address... if not, i can always blow up the mailbox i suppose... :evil: (ok, so that is totally a federal offense, and I wouldn't do it... but its tempting...)

:(

RevengeoftheSeth
09-11-2010, 10:09 PM
Oh, no, man! That sucks! I really hope the post office can get it all sorted out for you! Usually, it just gets returned to sender and you have to pay shipping, again.

Ronan
09-11-2010, 10:28 PM
So, I happened to check my shipping notification for my last order (because i'm pathetic like that :rolleyes:) and found out that it was shipped to an old address roughly 30 minutes south of me due to stupid Paypal.... I jumped in the car and RACED down there, hoping that whoever lived there was semi honest.

When I got there, no one lived there. Of course I was not able to get into the mailbox... so there i am at 9pm standing in the dark trying to think of something. Pissed off and a little disappointed that I didn't catch the address thing... i went home.

I have sent an email to USPS who delivered it, in hopes that they can check to see that the address (old and new) once existed on a forward that I had setup and will deliver it to me here at my new address... if not, i can always blow up the mailbox i suppose... :evil: (ok, so that is totally a federal offense, and I wouldn't do it... but its tempting...)

:(

Dude... that blows... so much... I have no idea what to tell you... find who ever has the keys?

Rafalema
09-11-2010, 11:05 PM
That really sucks.. :(

Skottsaber
09-12-2010, 01:50 AM
^pretty much all been said, so I won't repeat.

What about a test video? :D

Shadar Al'Niende
09-12-2010, 07:48 AM
^pretty much all been said, so I won't repeat.

What about a test video? :D

No switch wires yet. only pack, and speaker. next is to wire up the clash, main/cc led, and splice the wires for all the accents (AV, accent led, and PLI)

I have decided to splice the wires 4 ways instead of 3 in order to add the PLI in the kill switch.



As for the Post office. I hope that they will forward the mail, or that i can get down there on monday and get it out of the box. I believe my old landlord has passed away so....

Shadar Al'Niende
09-13-2010, 10:28 AM
Quick update. I called my old landlady (she is not dead yay!) and being the sweetest woman alive that i remembered (besides my wife ;)) she told me if i stop by tonight after work she will let me into the mail box!

Now i just have to hope that USPS doesn't move my package on me in the meantime...:(


I guess this is just one more thing to add to the list of reasons why AGONY truly is a good name for this saber :p

RevengeoftheSeth
09-13-2010, 04:24 PM
and being the sweetest woman alive that i remembered (besides my wife ;) )


Good save! :cool:

Shadar Al'Niende
09-13-2010, 07:01 PM
Ok folks, new update...

After work I raced down to my old apartment. I went to my old landlady's house and she met me at the door. After a few pleasantries she handed me a ring of keys that would have made a janitor proud :-(

I asked her if she knew which key it was and she told me that she was sorry but that she did not. I thanked her for helping me and assured her that it was good to see her again. I got back in the car and drove around the corner to the apartments in question. I parked across the street and made my way toward the mailboxes, keys in hand. Sighing i located my old mailbox with the address and with a silent plea, chose a key at random out of the mass of metal in my fist. I slipped it into the mailbox and "click" It opened! ON THE FIRST TRY! Excitedly i glanced in the mailbox to find the key to the package delivery box nestled neatly on top of the mail that was in the box.

Slipping the key out of the mailbox and quickly closing it, i stepped to my right and used the new key to open the package delivery box. Inside, was....

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_77PackageHasArrived.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/77PackageHasArrived.jpg)

My package! I sighed a sigh of relief, retrieved my package and quickly returned the mail keys. The lady informed me that the night before my last (the night before it was delivered) the last tenants had moved out. She said to me that I was lucky that it was delivered when it was, since I may not have retrieved my package from the last tenants.... :shock:

I opened my package and pulled out the final pieces to my hilt. I quickly screwed it all together to see what it looked like. As mentioned before, I had "agonized" over the length of the hilt as 14" is WAAAAAY too long for my personal tastes... With it all together, it does not look that bad. :)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_78EmptyHiltFull.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/78EmptyHiltFull.jpg)

I had ordered custom work on the BH, and at the last minute changed my mind and ordered a custom TCSS stand. Miracle of Miracles! I opened up my package and there it was!

