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james3
09-24-2006, 04:31 PM
As expected, that is an awesome design Corbin.

Are the metals going to be copper and brass or bronze?

I am curious about the multiple 3 watters. Could you maybe give a bit more info on that? Are you going to have the optics avaliable?

I can't wait to see that hilt completed.

Corbin_Das
11-22-2006, 07:33 PM
Hi James
For those that haven't seen the saber He's refering to, here it is:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics10-new3D.JPG

It's made out of brass and copper. It uses an old fluted section of tubing similar to another brass saber I own, the Malius. From what I've been able to gather, it's from an old brass fire extinguisher from New Zealand I believe. The types with the long hose where you had to turn the extinguisher upside down to disperse the water.

As for the multi LED thing, all I can say is stay tuned. This particular saber may or may not utilize that type of setup. I may just go with a 5 watter instead. We'll see.


Corbin

Corbin_Das
02-12-2007, 09:15 PM
OK,
This saber has been in the worksfor longer than I want to think about, but here's what we decided:



We're going with a single 5 watt green.

There's going to be a PLI on the activator box.

The on/off will be a recessed pushbutton INSIDE THE COVERTECH KNOB. :D

If we can swing it, the smaller box up front behind the blade retention screw will act as a momentary switch for the C&L effect.

Recharge port in pommel

10.8V Li-Ion battery pack with my driver


Corbin

Tenric Starkindler
02-15-2007, 12:15 AM
:shock: :shock: :roll: :shock: :shock:
Saweeeeet Saber!

Halcyon the Righteous
03-22-2007, 04:22 PM
thats a crazy design man! i love it, but with all the doohikies its gonna be really uncomfortable to wield...

Corbin_Das
03-23-2007, 01:32 AM
Hi again
Well, the saber is underway again after about a year of being on the back burner. AceRocket and I have been planning this darn thing for a long time now.
About a a year or so back, the original copper section got damaged when a tool holder on the lathe broke a screw or something. In the mean time, we
used the excuse that it was being remade to design a better part. That's what this one is.


OK, let's start out with the copper neck section:

http://server2.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics10-kpneck1.jpg

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics10-kpneck2.jpg

You can see the two holes where the wires will run down. I'm having brass tubing added in there for looks. Here's the brass ring on the neck too:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics10-KPneck4.jpg

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics10-kpneck5.jpg

Here's an earlier piece that goes on the back of the neck and gets wrapped with a brass sleeve before plugging into the fluted grip section.
The piece was eventually replaced with a newer version:

http://server2.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics10-kpneck8.jpg

Check out this machining job to lighten up this part:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics10-kpneck9.jpg

How cool is that?!

Here's the brass sleeve slid over the part:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics10-kpneck10.jpg

And here's the grip section added:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics10-kpneck11.jpg


Here's a better shot showing the PLI box on the grip.

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics10-grip222.jpg

This shows the PLI and the box along with a tiny DPDT switch used in the box:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics10-boxpli.JPG


Finally, here's the brass shroud that will be put on the saber:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics10-shroud2.5.jpg


As for the specs... The saber will use 3 Li-Ion batteries to power a green 5 watt Luxeon. The on/off switch will be recessed (or flush) in the center of the
copper covertech knob. There will be a machined copper button to replace the temporary brass one on the box where the PLI is. Pressing it activates the
PLI. There will also be a momentary switch integrated into the small box on the front of the saber (just behind the blade retention screw). This momentary
switch will activate the C&L fuction of the driver.



I'm sure people will ask how much this thing costs. Ace has said that an all aluminum one like this would probably cost about $500.00 because of the 21
pieces that need to be machined. A copper and brass version like this one would likely add another couple hundred bucks. I don't know if you've ever
priced machinable copper or not, but it's expensive stuff. I'm not sure how well it machines either.

Now before you all faint, understand that I'm getting a bit of a deal from Ace. Even so, this will likely remain the most expensive saber I have.


Corbin

Jedi Ranger
03-23-2007, 03:02 AM
Phew - after all this time being teased with 3d renders......

That thing is lookin' awesome Corbin!

Are you going to polish it or leave it looking tarnished and old?

Corbin_Das
03-23-2007, 03:15 AM
I haven't decided yet.

james3
03-23-2007, 06:04 AM
THE PENNY KILLER IS ALIVE!!!!!!!!!

Way cool awesome dude! WOO HOO!!!

Ryma Mara
03-23-2007, 06:09 AM
I would polish it but only a small bit so it can still wear at a decent rate. then when you like the way it looks put a protective coating on it.

Looken sweet.

Jay-gon Jinn
03-23-2007, 07:08 AM
That looks great, Corbin! And I know what you mean about cost! My custom machined saber was well over the $500 mark as well. I love the reaction on people's face when they ask how much it cost! Then I explain that it's the same as renting an amusement park just for yourself when you have something like this done. It's just not cheap to machine a single part.

Do-Clo
03-23-2007, 08:17 AM
Corbin that saber looks great, I don't think I would polish it but leave it the way it is for that used weathered look.

Ryma Mara
03-23-2007, 08:24 AM
I say atleast wetsand it.

