slothfurnace's 'Derelict'

[slothfurnace]

Well, folks, I am in between tasks on my other sabers, waiting on parts and whatnot, so I started poking through my parts bin and found some things I can fiddle with while I am waiting..

So to start with, a sketch -

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/000.jpg

This should be close to what I am going for. I will have to cut into that oddball graflex (if it is a graflex) top to make it into a rear shroud for the MHS ribbed extension.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/001.jpg

This is the pommel, it's an acerocket that I have had for a while. I jumped at the chance to pick up this rare piece, but don't really have the desire to make an AOTC Obi hilt, because that's been done... so I weathered it up and started wearing off the anodization on the lathe.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/002.jpg

Here's the oddball graflex top I was referring to. I ended up with this section off ebay for about 20 bucks, and have been holding on to it for a while now, not knowing what I'd do with it.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/003.jpg

I like this top section because it's beat up, has extra details the normal graflex tops don't have, and it's familiar yet unique.

You can also see the TCSS blade adapter installed. It took a LOT of effort to get that in there, I don't think the "graflex" top I have is in spec, because I had to drive the adapter in there with a hammer and punch. I can get it out the same way if I have to, but I think it's in there good for now.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/004.jpg

At this point, I ran across an extra triangle ring from a ROTJ project, and thought I'd install it in one of the pommel cubes.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/005.jpg

After flattening one side with a dremel so I could get my drill bit into it without it walking off the slope, I drilled through it with a 1/8 bit.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/006.jpg

Here you see the triangle ring installed, I may pass a set screw into it to keep it from wandering back and forth, but keeping it loose enough to hinge.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/007.jpg

Here it is with the parts I have so far.

[Rafalema]

Looks great!

Can't wait to see this one finished!

[ARKM]

Looks great so far. I look forward to seeing it completed.

[Lawrs1]

What they said :D

[Ronan]

Oh man...

Someone give this man a medal!

[cannibal869]

Good stuff Sloth!! Always a joy to see your work and how it progresses over time.

[slothfurnace]

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/008.jpg

Got my extension in from TCSS today, and testfit. Looks like it's going to work.

I will have to trim down the diameter a tad just so it will fit inside the graflex top, and maybe cut down some length.

And I will definitely have to beat it up some, it's way too pretty right now.

[Sidd]

How do you plan on attaching the graflex and graflex blade holder to the end of the MHS part?

I had a similar idea for a saber a while but but i couldnt come up with a way of marrying the two that would end up in divorce when i tried to duel with it :)

[slothfurnace]

How do you plan on attaching the graflex and graflex blade holder to the end of the MHS part?

I had a similar idea for a saber a while but but i couldnt come up with a way of marrying the two that would end up in divorce when i tried to duel with it :)

Kind of like this -

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/009.jpg

Right now it's a bit too long, and I haven't cut the shroud into the gflex top, and the control box is just sitting there, but you can see where it's going.

[RevengeoftheSeth]

Why do I feel like sloth is Michael Jordan and he came to play ball with us poor kids at the public basketball court? LOL

Can I have your autograph, sloth? ^.^

Totally serious, btw ;)

[jin starkiller]

only because you wish you had his mad skills...looks good ...can't wait to see the finished product

[Sidd]

I meant how are you going to connect them structurally so that it does not cause a week point that will break on impacked

[RevengeoftheSeth]

I meant how are you going to connect them structurally so that it does not cause a week point that will break on impacked

I think his sabers are more for display, but they are usually rock solid when he is finished with them. He can fabricate his own parts.

[Crystal Chambers]

Awesome! A non replica! Kind of. I've been waiting for something like this. Funny thing is I was playing with the idea of a graflex top mixed with the ROTJ pommel over the weekend. I'm curious to see how the top turns out with out the ears and hoop.

[Jay-gon Jinn]

Looking good so far Sloth!


This is the pommel, it's an acerocket that I have had for a while. I jumped at the chance to pick up this rare piece, but don't really have the desire to make an AOTC Obi hilt, because that's been done.
That's good thing, too, because it's a TPM pommel, not an ATOC! ;)

[slothfurnace]

Looking good so far Sloth!


That's good thing, too, because it's a TPM pommel, not an ATOC! ;)

Ah, ok, I couldn't remember which one I ordered from Ace.

[FenderBender]

Nice. Not the saber that I wanted to see you make, but, it'll do;)

[Skottsaber]

Looking good so far Sloth!


That's good thing, too, because it's a TPM pommel, not an ATOC! ;)

Excuse my ignorance... but what is ATOC? :confused:





:p

[Silver Serpent]

Oh that's easy. It stands for "ATtack Of the Clones", one of the Star Wars movies. :)

[cardcollector]

I really love your work sloth, it is so rich in detail!:cool:

This saber looks starkiller inspired. Was it influenced by that design?

[slothfurnace]

I really love your work sloth, it is so rich in detail!:cool:

This saber looks starkiller inspired. Was it influenced by that design?

Oh, not really, I just have these parts, and they seem to want to be together.


http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/010.jpg

Here I have my template from 3dMAX and photoshop printed out and taped on to my Gflex section, to see if I like where the cuts will be.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/011.jpg

And after a good bit of dremel-fu, and an application of some Birchwood Casey brass black to the newly exposed yellow brass section, it's beginning to come together. The ribbed MHS piece is a bit too clean still, I want to darken or better yet anodize it so it gives contrast to the shrouded back end of the gflex top.

[Rafalema]

Looks perfect!

Keep it up! :cool:

[Jedi-Loreen]

Excuse my ignorance... but what is ATOC? :confused:

Oh Skott, I'm disappointed in you. :neutral:

[Rafalema]

Excuse my ignorance... but what is ATOC? :confused:



Dude, ever heard of Attack Tank Of the Clones?

[Skottsaber]

Oh Skott, I'm disappointed in you. :neutral:

If you missed it... then I'm disappointed in you :neutral:





(note... look at the spelling of AOTC ;))

/thread derail
Nice work Sloth!
You really should do more customs...

[Ronan]

+1 internet to skott. :p

[Crimsonjedi]

Sloth, you disgust me with your saber building awesomeness!!! ;)

[Jedi-Elf]

Sorry to necropost, but was this saber ever finished? I couldn't find it in the Gallery...:confused:

[Darth Midian]

Jedi Elf, don't feel bad this is a first for me too. I would like to the progess or finished product. Sloth your work is awsome.

[wenoscustomworkshop]

wow that is so close to what i am building..... did your top graflex piece fit perfectly on your mhs part?

[JamoUp]

wow that is so close to what i am building..... did your top graflex piece fit perfectly on your mhs part?

to answer your question:



Got my extension in from TCSS today, and testfit. Looks like it's going to work.

I will have to trim down the diameter a tad just so it will fit inside the graflex top, and maybe cut down some length.

[wenoscustomworkshop]

wow thanks i feel dumb i guess its just because i have been racking my brains trying to find a graflex top maybe the same one he is using

[cannibal869]

wow thanks i feel dumb i guess its just because i have been racking my brains trying to find a graflex top maybe the same one he is using

you *do* know that there's a cheap replica brass graflex top available in the store, right? granted it's brass, but nothing a little powdercoat or spray paint can't take care of... just sayin'...

;)
-C

[DarthPawley]

Birchwood casey brass black is better, just sayin.

[wenoscustomworkshop]

i would try that but i would like pictures of someone elses before i do it... and if i buy his i need to find a place selling the bunnyears

[slothfurnace]

A bit of an update, I decided to install the graflex clamp lever I have into the new TCSS box...

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/013.jpg

I drilled a hole through the side of the TCSS box, and a larger hole on the otherside for the thinned nut.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/012.jpg

It makes the saber feel more "original trilogy" Which is what I am going for.

[Knighthammer]

I'll be watching this ones progress with much interst ;)

[dgdve]

It makes the saber feel more "original trilogy" Which is what I am going for.

A perfect addition indeed!

[slothfurnace]

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/014.jpg

Here's a shot of the freshly painted middle ribbed section. I wanted to enhance the contrast between the graflex shroud and the middle area, to bring out the curves more. I may weather this down a bit some. I also need to cut a hole for the AV switch for the box.

[slothfurnace]

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/015.jpg

A little work on the emitter, made from found pieces and a chunk of steel I dished and polished to mirror smooth so it reflects the blackened metal gear piece I have around the machined brass LED holder.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/016.jpg

I like the way the outer steel piece reflects the grooves in the gear.

[Rafalema]

Aww man that is just too awesome... :cool:


You have a PM

[xl97]

dig the emitter plug!.. gives it that 'authentic/usable' look to it.. =)

[Azmaria Dei]

goodness sloth! what did you get that gear from?

[Crystal Chambers]

Cool blade plug! Can't wait to see it lit. I say go for the weathering! Even just a little will make the ribbed section pop and match the pommel.

[slothfurnace]

Minor update on this "doodle" of a saber...

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/017.jpg

Last night I decided to widen the switchbox slot a bit on the Milling machine. Much easier to true it all up with that as opposed to using files and whatnot.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/018.jpg

I also milled a slot for the back grip section screw, threaded the hole for that, and installed a black dome screw. Also found some black oxide hex cap screws to mount the switchbox on with. I had to mill out underneath the switchbox enough of a hole to fit the AV switch.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/custom3/019.jpg

It's coming along, slowly but surely.

[General Drod]

wow. Nice looking saber. You have mad skills!

[Boj-Vaati Mau]

Looking good, Sloth! To me it comes across as a Trasition Era piece withthe elements you've chosen. As far as rapidity of build goes; if you were faster you'd have to rename yourself. ;) Keep it up, mate!

[jin starkiller]

looking good Sloth ....see we still using the leather coach for the pics...:)

[slothfurnace]

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/020.jpg

Uh oh, looks like I have a better board to play with!

[jin starkiller]

very cool ....mine should be here today so i will have better board to play with too.....:D

[Ballistic Jello]

Love this saber so far, Slothfurnace! So much so that I am planning on building a saber inspired by Derelict. Maybe I will call it Debris...lol. I can pretty much guarantee it won't rival this saber (or any of your others), but I will do my best. I think one reason I really like this saber is that you have kept the very interesting emitter end of the Graflex flash tube (with all of its' interesting curves and doodads) and yet have gotten rid of the (to me at least) much less interesting pommel end of the Anakin/Luke Graflex saber. Add to that the fact that you are using my favorite pommel from all of the movie sabers, and you have a winner of a design on your hands. (How large a sack of cash would it take to get Acerocket to mill out some more sweet Obi pommels? I may have to rob some banks, heh heh. Just kidding government overlords...kidding!)

Anywho, awesome saber!

[Umbral Lotus]

I may have to rob some banks, heh heh. Just kidding government overlords...kidding!)

Well now you will no doubt have men in black following you, or watching you through your cell phone camera... ;)

[slothfurnace]

The PC-U installed finally, and a spare white LED for now. A red LedEngin on the way for this one.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/021.jpg

I also found a CB Radio cable plug ferrule that fits the threading of the graflex, and really simulates the "red button" enclosure. This will be my blade retention knob.

[Matt Thorn]

I also found a CB Radio cable plug ferrule that fits the threading of the graflex, and really simulates the "red button" enclosure. This will be my blade retention knob.
Ooo. I am very interested in that ferrule. I don't suppose you would happen to know if that is a standard ferrule? Some close-up photos and specs would be very much appreciated.

[Skottsaber]

waitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitwhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaat!?!?!?

This is a blue saber!

[Azmaria Dei]

well, he's going to use a 5W Deep red LEDengin, so nya!

[slothfurnace]

Yup, it'll be red. Or RGB, haven't quite decided, but Red to start with, anyway.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/022.jpg

A shot with the lever and such installed. I'll need to shorten a few screws next, as I've had to put spacers in so the front box screw and the rear grip screw don't push too far into the electronics and whatnot.

[Tarrell]

Awesome saber, remindes me of Corran Horn's saber, shame is going to be red, because a silver nlade, very unique. But Love the design.
"CB Radio cable plug ferrule that fits the threading of the graflex, and really simulates the "red button" enclosure. This will be my blade retention knob" :0 You find a use for anything!!!!

[Jimmy_Forsaken]

I must say i do like this with the white led though...

[Matt Thorn]

I trust slothfurnace's aesthetic judgment more than I do my own, so I'm sure the red will be perfect.

[slothfurnace]

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/023.jpg

Got my red Ledengins in today! a quick 5 minute install, and it's cooking red. I can't tell you how different it looks in person, it's BRIGHT. At least at the base. It gets dimmer towards the tip, meh.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/024.jpg

I'd take a pic of the whole blade, but I am still pretty unimpressed with the tip illumination. Perhaps when I get the narrower degree lens, it will look better.

The blade is a regular TCSS show blade, the lens is ... I dunno, something I had laying around for a while. Not sure what it is.

I have a 5 degree lens and such coming from Tim, so we'll see if that helps a bit. Also I am using stock LED settings for the PC-U. Az suggests I crank up the power, so I'll do that and have a look. For now, here's a wide shot.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/025.jpg

[Revathor]

I must say, I have been following this one eagerly. I'm still awaiting my parts to arrive to get started on my first project. This is one wicked sweet saber. Impressive, most impressive.

[Umbral Lotus]

Looks awesome, as always.

[Knighthammer]

Looks great Sloth!

[psab keel]

Hey Sloth!

Looks great, as always! Do you have any polypro rolled inside your blade? That will go a long way in evening out the brightness for you.

Psab

[Tarrell]

Ok I liked white, but red does look good, Im glad you used deep red, been planning to use a LedEngin 5 / 10w in mine, but wanted to see more shots of the deep red, compared to standard red. I like the deep more.

[hebert466]

I bow to you sloth...you are truely a master!!!

[slothfurnace]

Well, here's a minor update while I wait for my wife to go into labor with our daughter...

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/026.jpg

Got my recharge port installed finally. Now I can recharge it without disassembling the whole thing every time it runs out of juice. I milled out an inset for it and drilled and tapped it to fit the threads of the port.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/027.jpg

I also have found myself a real graflex red button for the bottom switch hole.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/028.jpg

I think it looks much more at home than the thing I had on there previously. Also i found a nice section of telescope that fit my one inch diameter blade, and put that in there at the emitter section, to emulate the bulb retainer ring from the "bunny ear" section of the original flashgun.
http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/029.jpg

Still not sure what I want to do with the empty sections in the big round holes on either side of the emitter though.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/030.jpg

As for what that red button will do, I'll probably install a tactile switch underneath it, and connect it to the PC, at the aux switch connection. So I can trigger extra sounds with that button.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/031.jpg

Gettin' there. Lots to do still.

[bk_renesis]

Looking good mate.

[KuroChou]

Fabulous, as always.

[Knighthammer]

Still not sure what I want to do with the empty sections in the big round holes on either side of the emitter though.

I like the light shining through, but it does look a little "incomplete" doesn't it? Maybe some sort of greeblie that picks up the light?

GL with the incoming newborn!

[Azmaria Dei]

how about a small backlit weathered gear or lens thingy?

[Tarrell]

how about a small backlit weathered gear or lens thingy?

That sounds quite good, a backlit gear, or emblem, something sithy.

[slothfurnace]

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/032.jpg

To install a switch under the red button, I snagged a tiny momentary through hole mount switch and folded the leads out, soldered my wires to that and fed it into the shroud.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/033.jpg

Heat shrunk and installed for fit, I'll dab some hot glue over the exposed lead and that will also seat the switch and keep it from moving around.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/034.jpg

And the switch wires run the length of the TCSS graflex adapter channel and into the switch section. I had to mill out a little ramp in the MHS Ribbed piece to allow the wires to transition from section to section without crimping.

[ARKM]

Very nice.

[slothfurnace]

Thanks everyone! I think.... I think I am done!

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/035.jpg

And now that I have all the wiring done I want to do to this saber, it's time to finish out a few details. I placed some short pin contacts in to the holes in the adapter, and modded one of the original graflex connector tabs to fit the shallower hole of the TCSS adapter. I also put a short setscrew in between the red button and emitter to anchor the blade.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/036.jpg

This saber is probably more fun than any of the rest I've made. It's been a great project to put together, and lots of fun once it's finished.

http://www.slothfurnace.com/images/Custom3/037.jpg

The giant heatsink beneath it will be the basis of my display mount when I get 'round to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqdHag9pVVU

Here's a vid of all the sound effects and whatnot in action. Thanks for looking!

[KuroChou]

Love every last inch of it.

[Borax]

AMAZING sloth. A gorgeous saber ! you are the master :)

[Tarrell]

This saber screams great craftsmanship, a very cool design, and it looks like its made to be wielded in battle. A++

[Natesroom]

Sloth i've watched the video and followed the thread i have a question what are the two copper pins on both sides for? Decoration? What are the two screws above the red button? I'm guessing one it the Blade Retention screw.. what is the small silver looking button sitting on an oval metal plate? are these all just for show?

[Knighthammer]

Looks great Sloth. Actually now I want to see what you have in store for the heat sink! ;)

[Natesroom]

Sloth i've watched the video and followed the thread i have a question what are the two copper pins on both sides for? Decoration? What are the two screws above the red button? I'm guessing one it the Blade Retention screw.. what is the small silver looking button sitting on an oval metal plate? are these all just for show?

Ok i re-read the entire post... It was an old graflex and it had those holes there for some reason and you found some brass or copper pins for them...still wondering what the small silver button to the top left (or bottom left in the picture) of the square piece

[Skinnerman02]

The stuff you make is simply amazing. So much so that it's a little discouraging! I think out of all the things you've posted, Sloth, this has been my absolute favorite. It's nice to see someone scratch build something that beautifully marries the two trilogies.

[darren1970]

Totally awesome..!!!1

[slothfurnace]

Whooops, wrong thread.

[Elim Vos]

Quick question Sloth, did you thread the graflex adapter into the ribbed extension or attach it some other way?
if you posted, i might have missed it in all this awesomeness.

[brett]

Quick question Sloth, did you thread the graflex adapter into the ribbed extension or attach it some other way?
if you posted, i might have missed it in all this awesomeness.
You know, I wonder about that too. If you look on page 8 at the photo of the underside of the switch box, it looks like the end screw might go into the graflex adapter, and the back screw (that you can still see) would hold it onto the ribbed section.But I am not sure.
Sloth, any confirmation?

[Elim Vos]

if thats the case i don't think it would be secure enough to duel with, it would be just for display.

[Gnar-Gnar Gin]

Quick question Sloth, did you thread the graflex adapter into the ribbed extension or attach it some other way?
if you posted, i might have missed it in all this awesomeness.


i hate to dig up an old thread, but i'll be doing something similar, and am trying to work out how to connect the two pieces securely

[hazydavy]

I'm a newbie so please forgive this bump, but this saber is so cool it actually gives me a chest pain.