MHS and a staff saber: Questions prior to build

[captain_mills]

Heya folks...

I tried a few searches and hadn't found what I was looking for, so I thought I'd ask. However, I've been a member here long enough to know that I could get chewed up for not finding the info myself. So, I'm either not using the right search terms, or I deserve a dunce cap, lol :)

Anyway, I am adding parts to the wishlist for my second saber and my son started asking me about a saber staff. So, I'm including his questions here so I can hopefully build two sabers this fall!

1) Are there MHS parts that will attach to PVC parts to make a saber staff?

2) Has anyone built a saber staff that they could share links or images to so I can get ideas?

3) Are there things I need to be conscious of while building a saber staff?

My son's got a knack for spinning his walking stick. He's 13 and he goes on hikes with me, and when we stop for breathers, he'll bust moves with his stick that are just amazing. I'd like to use an MHS blade holder, add sound, speaker near the blade, then use PVC for the staff part, then finish with an MHS pommel and such to add counter ballance and weight. So, how far off am I, and what are some suggestions. Links to other threads are also welcome, and thanks in advance for the help!

CMills :)

[DarkarNights]

Just to clarify what your asking about. Are you looking to build a really long hilt with a single blade, or a double bladed saber? Because from your description it seems like the former, but double bladed sabers are often refered to as saber staffs as well.

[Darth Ryo]

Blade Holder and Pommel... looks like you wanna build a single bladed saber (?).
But if you ever want a double bladed one, here is a thread I have bookmarked, as I'm in a project of building a staff myself (a double bladed saber tho)
http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?13450-Vergence-Staff-Redux
Not in PVC, but gives a pretty good example I think.

I also remember seing a full PVC staff, single blade (looking like a wizard staff in fact) in the galery, but don't remember the name.
Not sure about coupling MHS peices to PVC sorry... but looks like fragile to me, wouldn't it be more solid if only PVC?

[captain_mills]

Sorry folks... To clarify, I am looking to build a single-bladed saber. I did some looking online yesterday and found out that some call these a "Saber Pike." The reason I wanted to couple MHS with the PVC is to have the cool look of the blade holders and the ability to have a nice LED setup with the cheapness of the PVC for the actual staff part of it.

Thanks for the replies so far...

[DarthMal]

If you're intent on mating a MHS piece and a pvc pipe you have 2 choices. Cram a piece 1" ID pvc pipe up into a MHS section or try to thread a male MHS piece into a 1 1/4" ID pvc pipe.

If I had to chose I'd say the 1" pipe pvc into a MHS extension piece. You'd have to sand the OD of the pipe to get it to fit but you'll be able to fit more in the MHS section which will hold better than just the threads going the other way. You could then use pvc couplers to break up the length of the pvc hilt and also allow it to be sectioned for easier transport.

My big concern would be the flex of the pvc. Depending how long the staff hilt is and how top heavy your saber is, you might get a lot more bounce than you'd want. I'd hit up a hardware store and see what kind of pipe they have available and whether the length will work. I'd also skip the pommel. It will get chewed up bouncing off the ground. Oh and think about a shorter blade... say 24" inches or so depending on the staff hilt length.

[mrknify]

gah, very exciting, please post pictures, can't wait to see the finish.

[captain_mills]

Okay, so here's what I'm thinking... Let me know if you agree or disagree and on what...

1) I'm going to use the MHS Blade Holder #6 found here:
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Screw-on-LED-blade-holder-style-6--P186.aspx

2) Then attach the blade holder to the 1.25" Sink Tube adapter found here:
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MHS-to-125-sink-tube-adapter-P396.aspx

3) The sink tube adapter says it's got a 1" ID, which will fit perfectly over the top of a 36" oak wood dowel, found here:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_19425-261-432513_0__?productId=3040784&Ntt=oak+dowel&pl=1&currentURL=&facetInfo=

4) And if I remember correctly, a piece of 1" PVC is measured at the ID, so pieces of i" PVC should fit over the top of the wood dowel. I have a wood lathe with a chuck and a tapered live tailstock, to make handles and grips similar to these:
http://th03.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2010/047/c/1/ESG_Lightsaber_Pike_by_TrapperMitch.jpg

5) Then I'll use some more PVC and give a fancy end to the pike, similar to Kazdan Paratus' saber here:
http://images.wikia.com/starwars/images/d/da/Paratus_saber.jpg
http://images.wikia.com/starwars/images/9/9c/KazdanParatusModelandConcept.jpg

6) Then, I'll use a blade that is 22" in length (outside the blade holder), bringing the whole saber pike, when ignited to a length of about 60", which should be perfect for my son...

Of course, there will be other details, like where to put the switch and the batteries, making room for the LED setup, and how to secure the MHS parts to the wood dowel (should be easy with a drill-and-tap for a 8-32 allen screw). So, comments and suggestions are welcome!

:)

[DarkarNights]

You've got to account for getting the wires to the LED module in the blade holder. Also, the heatsink for the LED will get very hot and may burn the wooden dowel if placed that close. I would consider using a sink tube below the sink tube adapter as it is intended and housing the eletronics in there. Then figure out how you can attach the dowel or PVC to the sink tube.

[DarkarNights]

Just found this new video from Madcow showing off a saber pike he just built, very cool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcFyeq8JO0o&feature=youtube_gdata_player