DACOTA
03-23-2007, 09:30 AM
It really does look like its been in battle for a long time and if it could talk I bet it would have some great storys to tell,as the saying goes. :D

Lord Maul
03-23-2007, 11:01 AM
http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_jawdrop.gif

holy SNITZ!!
that thing is awesome corbin 8) 8)
can't wait to see it fired up :D

Madcow
03-23-2007, 07:36 PM
I hate being trumped!

It'll be a masterpeice my friend!

MC

Corbin_Das
03-23-2007, 09:18 PM
Thanks everyone.

And for the record, the saber is called the Killer Penny, not the Penny Killer. Although, since I've been saving up my pennies for this thing forever, I suppose penny killer would be appropriate, huh? :D
The name Killer Penny wasn't anything we actually sat down and chose. It was more of a running gag we started one day when Ace and I were talking on the phone about how much copper would be on this thing and how expensive copper is. One time I said something like "You just bought a $200.00 piece of solid machinable copper? DANG.....that's one Killer Penny!" The name just stuck.

I don't know if this saber "trumps" anything, but thanks for the compliment Madcow. :wink:

As far as it having a story, I've already been working on one for quite some time now. I'm integrating it into a persona story about the life of Corbin Das. The story spans all 6 SW movies and has me/him interacting on a very limited basis with a few recognizable characters and events. More like Corbin's story occurs concurrently with the events of the Star Wars timeline than actually having him involved in the main story of the movies.
Anyway, the story is that this particular saber will be Corbin's first successful attempt at building his own saber. I think I'll have him discover the whereabouts of an ancient Sith lair hidden away somewhere. It is within this lair that Corbin finds many of the parts to build this saber. This lair will likely be of Darth Malius, or someone that collected Darth Malius' teachings.
For those that don't know, Darth Malius is the name of a character that built another brass and copper saber that Corbin discovers earlier, along with a holocron and a journal that leads him to the lair where he finds the parts to build THIS saber..

Here's the Malius saber. Note the same grip material:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics2-angles.jpg



Corbin

P.S. Hey Jay-gon Jinn, where is Saint Johns? I live near Flint.

Jay-gon Jinn
03-23-2007, 09:53 PM
Just north of Lansing on Old 27 and M-21. Actually not too far from Flint! Wow, a fellow Michigander!

Ambo
03-24-2007, 06:08 AM
I spent almost every summer in Adrian, separated parents.......

Madcow
03-24-2007, 03:25 PM
If I were you Corbin, I'd keep an old/weathered look to the saber for 2 reasons.
1. It looks like a saber with history
2. Brass ad copper tanish easily - it would require a coating of some kind to keep it nice if you polished it.

My "2 cents worth"
... get it?

MC

Luke-SkyMarcher
03-24-2007, 07:13 PM
I live about an hour northeast of downtown Grand Rapids.

Corbin_Das
03-25-2007, 11:22 PM
My gut feeling about this saber is to have the machining marks cleaned off, them let it tarnish on its own a bit. I mean, the grip section is already pretty weathered as it is. We'll see though. I might weather is a bit more.

Yeah, I'm a Michigander. M-21 you say? I live about a mile North of M-21 on M-13. which is about 10 miles West of Flint. Not terribly far from you Jay-gon Jinn. Maybe 45 minutes?

An hour NorthEast of Grand Rapids? Anywhere near Alma? My Aunt lives there.

Adrian is down by the Ohio border if I'm not mistaken. That's a ways away from me. Still, nice to see people that know the area.

Anyway, I hope people enjoy seeing this saber at C4, as well as the pics I'll post here. I know it's going to be one heavy sucker though, so carrying it around will likely get tiring. Maybe a holster is in order. :D


Corbin

Jay-gon Jinn
03-26-2007, 07:52 AM
Funny how small a world it is, isn't it? 45 minutes....I'd say that's about right, maybe less given how fast I like to drive. :lol:

Ambo
03-26-2007, 12:03 PM
Corbin, maybe you should entertain the idea of a shoulder holster.....like with a gun. Ive been bouncin the idea around in my head for a while. Think of it, *key james bond music*....you walk into a bar....someone gives you problems.....you reach into your suit....*click, vZZZZZZ*.......you hack their weapon in half and the saber goes back into the holster.....lol....just a thought

acerocket
03-26-2007, 12:52 PM
Holster? :cry: :cry: :cry:

And I spent so much time trying to figure out a way to put a switch in the covertech knob.

Marsupial
03-26-2007, 01:37 PM
armpit covertec clip?

Corbin_Das
03-26-2007, 01:42 PM
Don't worry Ace,
Most of the time I'll be walking around with it, I'll have it out. Even if I did a holster type setup, it would likely be a leg mounted leather piece with a covertech clip on it, not some leather sleeve to slide it down into. That would hide the saber too much. Maybe a piece with a loop or cup for the end to sit into and the covertech clip up higher.

I suppose I COULD make a similar type setup in a shoulder rig. But like I said, I wouldn't want to have it where the majority of the saber was covered up.


Corbin

Jay-gon Jinn
03-26-2007, 09:16 PM
I think having it on a gun-belt type holster would be pretty cool. I've thought about doing that myself. It seems like it would easier and faster to draw the saber that way, instead of reaching across to my left side where it hangs on my belt.

Corbin_Das
03-26-2007, 09:17 PM
So long as it doesn't pull my trousers off. :oops:

elrond.406
03-26-2007, 09:35 PM
So long as it doesn't pull my trousers off. :oops:

:lol: Nice one!

