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View Full Version : What type/gauge/etc. of aluminum piping for a blank slate lightsaber?



ghost_a*
08-16-2012, 02:54 PM
I started messing around with building a lightsaber and started with sink tube like most people I'm sure do.
I want something more solid/sturdy than that. But there are so many times of aluminum piping you can get.
What is the best kind for standard sabersmithing?

Schedule 80? Schedule 40?
6061? 6101?

Would your standard home improvement stores just order this for you as a one-off?

Silver Serpent
08-16-2012, 03:21 PM
6061 is probably one of the most common types of aluminum, and it's perfectly good to use in sabersmithing.

The best aluminum tubes for use in sabersmithing that I've found are located here: http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Modular-Hilt-System-C3.aspx They come pre-threaded and in a variety of decorative shapes and sizes. ;)

Your local home improvement store probably won't do small scale orders as a one-off, though there are online metals dealers who will glad to help you out.

ghost_a*
08-16-2012, 03:24 PM
Lol, I knew this was ridin' that thin line and was second guessing even posting it. But I was hoping someone would be as helpful as you were and just throw me a quick bone.

Thanks, I appreciate the help.

ARKM
08-17-2012, 12:32 PM
When it comes to round, hollow aluminum, you have tube and pipe. They are not measured the same. Generally, aluminum tube is measured by O.D., then I.D. and wall thickness (though the wall thickness can easily be determined knowing only the O.D. and the I.D.). Aluminum pipe is generally measured by I.D. and then schedule. Aluminum tube is more accurate in dimensions than aluminum pipe and thus is more expensive. When making a non-MHS saber from scratch, aluminum tube is what most do-it-yourself sabersmiths that own a lathe, use. The most common size of tube for the hilt is 1.5" O.D. x 1.25" I.D.. Like Silver Serpent said, 6061 is the most common grade of aluminum used. I hope that helps.

ghost_a*
08-17-2012, 12:49 PM
It does, a lot. Thanks!

Jay-gon Jinn
08-17-2012, 10:18 PM
6061 is probably one of the most common types of aluminum, and it's perfectly good to use in sabersmithing.

The best aluminum tubes for use in sabersmithing that I've found are located here: http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Modular-Hilt-System-C3.aspx They come pre-threaded and in a variety of decorative shapes and sizes. ;)

Your local home improvement store probably won't do small scale orders as a one-off, though there are online metals dealers who will glad to help you out.I see what you did there.....;)