The pieces had a paper film on them, that was super easy to peel off and ensured it came to me crystal clear with absolutely NO scratches

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_79TCSSStand01.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/79TCSSStand01.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_80TCSSStand02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/80TCSSStand02.jpg)

The stand was exactly what I was hoping for, and are VERY nice. The description in the store mentions using epoxy to secure the parts, i found that they were VERY snug and i had to work them to get it in. They will not be coming out without effort....

Of course I had to put my empty hilt on the stand for display purposes, and to show the two off ;) First a closeup

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_81HiltonStandClose.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/81HiltonStandClose.jpg)

Now a couple angle shots

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_82HiltonStandAngle01.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/82HiltonStandAngle01.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_83HiltonStandAngle02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/83HiltonStandAngle02.jpg)

On a final note, I PM'd the seller of the clamp to ask after my refund since he had promised on Thursday to overnight it to me on Friday. I did not receive anything on Saturday and so gave him until Monday for the benefit of the doubt. i still have not heard any reply as to what is going on with the payment. It has only been a couple weeks since my purchase and so I still have a couple left before my time is up to file a Paypal claim. Whether from the seller or from paypal, i will get my money back. Hopefully at that time a suitable replacement will present itself....

Stay tuned!

Ronan
09-13-2010, 07:23 PM
Sweeeeeeeeeeeet! :)

Rhyen Skytracker
09-13-2010, 07:33 PM
Very nice my friend.

Jedi-Loreen
09-18-2010, 02:20 PM
Looks like you learned another "agonizing" lesson about making sure your Paypal shipping info is changed when you move.

Also, if you have an account with Amazon, don't forget to change it there, too. I learned that lesson myself. Fortunately, I caught the problem before my order was actually delivered, but it was on it's way to the wrong address.

Shadar Al'Niende
09-18-2010, 02:34 PM
Yay! Time for more updates for those that are still following along! :)

First, some good news. I was able to gain a refund for the MPP clamp in full, and shipped the part back to the seller on Thursday. I was also able to procure another, more suitable, clamp from a very reputable Sabersmith. (thanks to you for your willingness to work with me, you know who you are ;)) Payment was made yesterday evening, and it should ship soon.

I decided today to make some more progress and I am glad that I did. I have been procrastinating due to some difficult challenges with the wiring. I skipped that part and worked on some other things!

I started off testing with some spare wire, the switch pads on the board. I did not know which ones would give me the desired effect, and since I had the speaker wired up etc, i figured I would start there. The picture is quite blurry, and I apologize for that, but the macro mode on my camera is still limited to pictures from at LEAST 6" away...

There are 5 pads under the switch the board comes with. It seems that pads 2 and 3 (as seen in the following image) are the ones needed to activate the board. (I know, i used red wires a couple times for negative. I don't plan on ever having anyone else own this saber. So its fine :p)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_84SwitchWires.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/84SwitchWires.jpg)

With the switch leads out of the way, I wanted to wire up some other components. First I started with the Negative lead bundle from the board. Here are a couple of pictures.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_85NegBundleWiring.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/85NegBundleWiring.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_86NegBundleWiringClearer.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/86NegBundleWiringClearer.jpg)

I heat shrunk it....

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_87NegBundleHeatshrink.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/87NegBundleHeatshrink.jpg)

And then wired the main led's positive wire with the clash lead...

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_88PosandClashWiring.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/88PosandClashWiring.jpg)

I then turned my attention to the Accent LED. I wired up the resistor to the neg lead after clipping them.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_89AccentLEDNegResistor.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/89AccentLEDNegResistor.jpg)

wired up the positive lead and attached it to the pins under the board. This gives me a little better access to posts for soldering and keeps my wiring a bit cleaner. I used some 3/16 heatshrink to isolate the leads from the washer as it will be seated there for the Crystal chamber.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_90AccentLEDBoard.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/90AccentLEDBoard.jpg)

Finally, Here is a video of the Ventress in action now that I have the clash, main led leads, Crystal chamber etc all wired up. It is not as loud as I had hoped, but it will do well enough i believe.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_WiringTestCrystalChamberWired.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/WiringTestCrystalChamberWired.mp4)

Stay tuned. More to come... ALMOST THERE!

Shadar Al'Niende
09-18-2010, 07:13 PM
A small update, I wired up my Red P4 without a resistor, i have used a green the same way with no issues but apparently due to the lower vf of the Red, I blew the LED. It comes on... but very VERY dimly.

I am not sure when I will have the money to put in another order, but looks like this one will not be done for the weekend. :(

Skottsaber
09-19-2010, 02:17 AM
without a resistor,

Haha...


but apparently due to the lower vf of the Red, I blew the LED. It comes on... but very VERY dimly.

Oh...
lame.

Well at least you got your clamp?
Oh, and this ;) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHPOzQzk9Qo)

alreadyRogue
09-19-2010, 02:23 AM
I really wouldn't worry about the volume of the speaker, it doesn't have a resonance chamber so it just about Haida in volume, blus droops all low tones.
I really would worry about your fried LED, bummer dude :(

Skottsaber
09-19-2010, 02:26 AM
That is true, Rogue, but in comparison to the other FX boards, the Ventress is surprisingly hard to hear.

Perhaps he was speaking in relative terms?

Shadar Al'Niende
09-19-2010, 06:42 PM
Yeah, it was in reference to the other FX boards. Such as the Obi Wan in my previous saber Mr. Green. I'm not depressed over it by any means, but was simply surprised by its lack of volume.

On a side note, I was able to place another order tonight and Tim shipped it 40 minutes later :shock: (ok so i got a shipping notification which means it will be in the mail tomorrow. Either way, I will have it by Wednesday!)

Ronan
09-19-2010, 09:24 PM
Lesson learned heh?

ALWAYS USE PROTECTION :lol:

Skottsaber
09-20-2010, 07:19 AM
Yeah, it was in reference to the other FX boards. Such as the Obi Wan in my previous saber Mr. Green.


Why do I have to correct you on your own sabers?
It was a Luke ANH board, silly. :rolleyes:

Shadar Al'Niende
09-20-2010, 08:05 AM
So it was... *shrug* same thing... :D

psab keel
09-20-2010, 11:37 AM
Not to derail this, but Shadar, shouldn't your signature read....

"Every time Tim ships an order, a saber gets it's bling?"

Sorry I couldn't resist......haha

Shadar Al'Niende
09-20-2010, 12:23 PM
Haha, nice... :cool:

Shadar Al'Niende
09-21-2010, 06:39 AM
So, I have tentatively begun construction of my shroud. I freehanded a design onto a piece of free .25" square graph paper, (thanks CardCollector!!) and then glue stick'd it to my sinktube (Thanks Tim!!)

Here is what I have so far...

You can see that i drew the center cut too short, and so had to go back and re-draw it to accommodate the switch hole. That is why there is some extra lines in there :p

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_91Shroud01.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/91Shroud01.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_92Shroud02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/92Shroud02.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_93Shroud03.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/93Shroud03.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_94Shroud04.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/94Shroud04.jpg)

And, if you look closely, you can see where the switch will sit. I will have to drill this out or at the very least sand it with my dremel for the switch.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_95Shroud05.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/95Shroud05.jpg)

I was going to try to cut the shroud at least peremptorily, but it was far too late at night and we have a newborn in the place next to us. I will try to get some rough cuts done tonight.

Stay Tuned....

Rafalema
09-21-2010, 06:52 AM
Lookin' good there Shadar! :cool:

At first I was like: "What?!?! You're going to give it a shroud?!?!", but then I remembered my render.

Did you change the design of the shroud after the render? It certainly looks different to me...

Shadar Al'Niende
09-21-2010, 07:35 AM
Yes, i liked the look of this better. We shall see if I do a shroud at all ;)

Shadar Al'Niende
09-21-2010, 09:16 PM
ok, update... i spent 15 minutes with my dremel, and then another 10 with my hand drill (yes, i chucked the cut-off wheel and ez-lock mandrel in my cordless drill :p) and this is all i have to show for it.... I am really disappointed in my dremel (7.2 v cordless, yucky....) Because I am wanting to finish this by the weekend, I may not get the shroud put on this one.

We shall see I suppose...

This is what I have to show for my roughly 30 minutes of work :(

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_96Shroud06.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/96Shroud06.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_97Shroud07.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/97Shroud07.jpg)

Shadar Al'Niende
09-22-2010, 07:37 PM
Quite a bit more done tonight on the shroud, worked a bit harder at it and a bit longer thanks to a full charge on the dremel.....

Here you can see where i stopped on this cut from earlier.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_98Shroud08.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/98Shroud08.jpg)

The other side went a bit more smoothly...

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_99Shroud09.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/99Shroud09.jpg)

And I also got the center cut started and cleaned up a bit.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100Shroud10.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100Shroud10.jpg)

As you can see from the images, i have been able to do quite a bit more on the shroud. i still need to finish the central cut and cut/sand out the hole for the switch, as well as drill a small hole for the accent led to slide through...

I was able to spend some time with my chassis tonight, working out ideas for the final wiring... I still need to wire up the accent and switch leads, but am waiting on a friend to find out if his Father-In-Law has the resistor I need for the main led, or if i will have to make due with the ones from RS.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_100_3295.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/100_3295.jpg)

Yes that is a dime for comparison and YES, they are about the size of AAA batteries.. I am going to have to either modify the rear washer in the board/pack section to accept 8 more wires, or find some way to pass 2 wires (+ and -) and then splice them in the tiny switch section... Still gunning for friday, but we will see what happens.

Stay Tuned!

RevengeoftheSeth
09-22-2010, 07:42 PM
Those are freakin ginormous!

I hope you find a better alternative, lol.

Ronan
09-22-2010, 09:13 PM
HOLY RESISTORS BATMAN! :lol:

Shadar Al'Niende
09-23-2010, 12:34 PM
Another Update!

I GOT MY REPLACEMENT CLAMP!!! (Thanks to the General who got this to me in this Greivous time ;))

Up first are a couple shots of the clamp on the hilt, covering the crystal chamber.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_102MPPClamp01.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/102MPPClamp01.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_103MPPClamp02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/103MPPClamp02.jpg)

Next is a shot of the "open" slot that will illuminate the bubble card. I may choose to rotate the shim and block off the light. I have not decided and will have to see it all lit up first.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_104MPPClamp03.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/104MPPClamp03.jpg)

Here is an image of the clamp slid back to cover the PLI and reveal the Crystal Chamber!

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_105MPPClamp04.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/105MPPClamp04.jpg)

And finally a couple shots to show an approximation of where the shroud will fit, even with the clamp slid backward.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_106MPPClampandShroud01.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/106MPPClampandShroud01.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_107MPPClampandShroud02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/107MPPClampandShroud02.jpg)

No word on the resistors, but I am going to forget about the self imposed deadline and just make this saber worth building. So for now I am a bit excited about the build again!

Stay Tuned!

Shadar Al'Niende
09-23-2010, 06:28 PM
Hey folks. I got home tonight and decided to finish my shroud. I cut the shroud and dremeled out a switch hole. I also took some emery cloth and did some finish sanding so the edges were smooth enough not to scratch the hilt. Here are some images of the shroud...

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_108ShroudFinished01.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/108ShroudFinished01.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_109ShroudFinished02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/109ShroudFinished02.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_110ShroudFinished03.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/110ShroudFinished03.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_111ShroudFinished04.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/111ShroudFinished04.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_111ShroudFinished04.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/111ShroudFinished04.jpg)

And here are some shots with it on the hilt

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_112ShroudOnHilt01.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/112ShroudOnHilt01.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_113ShroudOnHilt02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/113ShroudOnHilt02.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_114ShroudOnHilt03.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/114ShroudOnHilt03.jpg)

Here you can see it with the clamp slid back to reveal the Crystal Chamber, IT FITS! YAY!

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_115ShroudOnHilt04.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/115ShroudOnHilt04.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_116ShroudOnHilt05.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/116ShroudOnHilt05.jpg)

I still feel that the shroud almost looks out of place... I like it, and i worked hard on it, but still not convinced it will make it onto the final design. Any opinions?

Stay Tuned!

Ronan
09-23-2010, 06:38 PM
It needs slots to fit with the design on the front of the saber.

cardcollector
09-23-2010, 06:59 PM
I think the shroud needs to wrap around the clamp box, that way it will look integrated and not be a "Stuck on the end" type of shroud, if you get my meaning...

Shadar Al'Niende
09-23-2010, 07:08 PM
It needs slots to fit with the design on the front of the saber.

I considered that. I may do some slots to help it "fit in"


I think the shroud needs to wrap around the clamp box, that way it will look integrated and not be a "Stuck on the end" type of shroud, if you get my meaning...

The problem with that is that the clamp is not stationary...

Rafalema
09-23-2010, 09:35 PM
Awesome overload...

Systems failing...

SUPER nice work on the shroud! Fits the thing perfectly!
The design is perfect too. :cool_

Ronan
09-23-2010, 10:12 PM
Awesome overload...

Systems failing...

You crashing? :lol:

Shadar Al'Niende
09-27-2010, 04:29 PM
Awesome overload...

Systems failing... :cool_

You ain't seen nothin' yet ;)

I came back from out of town for the weekend. Had been away from the build for the weekend and found a little surprise waiting for me in the mail. I have been super excited to show it to you guys as I wanted to at least get started before revealing it in all its SUPER AWESOMENESS!!!! Credit goes to Master Jedye since it was his build Jedye's Fury that I pulled this idea from.

Here it is...

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_117KnifeArives.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/117KnifeArives.jpg)

I wanted to do a claw, and this was the perfect design to me... I looked around for something else but NOTHING came close to how this looked to me. (For those of you that don't know, this is a "Finger Ring Knife.") I searched the Net to find one of these puppies and ended up picking it up for quite a good deal.

First thing i did was dremel off all the sharp edges... Then, taking cues from Master Jedye and his build, I dremeled off the ring portion and then used my C-Clamp to hold and bend the remaining portion to fit the BH OD (yes I know i need a pair of pliers!)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_120DremeledRings03.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/120DremeledRings03.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_118DremeledRings.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/118DremeledRings.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_119DremeledRings02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/119DremeledRings02.jpg)

Here are a couple of shots of how it will be placed:

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_122TestFit02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/122TestFit02.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_121TestFit.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/121TestFit.jpg)

I set to work with my Dremel and drill. I drilled and tapped two holes to accept 8/32 screws (I plan to use 2x Black button heads to hold it onto the BH) I also rounded the edges and dremeled it up to give it a nice shiny look.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_123DrilledHoles.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/123DrilledHoles.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_124DrilledHoles02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/124DrilledHoles02.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_125DrilledHoles03.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/125DrilledHoles03.jpg)

Here is another test fit, you can see how the "fangs" sit in the groove of the Blade Holder quite nicely.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_127FinalTestFit02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/127FinalTestFit02.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_126FinalTestFit.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/126FinalTestFit.jpg)

A Final Test fit:

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_128FinalTestFit03.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/128FinalTestFit03.jpg)

and a glory shot ;)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_129GloryShot.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/129GloryShot.jpg)

Stay tuned all....

Crystal Chambers
09-27-2010, 05:46 PM
Very cool. Great idea. As far as the overlay goes maybe a repetition of a similar overlay on the emitter would balance it out better. You could do one and still have the claw on it. I do like the slot in the overlay and how it complements both the chamber slots and pommel.

Ronan
09-27-2010, 05:50 PM
My heroooo :p

jin starkiller
09-27-2010, 06:37 PM
i think we both have similiar idea i ordered the same ring 2 days ago for my wife saber that i am working on she loves dragons....just going to be using the head and not the claw .....looks good

Shadar Al'Niende
09-27-2010, 07:08 PM
i think we both have similiar idea i ordered the same ring 2 days ago for my wife saber that i am working on she loves dragons....just going to be using the head and not the claw .....looks good

Just so that you know, (i know you already ordered...) the head has a slot running from the tip of the snout to where the blade connects with the head. It would look a little funny without the blade.

jin starkiller
09-27-2010, 07:34 PM
just makes it more challenging

Skottsaber
09-28-2010, 02:33 AM
I wanted to at least get started before revealing it in all its SUPER AWESOMENESS!!!!
The underlined is an understatement.
And I'm pretty sure the supplier was lying to you about shipping. It came a lot sooner that expected...


Very cool. Great idea. As far as the overlay goes maybe a repetition of a similar overlay on the emitter would balance it out better.
Shadar correct me if I'm wrong but I do believe he decided against the overlay altogether. It really seems like an unnecessary detail.


just makes it more challenging
Tell us how many sanding drums you wear down ;)

EDIT: Oh... looking at the pictures again, it goes ALL the way down. Hmm... yes quite the challenge. Perhaps you could use some kind of filler and then sand it down to be flush?

jin starkiller
09-28-2010, 03:59 AM
thats what i was planning

Shadar Al'Niende
09-28-2010, 06:40 AM
Shadar correct me if I'm wrong but I do believe he decided against the overlay altogether. It really seems like an unnecessary detail.

80% sure I will drop it all together, just doesnt flow well with this saber... then again... (I have reworked this thing more times that i have blinked in my lifetime... so who knows:p)


EDIT: Oh... looking at the pictures again, it goes ALL the way down. Hmm... yes quite the challenge. Perhaps you could use some kind of filler and then sand it down to be flush?

filler and sanding could work, you would loose some of the design on the top... but with a little work im sure you could make it look great Jin!

Thanks guys!

Crystal Chambers
09-28-2010, 06:43 AM
Very cool that you question so much of your design. I do the same thing. It's much better then wanting to change it after it's been finished for 6 months.

Shadar Al'Niende
10-02-2010, 07:31 AM
Very cool that you question so much of your design. I do the same thing. It's much better then wanting to change it after it's been finished for 6 months.

AMEN!!

Ok folks, Harbor freight had a sale this weekend and due to my email subscription i was made aware of some good deals! I went and snatched up a 5 speed drill press (http://www.harborfreight.com/5-speed-drill-press-38119.html), a 4" swivel vice (http://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-capacity-swivel-base-drill-press-vise-1631.html) and a 5" Drill Press Milling Vice (http://www.harborfreight.com/5-inch-drill-press-milling-vise-94276.html) all for $135.00 The milling vice is for wood and plastic, but i figure if i pre drill the aluminum, it should do just fine for saber purposes.

I got home late and unpacked the drill press, assembly was a snap but I didn't know how loud it was and so left the drilling for today. Here are some pics of the Drill Press in all it's glory!

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_130DrillPress01.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/130DrillPress01.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_131DrillPress02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/131DrillPress02.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_132DrillPress03.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/132DrillPress03.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_133DrillPress04.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/133DrillPress04.jpg)

So I got up early this morning, and clamped the Vice to the press table and put my pre-marked BH into the vice.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_134Clamped.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/134Clamped.jpg)

I had previously marked the BH with some wet erase marker so that I could drill the right spots.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_135ClampedClose.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/135ClampedClose.jpg)

Here it is drilled, worked like a charm.. smooth as butter :) and dang near silent too!

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_136Drilled.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/136Drilled.jpg)

Then I tapped both holes for 8/32 screws

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_137Tapped.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/137Tapped.jpg)

I used two thumbscrews temporarily until my two button heads come in the mail.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_138Srews.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/138Srews.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_139BHShot01.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/139BHShot01.jpg)

Here are a couple shots of the Hilt and BH with the claw attached

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_140BHShot02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/140BHShot02.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_141BHShot03.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/141BHShot03.jpg)

Skottsaber
10-02-2010, 08:33 AM
Looking sharp!
(yeah... yeah... :rolleyes:)

Love the new press, might it be possible to do that custom work yourself now (BH milling)?

Shadar Al'Niende
10-02-2010, 11:00 AM
I am considering it. I don't know what would look better, a milled slot, or 3 consecutively smaller holes... Think on this more, I must...

Lord Corsair
10-02-2010, 11:09 AM
http://www.amazon.com/Cross-Slide-Drill-Milling-Machine/dp/B001FGAJTA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1286042924&sr=8-1

this would go great with your new drill

Shadar Al'Niende
10-02-2010, 03:28 PM
Harbor freight had a sale this weekend...i was made aware of some good deals!... I went and snatched up...a 5" Drill Press Milling Vice (http://www.harborfreight.com/5-inch-drill-press-milling-vise-94276.html)...The milling vice is for wood and plastic, but i figure if i pre drill the aluminum, it should do just fine for saber purposes.

I already have one! Thank you though. In case you were posting that because the one i bought said something about wood and plastics on the box, as stated, I think the one i posted earlier will be fine.

I may just return it later in case it doesnt work out so good to have alternatives...

Shadar Al'Niende
10-02-2010, 05:22 PM
Ok, another small update. Since I am waiting on a couple of screws for the BH i ordered a Resistor as well so that i don't have to use the gigantic ones from RS. I figured all I needed was the resistor and screws to complete the build, so I might as well get the thing completed while i had the time! (well, at least as close as I could without the resistor and screws.)

I still needed to wire the accent led's, and switch. So first thing first, i clipped some leads for the led's, you can see where i separated a slightly longer one from the others for the switch.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_142AccentWires.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/142AccentWires.jpg)

Next I clipped the resistor down as far as possible, and soldered it onto the accent LED's.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_143AccentandResistor.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/143AccentandResistor.jpg)

I clipped the accent led neg lead to make up some for the resistors, this kept the leads about the same length.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_145AccentsandLED.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/145AccentsandLED.jpg)

Another thing that I had been procrastinating was wiring up the PLI. I realized after wiring and securing it to the chassis that it was backwards from how I wanted the LED's but, at this point, it was too late to worry overly much.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_144PLI.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/144PLI.jpg)

It took a RIDICULOUS amount of Cram-Fu to get everything wired and crunched (sometimes almost literally) into that switch section. In order to screw the nut on, i had to modify the switch section so I just removed the brass tubing on either side of the switch. Luckily the switch holds in the chassis snug enough so no worries there.

Here is a shot of the hilt all together, this one with the kill key in.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_146SaberCompleteOff.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/146SaberCompleteOff.jpg)

and one with the kill key pulled, the PLI, Accent LED's and Switch lit.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_147SaberCompleteOn.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/147SaberCompleteOn.jpg)

Chamber and PLI lit up.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_148ChamberOn.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/148ChamberOn.jpg)

And a short clip of the ignition and the hilt in general as it stands so far.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_TestMinusBladeHolder.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/TestMinusBladeHolder.mp4)

I seem to have a short somewhere and i am guessing in the recharge port since when I insert the charger the saber acts a little funny (aka not killing the lights unless i wiggle the charger in the port) and the outer hilt (specifically the pommel) has a charge, tested by touching my lip to it after smelling some kind of plastic burning from the pommel... seems to function ok without the charger plugged in so far, but I will need to check it out later.

Hope you folks enjoy!

Ronan
10-02-2010, 05:37 PM
Congrats man!

Now i'm waiting on my stuff to make mine... LOL!

Man harbor freight is really really nice... i'm so going there when i'm in NY, and if i'm too far... i'll figure something out.

jin starkiller
10-02-2010, 06:34 PM
very cool .....it looks really good

Shadar Al'Niende
10-02-2010, 07:14 PM
Thanks Jin!

A few more "Bonus" Shots....

1. Lights on + Flash
2. Lights on no Flash
3. Lights off no Flash

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_149DisplayShot01.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/149DisplayShot01.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_150DisplayShot02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/150DisplayShot02.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_151DisplayShot03.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/151DisplayShot03.jpg)

xl97
10-02-2010, 07:20 PM
curious as to how you got your milling vise mounted the drill press?

on my benchtop I found I was lacking space? mine was a 5:..but didnt seem to o much bigger than the 4"..

Shadar Al'Niende
10-02-2010, 08:02 PM
Haven't even pulled it out of the box yet Xl sorry :( Im going to have to try C-Clamps I think as the table is only like 4" as you said... problems...

I am considering getting a piece of hardwood to bolt to the table in order to increase surface size by 2-3 inches either side. We shall see what develops i suppose... i will PM you if i come across any cool ideas :D

xl97
10-02-2010, 08:11 PM
Haven't even pulled it out of the box yet Xl sorry :( Im going to have to try C-Clamps I think as the table is only like 4" as you said... problems...

I am considering getting a piece of hardwood to bolt to the table in order to increase surface size by 2-3 inches either side. We shall see what develops i suppose... i will PM you if i come across any cool ideas :D

I think the 'throat' of the drill press is gonna give you a problem..

'as well as' how far down the table can get...with vise mounted..and still have a bit in there with room to work on stuff.

I have been looking at:

a.) removing the table portion...
or
b.) removing the base..and mounting to my work bench..so I 'can' get low enough.. (still problem with throat/table)

Shadar Al'Niende
10-02-2010, 08:26 PM
Yeah I considered that, thanks for the tips as like i said, i have not yet un-boxed the vice... I may end up returning it for my money back and get some other tools, like maybe a chop saw....

Ronan
10-02-2010, 09:05 PM
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-speed-bench-drill-press-with-1-2-half-inch-keyless-chuck-44505.html

Thats the one people seem to get. I'm afraid (like you), sticking a mill vice might cause height issues.

Hence why i got my eyes on this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/12-speed-bench-top-drill-press-44836.html

I'll see whats up when i'm in NY (they got a HF 30 mins from my parents house, in NJ), during x-mas time.

RevengeoftheSeth
10-02-2010, 10:27 PM
Shipping is only $10 if you decide to buy it on their website. I don't have a HF near me.

Ronan
10-03-2010, 01:01 AM
Shipping is only $10 if you decide to buy it on their website. I don't have a HF near me.

Thats it? Very nice, thanks for the info!

RevengeoftheSeth
10-03-2010, 07:05 PM
Yeah, I figured it was going to be at least $25 when I first went to order a drill press. I was pleasantly suprised when I got to the checkout.

Darth Midian
10-06-2010, 06:21 AM
Shadar, I'm a little behind. But that finger ring is awesome. That is such a great find. It totally suits your hilt.

Shadar Al'Niende
10-07-2010, 05:56 AM
Ok! I finally got this thing completed :D A few more shots to finish things up...

So after spending my lunch break working on the saber (aka adding screws and wiring up the main LED) i turned it on... and got NOTHING! Frustrated, I metered the leads.. nada... So I left for work a bit frustrated that I had to tear the whole thing apart....

I found out that my main led + wire had ground out against the threaded rod and shorted, melting my wire down to the harness of the board! :shock: Needless to say, i had to rework the whole thing, luckily the chamber was brighter once i reseated my accent led!

Here is a quick shot of the mess that was the wiring i had to fit in the switch section...

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_152WiringJam.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/152WiringJam.jpg)

So finally wired up the resistor, which thankfully cut my size down by half, even though it was still HUGE... ITS ALIVE!

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_153ItsALIVE.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/153ItsALIVE.jpg)

Pulled my wires through for switch and accents and got them wired up....

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_154WiringShot.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/154WiringShot.jpg)

Here are a few shots of it completed, more in the gallery!

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_155DisplayBH.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/155DisplayBH.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_156DisplayHilt.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/156DisplayHilt.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_158DarkGlam01.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/158DarkGlam01.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_159DarkGlam02.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/159DarkGlam02.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_160DarkGlam03.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/160DarkGlam03.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_161DarkGlam04.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/161DarkGlam04.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/th_Display157Complete.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x116/TaiDashan/Agony/Build%20Log/Display157Complete.jpg)

jin starkiller
10-07-2010, 06:14 AM
looks good very cool

Rafalema
10-07-2010, 06:15 AM
That is one heck of a saber!

Kudos to you. :cool:

Shadar Al'Niende
10-07-2010, 06:17 AM
You can find the Gallery Post here (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=11783) ;)

Katana
05-01-2011, 02:51 PM
The lit crystal chamber makes this saber...great job.

Skottsaber
05-01-2011, 02:55 PM
Welcome to the forums :)

Just a quick note, posting in threads that have "died" (not had any posts for a few weeks), unless you have a question or something to add to that thread is generally frowned upon, if you want to post a comment on a saber such as yours, it is advised you Private message a member. Since you are new its OK, and you can't PM anyone just yet, but please try to remember that in future.

Again, welcome to TCSS ;)