Jedi Ranger
03-26-2007, 11:37 PM
Don't worry Ace,
Most of the time I'll be walking around with it, I'll have it out. Even if I did a holster type setup, it would likely be a leg mounted leather piece with a covertech clip on it, not some leather sleeve to slide it down into. That would hide the saber too much. Maybe a piece with a loop or cup for the end to sit into and the covertech clip up higher.

I suppose I COULD make a similar type setup in a shoulder rig. But like I said, I wouldn't want to have it where the majority of the saber was covered up.


Corbin

Oh, something like this, by any chance? :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: 8) 8) 8)
This is version 1.0 of this particular model, and after several uses, I have some changes in mind: backing the 4oz leather with heavy 13oz leather for stability, and replacing the 4oz straps with heavy 15oz straps.
http://www.members.shaw.ca/Jedi.Ranger/SW_Gear/IMG_0681_cropped_small.jpghttp://www.members.shaw.ca/Jedi.Ranger/SW_Gear/IMG_0683_cropped_small.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/Jedi.Ranger/SW_Gear/IMG_0649_cropped_700.jpg

Corbin_Das
03-26-2007, 11:41 PM
Yeah,
Something like that I think would do nicely. I haven't drawn anything up yet, but perhaps I'll see about doing that soon.

Corbin

Jedi Ranger
03-26-2007, 11:48 PM
I'll be wearing 2 at C4. ;)

Jay-gon Jinn
03-27-2007, 07:15 AM
Yup, that's what I was thinking, very nice!

elrond.406
03-27-2007, 07:56 PM
:shock: Nice JR! ::drools:: Still don't forgive you though... :P
(probably wouldn't matter to you anyway...)

987654321a
03-27-2007, 09:17 PM
CORBIN I LOVE YOU. and your sabers. lol

Corbin_Das
03-27-2007, 09:26 PM
CORBIN I LOVE YOU. and your sabers. lol


GROUP HUG!!!! :lol:

Lord Maul
03-27-2007, 10:05 PM
CORBIN I LOVE YOU. and your sabers. lol


GROUP HUG!!!! :lol:

oh stop it now!
http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_gay2.gif

darth ney
03-28-2007, 01:26 PM
hey corbin do you by chance have a pic or render of the new saber? :twisted:

supertrogdor
03-28-2007, 02:06 PM
Hey there darth ney, have a peek at page 1

darth ney
03-28-2007, 02:28 PM
oh, stupid me sorry :oops:

vortextwist
03-28-2007, 03:06 PM
CORBIN I LOVE YOU. and your sabers. lol


GROUP HUG!!!! :lol:

No groping for me :lol:

Corbin_Das
03-28-2007, 09:35 PM
Well,
Here's some more pics. There's still some pieces to be made and the front shroud has to be tweaked a bit, but it's coming together nicely Except for the grip section, nothing is weathered at this point.

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics11-newoldcollage.JPG (http://www.orbitalmachining.com/)



Check out this detail:

http://server2.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics11-closeup.JPG (http://www.orbitalmachining.com/)

A huge thanks to AceRocket over at Oribital Machining for helping me out with this project. You can click on either of the pics to check out his site.


Corbin

987654321a
03-28-2007, 09:46 PM
you really like brass dontcha corbin? hehe well i love it too, it gives the sabers an ancient and old look to it,

Corbin_Das
03-28-2007, 09:54 PM
you really like brass dontcha corbin?

You know, I never used to. It wasn't until I messed with that original brass relic saber that I got bit by the "brass bug". I still love black and silver sabers though. But for ancient looking ones, there's just something about how brass and copper age.

Here's a good example of one that I like:

http://www.illumisabers.com/24/use/24_07.jpg

I mainly like it because it's different.


Corbin

987654321a
03-28-2007, 09:59 PM
i really want to make something similar

Corbin_Das
04-03-2007, 10:24 PM
Just a quick update:

Here's a pic I just got of the PLI switch that will fit onto the top of the box on the grip where the PLI will be:

http://server2.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics11-pliswitch.jpg

I'm really happy with how this saber is coming together. It's been a long time in the making. It's cool to see it finally taking shape.

Here's the covertech knob. It will have a recessed on/off button in the center of it.

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics11-covertech.JPG




Corbin

Corbin_Das
04-06-2007, 12:09 AM
We're getting close to being done!

We've still got to cut back the shroud a bit to expose the view ports and get everything even and the small C&L box still needs to be done. Other than that though, we're almost done!

Since Luxeon and battery technology has changed in the last 2 or 3 years since this project was initiated, we upgraded the components and the design a little. One of the parts that had to be changed was the recharge port. Ace made a new port and installed it to some Li-Ion cells:


http://server2.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics11-rechargeport.JPG

Then there's the super cool on/off switch INSIDE THE COPPER COVERTECH KNOB. I wasn't sure if Ace was going to be able to pull that one off, but he did, and in flying colors. It has a brass button inside the center of the covertech knob. Check it out:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics11-onoff.JPG

How freaking cool is THAT?! :D

Finally, I'd like to post a pic that shows the saber fully assembled with the PLI in place and everything (minus the C&L box that's not made yet). This is a pre-weathered pic (except the grip I suppose, which is already really old):

http://server2.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics11-full.JPG


As I mentioned, the shroud still has to be tweaked a little to expose more of the view port, but that's about it.


Corbin

Ryma Mara
04-06-2007, 12:12 AM
Sweet

Firebird21
04-06-2007, 05:56 AM
That thing it beautiful :shock:

Please don't weather it... It's way too nice to get it dirty! I would polish that thing until I could see Alderan in it's reflection http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_mouthwater.gif

Ryma Mara
04-06-2007, 06:52 AM
I say clean up the edges a bit so theres no ouch'age then scuff up some areas and then polish it, just a bit.

Jonitus
04-06-2007, 07:59 AM
It's your saber to do with as you see fit, but if it were me, I would polish it up to the nines, then let time patina it naturally. Carrying it around, sweating on it would give it a natural aged quality over the period of a few months on the CON circuit.

Jay-gon Jinn
04-06-2007, 09:03 AM
I agree with Jonitus, I'd polish the heck out of it and let it wear on it's own, but like he said, it's your saber, do what you want! It looks great BTW!

supertrogdor
04-06-2007, 10:14 AM
A marvelous work of saber art! Very well done indeed, color me impressed, which i believe is some shade of copper or brass at the moment.

Tenric Starkindler
04-06-2007, 02:48 PM
:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

**serious saber envy setting in***

wow!!

I would polish it til the reflection blinded me....then perhaps weather it a bit either by some exposure time or a brief burial. the combination would make it look old, worn, but lovingly cared for.....imho of course

Ravage179
04-06-2007, 03:00 PM
very nice saber, i have the copper bug as well i plan to sit down this weekend and build one with some antique copper pipe i found out at the farm i work ay then im gonna acid etch some designs on it then polish it up!

Halcyon the Righteous
04-06-2007, 03:37 PM
WOOOWWWW you finially almost kind of finished this thing! Awesome
i'd let it wear, because in my opinion a saber doesn't really look good if its all super shiny, it needs to have a rugged scuff, but thats just me.

Corbin_Das
04-06-2007, 05:51 PM
Hi all
I haven't decided on weathered or not yet, but we'll see. The grip section is already pretty weathered, being about 70 years old. The PLI box is older too, though probably only 20 years or so.
I figured with the grip being so banged up and dirty, I'd make the rest of it match. We'll see though. I know that a highly polished brass or copper surface is easy to tarnish if you don't keep it polished and coated with something.
The back story for this saber will be that it was the first saber I made, using really old parts I found in a lair of a long dead Sith. Might have even been an existing saber that didn't work and I took everything apart and reassembled stuff with working parts. So I figured it would naturally have some weathering to it rather than being all pretty and shiny. Then again, maybe I polished up the parts as I (re)built the saber.
Plus, being that I'm having the story where I build it when I'm in my teens or early 20s, and I'm 37 now....unless I polished it all the time, I suspect a saber that's possibly seen 20 years or more of use would have some battle scars and tarnishing on it.


Time will tell.

Jay-gon Jinn
04-06-2007, 06:08 PM
I forgot about the backstory to this saber. Definitely would need to weathered a bit then.

Lord Maul
04-07-2007, 08:58 AM
i would weather it. i think that copper makes a SWEET ancient metal for sabers.

that's just my .02 credits

987654321a
04-07-2007, 11:46 AM
alright here is my 2 cents. you should polish the hell outa that thing, but then again go with what you desire and it will be really nice either way

Marsupial
04-07-2007, 09:39 PM
Personally, I'd weather it a lot.

I feel brass sabers are good to weather, and for me the SW universe is great because its used tech. A lightsaber shouldn't look like its out of the factory IMHO. the clean lightsabers came with the prequels, I'm more of the original trilogy fan. I guess it depends what trilogy you prefer...

TimeRender
04-07-2007, 09:49 PM
I think scratch-free but nicely patined. Polish it up real good to get all the marks off of it, take plenty of pictures to satisfy everyone who wants to see it shiny, then let it get nice and green.

Quick question, if you decided to weather it would you let it patina naturally or would you use a chemical to speed it up? Liver of sulphur gives a good patina to brass, but I'm not really sure how to artificially age the copper.

Corbin_Das
04-07-2007, 10:45 PM
A lightsaber shouldn't look like its out of the factory IMHO


I tend to agree. While I'm not always wanting an ancient looking relic wit scales of corrosion or anything, I generally don't do "presentation grade" sabers unless they're just for dispaly or something. I DUEL with my sabers. Not something I'd want to do with a saber I'd be worried about scratching.

That being said, shiny sabers are pretty to look at. They often require upkeep to keep them looking that way though. I don't think I could get all the dents and scratches out of the grip however. It's pretty old and banged up.


Corbin

Firebird21
04-08-2007, 03:46 AM
I think scratch-free but nicely patined. Polish it up real good to get all the marks off of it, take plenty of pictures to satisfy everyone who wants to see it shiny, then let it get nice and green.



Yes I like this idea! You should start off polished then weather it. Just be sure to get plenty of polished pics.

Marsupial
04-08-2007, 06:20 PM
I like that idea too.

some kind of "before and after" pictures.

And while you're at it, take pics of the weathering process as a guide on the site here :)

Ryma Mara
04-09-2007, 01:31 AM
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2463

Just pay attention to the link in the first post.

Corbin_Das
04-09-2007, 02:27 AM
Thanks for the link.
I have a few tricks of my own that I use, but there's some good info there. I'm NOT going to use the same method that was (unintentionally) used to weather my first ancient saber. That's a long story, but in short, it was a blowtorch that blasted holes through the thing. :?

Corbin

Jedi-Loreen
04-09-2007, 12:14 PM
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2463

Just pay attention to the link in the first post.

Those weathering methods won't be as good for brass and copper, those metals have their own weathering techniques, products and solutions.

Corbin_Das
04-09-2007, 03:37 PM
That's agood point, Loreen.
Having weathered another brass and copper saber, I've got my own techniques that seem to work well.
Granted, my other one didn't have as much copper on it, but still. Here's a few shots of it:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics2-angles.jpg

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics4-sideviewfull.JPG

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics4-shroudcloseup.JPG

Here it is with an EXTREME weathering job before I upgraded it with electronics and de-did some of the details on it:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics2-collage.JPG

That's about the heaviest weathering job I ever did to a saber (or anything else for that matter).


Corbin

Marsupial
04-09-2007, 07:50 PM
I'm NOT going to use the same method that was (unintentionally) used to weather my first ancient saber. That's a long story...



Yeah... "how an idiot made route to a backstory for my saber" or "how to salvage a destroyed saber"

but I think I liked your original title better.

Corbin_Das
04-09-2007, 08:52 PM
It was "How an idiot ruined my saber"

I actually assumed the saber was ruined by this dude. Luckily, I was able to salvage it. I suppose if he hadn't messed this saber's grip up, I wouldn't have searched so hard and finally found a replacement, which is being used on the KP saber now.

So it all worked out. :D

Marsupial
04-10-2007, 07:11 AM
yeah...

"once an idiot forced me to find more vintage lightsaber grip for an upcoming new saber"

Barmic Rin
04-10-2007, 09:37 AM
If you do weather it, I reckon it'll come out very 'Dark Empire' style.
As it is, it looks like one of the ancient sabers Ood Bnar concealed under his roots after the Ossus massacre.
I'd age it abit, but not too much. After all, the ones he kept safe still worked even after 4000 years of safe keeping!!!

Corbin_Das
04-13-2007, 11:20 PM
Just a quick update:

The blade holder section is pretty much done now. There's still a few small "greeblies" to add, but nothing major. The primary thing that still has to
be done is the C&L box on the top of the emitter, just behind the BRS (Blade Retention Screw).

Ace has done an outstanding job on this saber. His mil work on lightening this thing is a work of art. Even though you'll never see this, since it's under
the brass shroud, it goes WAY beyond anything I imagined.

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics11-lighteningbladeholders.jpg


Here's a shot of the mostly completed saber. As I mentioned, it still needs the C&L box made and there's some small odds and ends that still have to be
made, but it's coming along quite well.


http://server3.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics11-90.jpg



Just don't ask about the price. :wink:


Corbin

Do-Clo
04-14-2007, 12:27 AM
The old saying applies, if you have to ask how much then you can't afford it.

Jedi Ranger
04-14-2007, 02:31 AM
Sweet! A lightsaber with smuggling compartments! :P :wink:

That's lookin' awesome Corbin and Ace!

Ryma Mara
04-14-2007, 09:15 AM
Hay corbin. I got an idea. when you guys decide to design and stuff for shrouds and that sort think the one you got on yours could be an option?

Lookin good

Jay-gon Jinn
04-14-2007, 11:14 AM
Wow, Ace does excellent work! Too bad it's gotta be covered up by the shroud! :)

Marsupial
04-14-2007, 01:23 PM
The old saying applies, if you have to ask how much then you can't afford it.

I personally am curious at the cost of such saber... having seen it from before its conception "should I make another ancient brass saber?" to the almost complete stage its at now. I've seen how much efforts they put in it, and I know its not for sale, and would most likely be more expansive then most SW fans would want to put on a single saber... yet I'm curious at the cost of making such saber.

Ace, great job - as usual. no wonder you're called Ace.

fau-pa ramid
04-14-2007, 02:03 PM
i dunno bro by the time im done with mine its going to ba one expensive sob. :) i gotta go get custom made parts from the mech shop done the street and everything.

Corbin_Das
04-14-2007, 11:28 PM
Hi guys and girls (well, mostly guys)
I can tell you that just material wise, I suspect this saber went through $100 to $150.00 worth of copper and brass. That's not machining cost or wiring, assembly or anything like that. I don't have an exact price on that, but that's a rough estimate I think.
I'm sure Ace could give you a better ball park than I could on what his machining time costs, but I suspect that if anyone else were to come to him with a project like this, they could expect to pay between 6 and $800.00 for a copper and brass saber with this many custom machined parts. I think there's something like 21 parts that had to be custom machined. Everything from switch holders made out of machined delrin to mini machined brass buttons and that copper switch piece on the PLI box. And as you can see, many of the intricate details aren't even going to be visable when it's assembled. Still, it's cool to know they're in there. The only parts I supplied myself was the grip, the PLI box, the PLI and some brass tubing for the shroud and near the grip. Oh, and a few switches. That's pretty much it. Everything else was custom machined from solid brass or copper stock (delrin too).
Then there's all the wiring up that he's doing. He hooked up the custom machined recharge port section to a Li-Ion battery pack he assembled. He's running wires through strategic sections to connect the lockup switch, On/Off and PLI to the driver, battery pack and/or recharge port. Plus he had to make the thing in such a way that it can all go together, yet still allow for the wiring to be connected. It's like one of those Chinese puzzle boxes. Definitely not a saber that you can machine and assemble in a day.
Overall, I'm extremely pleased to see this saber becoming a reality. It's been a long time in the design phase (like 2 or 3 years now I think). Several times the design was changed to allow for new types of technology (like the Li-Ions).
I also changed some design elements over the years, like switching the PLI box to the other side of the grip since I'm left handed and my rear hand (the right one) would interfere with the box if it were left on the right side of the grip. I also added the covertech knob, which wasn't in the original design. THEN I said "Wouldn't it be cool if I could have an On/Off switch in the middle of the knob?" and Ace did it! Same for the lockup box up front. That wasn't originally anything more than a solid chunk of copper sitting there for looks. It was another one of those "Man, it would ROCK if there was a way to get a tiny switch of some kind up there to allow for the C&L effect, but of course, that would be darn near impossible to design, machine, wire up and assemble. I mean the box is freakin tiny." And Ace came through with that too.
Everything I asked for (or even just wished would be possible), Ace has done.... and done well if I may add.

Corbin

Ryma Mara
04-15-2007, 09:55 AM
dude sweet

Lord Maul
04-15-2007, 10:20 AM
corbin, are the switches in the CT knob and the C&L button like the ones you sent me? BTW i'm hooking up the crystal chamber today :D

fau-pa ramid
04-15-2007, 10:57 AM
thats insane but i think i would drop that much for one.

Corbin_Das
04-15-2007, 11:54 AM
fau-pa ramid,
Yeah, that's a lot of money. More than I'd want to spend on a saber I think. But I know all the time Ace would spend on a project like this is crazy. I know I personally wouldn't make this saber without charging a BOATLOAD of money for it. It has more intricate internal workings and details that people don't even see than any other Luxeon saber I've come across. I've seen some cutaway static props with "real" internals that were really impressive though, but many of the internals weren't custom machined I don't think.

Lord Maul,
The switch on the on/off is the same as the ones I sent you. The lockup switch is a different one though.


Corbin

fau-pa ramid
04-15-2007, 02:24 PM
if i was makeing a custom saber i would deffinately want to make it as kool as the one ace is makeing. :D

Corbin_Das
04-16-2007, 09:05 PM
After a couple more hours of machining, Ace sent me this pic today:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics12-lockup.JPG

It's the base for the lockup switch plate on top of the saber. It will have a brass plate covering up the tiny switch in there. When you press the momentary switch, it activates the C&L sequence for blast deflection or lockup.


Corbin

Lord Maul
04-16-2007, 09:09 PM
man, Ace, that is top notch machining :shock:
corbin, this thing has so many intricate details, i can't believe it. looks awesome

fau-pa ramid
04-16-2007, 09:16 PM
omg i didnt understand a thing you said but i wana do it to mine!

Marsupial
04-16-2007, 09:16 PM
***y.

even the bolts are brass.

man, we can't say ***y without the censorship change it??

Corbin_Das
04-16-2007, 09:32 PM
Yeah, it's incredibly detailed. It's becomiong more and more a work of art in my eyes. I'm quite pleased.

fau-pa ramid,
What I said was the picture shows the copper box that will hold a tiny switch that will be concealed under a brass plate. My driver has the option of hooking up another switch to it besides the on/off switch. It functions to activate something called the C&L function. More on that in a second.
Usually, the On/Off switch will be latching (either on or off, like a light switch). The drivers can be had with a momentary on/off switch too, though they aren't as popular. Momentary switches are like a car horn (they're only on when you're pressing them).
The secondary switch that this copper box will contain will hold a momentary switch. It will activate the C&L function , as I said. C&L stand for Clash and Lockup. When you press the switch and hold it, the LED flashes brightly, then settles down a little until the intensity smoothes out into a constant shimmer. The saber's blade will continue to shimmer as long as you hold the switch down. This effect is meant to simulate when blades are "locked up" or being pressed together. That's the "L" in C&L.
If you just tap the switch, it plays the first second of the sequence, just before the flash settles into a constant shimmer. It's the flash, then a little shimmer. This effect is meant to simulate either blocking laser blasts or the impacts when the saber blades hit each other (the "Clash"). This is the "C" in C&L. By hooking up an impact sensor to the driver as well as the C&L momentary switch, the saber will automatically flash on impact if you hit something with it.

THAT'S what I was talking about.

Corbin

xwingband
04-17-2007, 08:44 PM
The bolts should be brass or a close metal due to galvanic action. I think Firebird mentioned this before with you should try to use stainless steel as opposed to steel bolts with aluminum.

Copper is especially a pain. It reacts to EVERY metal, but brass is the closest to it and it reacts very little.

Corbin_Das
04-17-2007, 08:55 PM
The lockup box (or C&L box) is done!

http://server2.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics12-22.jpg

Now there's just anothger couple parts to be made and it's done! At least the machining anyway. Assembly is going to be a pain I'm sure.

Xwing,
yeah, I know how stuff reacts like that. I really wish I could find brass (or copper) button head screws for the grip. Oh well.


Here's the opposite side of the blade holder section. Those two brass studs aren't functional for anything, but I'll make up a "use" for them in my story. :P

http://server2.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics12-20.jpg


Corbin

Jay-gon Jinn
04-17-2007, 09:12 PM
That looks great!

I'd like to get ahold of some brass button heads, too. I've used brass slotted machine screws on one of my sabers, but they just don't look right.

fau-pa ramid
04-17-2007, 09:22 PM
ah that is the most original saber i have ever seen and it actualy looks better than the ones from the movies. :shock:

Corbin_Das
04-17-2007, 11:29 PM
Thanks
I'm really happy wit how it's turning out.

Corbin

Novastar
04-18-2007, 12:35 AM
Beautiful, beautiful...

Now no LEAVING it in the backyard or something... or "oops I forgot it in the hotel room at C4"... heheh

:)

neophyl
04-18-2007, 01:31 AM
Joe (and Ace) a real work of art. You definately need it insured. The work thats gone into it is insane, but I like :)

Corbin_Das
04-18-2007, 01:33 AM
How would you even go about appraising something like that?

Jedi Ranger
04-18-2007, 02:15 AM
Dang! That things just gets better and better!!!

That C&L plate looks EXACTLY like the 3d renderings!!

acerocket
04-18-2007, 01:41 PM
Who is this 'Ace' you speak of? :wink:

Looks like he does some nice work.

Lord Maul
04-18-2007, 02:48 PM
ace lol

corbin, that C&L box is AWESOME!!!
the button just flows with the whole design. i'm liking this more and more :D

neophyl
04-18-2007, 04:46 PM
[quote="acerocket"]Who is this 'Ace' you speak of? :wink:

[quote]

Hey Erik I could have called you 'Mr Rocket' but Ace is shorter - lol.
You still do good work whatever your called.

Tenric Starkindler
04-18-2007, 06:38 PM
All I can do is shake my head sadly as I hold a napkin to my mouth in order to stop the spontaneous drooling.....................

Corbin_Das
04-18-2007, 07:11 PM
It just keeps getting better with Ace and his magic saber, huh? That sounds like a musical, "Ace and his magic saber". :lol:

I just hope I can come up with a backstory that compliments this piece as well as it deserves. While I'm bias, I kinda like how it's going so far.


I suppose I can post it if people want.

It will be long though.




Corbin

vortextwist
04-18-2007, 07:15 PM
would be cool to read.

supertrogdor
04-19-2007, 07:27 AM
who doesn't enjoy a good story, post away i say

Corbin_Das
04-19-2007, 04:59 PM
OK, I warned you. It's a long read..... :D







...............................................suc cessful
CORBIN'S FIRST ^ SABER
..................AKA THE “KILLER PENNY”

After several unsuccessful attempts (and one very painful failure), Corbin was finally able to construct a functional lightsaber without blowing himself up. Having never been a Padawan OR an Apprentice (at least not officially), Corbin was never formally trained in the construction of a lightsaber. Instead he received his education on the inner workings of a lightsaber by watching T6, a droid companion (and later Guardian), repair and maintain a training saber that he routinely carried and used as both a means of defense and in his role as a training partner with Mai-Yuun, a Jedi Padawan he and Corbin traveled with during the Jedi purge. T6 also served as Mai's personal database by storing her recordings and writings on various subjects, including lightsabers. After Mai-Yuun's death, T6 stayed with the adolescent Corbin, acting as both companion and sometimes guardian, though the latter often annoyed Corbin to no end.
Though skilled in his ability to assemble things in a very efficient manner, the balance of components needed to make a lightsaber properly function eluded Corbin in what seemed an almost mocking manner. The alignment of crystals, regulation of the power grid and focusing of lenses made for a seemingly impossible assembly. It was only by studying T6's recordings from Mai (and a couple holocrons) that Corbin was finally able to get it right. Even then, it took several attempts to get it stable enough to stay running after a few minutes, or if it was jarred in any way.
The saber was made from a collection of parts Corbin found within a long forgotten lair of a Sith Lord from a bygone era. The lair was actually one that Corbin had visited years earlier in his youth, on one of the moons of Endor. He had been led to the tomb by visions. However, in first encountering the lair, Corbin found a room that was pretty much bare, except for a few writings and a halo recording that was damaged. He also found a mini lightsaber "dagger" that was non-functional.
It wasn't until much later that Corbin was able to retrieve the data from the recording and learned of another lair on the fractured planet of Anoth. Corbin traveled to the rocky 3rd fragment of the barren system.Within the dark Anoth lair was a fully assembled Force activated saber, 2 holocrons and a section of a journal, describing a secret passage within the Endor lair that went to an inner sanctum, where Corbin ultimately discovered the parts for the KP saber and the remaining section of the journal. Based on the journal, it appeared that the parts were from a dismantled saber once belonging to a Sith named Darth Malius. The Force activated saber also belonged to Malius.
The lair itself was not that of Malius however. A few of the passages in the journal were from a man identifying himself as Plagueis. It appeared that Plagueis had quite an interest in the ancient artifacts once belonging to Darth Malius. One of the holocrons was actually that of Plagueis himself. The other was too badly damaged for Corbin to ever retrieve any data from, so its origins remain a mystery. Though never calling himself DARTH Plagueis, the lessons contained within the holocron left little doubt as to the dark nature of the knowledge Plagueis held.
In his journal, Plagueis refers to Malius' Force activated saber (or rather the crystal within it) as the "Sol-meer". Corbin later realizes that he's calling it the "Soul Mirror". Apparently the crystal absorbed and stored Force energy from its owner so that over time, the crystal could respond to the user's very thoughts.... to activate the saber, adjust its blade's length or intensity without the user needing to do anything but merely WISH it. Corbin was unable to activate the saber for quite some time though, since it required either his possesing the dark will to wish harm on another being or enough Force power to override the Soul Mirror's imprint of the Dark Lord Malius in order to make it respond to him instead.
An interesting consequence of the crystal's natural tendency to store Force energy was that if someone were to be in it's vicinity for extended periods of time, and they either didn't have the Force ability to guard against it, or they simply allowed it to happen, the Force energies of the crystal's former owner would start to emanate from the crystal and effect them. Plagueis was obsessed with this, and spent untold days reveling in the Dark Force energies of the Legendary Sith, Malius. He even disassembled the saber and repaired some of the ancient internals that had deteriorated with time. Corbin never discovered whether or not Plagueis actually USED the refurbished saber however.
Since the "Soul Mirror" saber had belonged to Darth Malius, and was even entombed with his body for over 600 years before being exhumed by, and placed in the personal collection of, Plagueis himself... the Force energy contained within its crystal was very much that of Malius.....Though the years of posession by Plagueis left its signature on the crystal as well. When Corbin starts carrying the saber around, he has a very dark presence to him. Those that are Force sensitive could feel it and assumed it was coming from him rather than the ancient saber. Several of the former Sith's personal mannerisms began to manifest within Corbin too. It was at that point that Corbin was finally able to get the saber to activate.
Allowing himself to merge with the energies of the saber, Corbin drifted deeper and deeper into the Dark Side. His abilities grew exponentially, though at a cost of his humanity it seemed. It was during these dark times that Corbin developed his obsession with ancient relics of the Force and his desire to embody as much power over the Force as he could. His connection to the Soul Mirror allowed him to tap into a seemingly unlimited reserve of power as if the Soul Mirror became a conduit to the very nature of the living Force itself. This power came at a terrible cost however...
During the times when beings stood opposed to Corbin, the dark power flowed through Corbin naturally to devour all that stood in his path. It seemed as if he were surrendering to the will of the Dark Side and simply became an instrument of its power. Though able to control his actions, Corbin often found himself in a dream-like state where he acted more as an observer than an actual participant.
It was during one of these "observer states" that Corbin killed his childhood mentor, Aiden Tal, back on his homeworld of Kiffu. He had returned there on a quest to find a sacred artifact kept within the temple he had visited so many times during his youth. Blind with power and a thirst for knowledge, Corbin let nothing stand in his way of obtaining the artifact. It wasn't until after the carnage that he noticed among the dead was a old man he once thought of as a Grandfather.
Wrought with shame and guilt, Corbin was tempted to cast off his dark teachings and follow a lighter path. This was next to impossible for him however. Much of his perspective on the Force came from a darker understanding, and the corruption of the Soul Mirror upon Corbin left little room for much else. It was as if the very nature of his being would have to be denied in order to be anything other than what he had become. Corbin was left with a monumental choice: continue on the path of destruction and know more power than he had ever felt, or deny himself the power he had cultivated and cast off the trappings of the Dark Side and try to return to the ways of harmony and peace. Either way presented costs.
After much soul searching, Corbin attempted to sway back closer to the light, though not to the point of casting off all the power he had known through darkness. It was more as if he wouldn't allow himself to be controlled by the dark side as he had done before. He still knew dark side techniques, but HE controlled them rather than allowing THEM to control him. Over time, Corbin's outlook changed and his desire to amass absolute power was slowly giving way to his desire to create a greater good for the universe, rather than trying to control it. While his transformation was a gradual one, Corbin felt the need to remove the destructive influence the Soul Mirror held over him. It was both a wise decision, yet a foolish belief that he could overcome the influence of the dark crystal so easilly.
It was at this time that Corbin attempted to remove the Soul Mirror from Malius' saber and install an override switch to activate the saber. The inner workings were unlike anything he had seen before. It was almost organic in its construction. A living entity of the Force. While the regular components one would normally find within a saber still remained, the integration of the Soul Mirror into almost every aspect of the saber made removal difficult. It took many days to finally discern the proper method of disassembly.
Reconstruction however, was much harder than Corbin anticipated. Though strong with the Force, he didn't sense that the remaining crystal within the saber had become so conditioned to the presence of the Soul Mirror that its abscence would cause it to become unstable. Likewise, the power cells also fed from the dark forces emanating from the dark crystal, and they too would become unstable without it to regulate their output. If only Corbin had been wise enough to sense this, tragedy may have been avoided.
After assembling the saber for the third or forth time, it finally rewarded Corbin with a bright golden blade of pure energy. Holding the saber up in his right hand, Corbin admired the blade and reveled in its glow. The darkness that it had held before was now gone, replaced with a purity he had not remembered feeling in a long time. It was as if the blade itself was now an instrument of peace, rather than destruction... at least for a moment...
Corbin felt a slight shift in the nature of the blade's power. More like a cold breeze that rushes by on a warm summer day, then disappears almost before you notice it. It was as if the saber had difficulty removing the dark remnants from it that once kept it intact for all those centuries. The abscence of the Soul Mirror left the saber raw and exposed to the unstable power source that Corbin had mistakenly assumed would still function apart from the regulating crystal it once knew.
Hearing a high pitched whine, then a sizzle, Corbin knew that something was terribly wrong. