A quick question about screws..

[DemonicSanta]

Hey there, I'm new, and I was just wondering about how one would install a screw into the hilt. I've looked over the provided handles, and I don't see a hole in sight! Would I require a drill, and how would I go about this? Thank you in advance.

[Allaerra Secura]

Hey there, I'm new, and I was just wondering about how one would install a screw into the hilt. I've looked over the provided handles, and I don't see a hole in sight! Would I require a drill, and how would I go about this? Thank you in advance.

What are you trying to install a screw for? Normally, you would need a drill press and a tap of the appropriate size. However, if you do not have access to those and are buying parts from TCSS, you can use the custom services screen and have Tim drill and tap a hole for you;).

[DemonicSanta]

I was thinking about installing a thumb screw or two, just for show. No real purpose, just to make it look like it does something. So I would need a drill press and a tap? Could I get that at a Home Depot?

[Allaerra Secura]

Yes, you can, although Harbor Freight might be cheaper for the drill press. Some people just use a hand drill and tap when they first start out, but it is difficult to get a clean hole that way. However, as mentioned, if you are going to be ordering the parts from TCSS, you can ask Tim to drill and tap them for you. The option is in the services section:cool:.

[RevengeoftheSeth]

I was thinking about installing a thumb screw or two, just for show. No real purpose, just to make it look like it does something. So I would need a drill press and a tap? Could I get that at a Home Depot?

If you don't have the tools to do it and don't plan on doing a lot of them, it may be more economical to have TCSS do it for you.

A drill press is roughly $150 (it can be cheaper or more expensive, depending on where you get one and what features). The tap kit is usually around $5 (not including the tap handle, which is another ~$5). You will probably need a drill press vice to hold the part steady, which can be as cheap as another $20.

If you are feeling froggy and have done it before, you can drill a hole with just a drill, steady hands, and the tap kit. You have to be perfectly straight up and down/side to side. You still have to thread the hole by hand, as doing it with a drill will cause the bit to most likely snap or worse.

[DemonicSanta]

Okay, and if I were to get Tim to drill and tap a hole for me, it says to specify a location. Would I list the part name, and the exact location, or what? Give me an example of how I would place the order, please?

[Rhyen Skytracker]

Here is one at home depot http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100609522&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&MERCH=REC-_-product-3-_-drill

You will need some kind of vice to hold the part while you drill too.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xih/R-100578950/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

You can probably get a better deal at Harbor Freight though.

[xl97]

you can get a drill press form HF for about $40 bucks! throw in a %20 off coupon and your even cheaper.. (enough saved for a tap kit) ;)

this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-speed-drill-press-38119.html

is usually on sale in-store every other week or so.. never take website prices as final.. surf around.. look for click-in links for cheaper prices..flyers..etc

[cardcollector]

http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=5724

This should help.;)

[Rhyen Skytracker]

Here is a vice from Habor Freight too. http://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-jaw-capacity-drill-press-vise-30999.html

Habor Freight is much cheaper than Home Depot, but if you don't have a Harbor Freight close by and wanted to pick one up you could get the ones at home depot.

Or you could get this "Drill Press" hehe http://www.harborfreight.com/variable-speed-turret-head-milling-machine-with-9-inch-x-49-inch-table-38733.html

[Allaerra Secura]

Okay, and if I were to get Tim to drill and tap a hole for me, it says to specify a location. Would I list the part name, and the exact location, or what? Give me an example of how I would place the order, please?

Yes, for example:

You want to determine which type screw you are using so you can get the size. Let's say you are going to use this http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/8-32-x-3-Purple-thumb-screw-P563.aspx (cause I love me some purple:D). So, it is an 8-32 screw so you select that. Let's also say you want it to double as your blade retention screw on this emitter: http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Screw-on-LED-blade-holder-style-13-P387.aspx . You would say, blade retention screw blade holder 13 and Tim will tap in the appropriate place. This is just an example.

[Skottsaber]

Just a thought here guys. Tim offers a service in the store, and some of you are posting about where you can buy things to do that yourself (i.e Detracting from the business maybe?).
Perhaps you didn't notice. ;)

@DemonicSanta: I just sent Tim a link to an image that showed my full saber, and I had included a thumbscrew in the picture. Tim drilled the hole right where I wanted. :)

[Ronan]

Just a thought here guys. Tim offers a service in the store, and some of you are posting about where you can buy things to do that yourself (i.e Detracting from the business maybe?).
Perhaps you didn't notice. ;)

@DemonicSanta: I just sent Tim a link to an image that showed my full saber, and I had included a thumbscrew in the picture. Tim drilled the hole right where I wanted. :)

Grey area i think... listing tools that he would use to modify parts he buys here.

I can tell you, without all the resources provided by the users here, i would NOT have made other purchases after my first one. It's all the sharing, guiding and all that, that made me make multiple other purchases to create other sabers.

[RevengeoftheSeth]

I'm not trying to pursuade anyone to buy these tools. I am offering a cost comparison showing that service provided by TCSS is more economical.

[jin starkiller]

If you don't have the tools to do it and don't plan on doing a lot of them, it may be more economical to have TCSS do it for you.

A drill press is roughly $150 (it can be cheaper or more expensive, depending on where you get one and what features). The tap kit is usually around $5 (not including the tap handle, which is another ~$5). You will probably need a drill press vice to hold the part steady, which can be as cheap as another $20.

If you are feeling froggy and have done it before, you can drill a hole with just a drill, steady hands, and the tap kit. You have to be perfectly straight up and down/side to side. You still have to thread the hole by hand, as doing it with a drill will cause the bit to most likely snap or worse.

yes worst you can do is bend the bit and mess up the hols you are trying to drill and tap ....personal experience ....thats why now have vice and clamps to hold staedy

[RevengeoftheSeth]

yes worst you can do is bend the bit and mess up the hols you are trying to drill and tap ....personal experience ....thats why now have vice and clamps to hold staedy

And that can be a costly mistake, lol ;-)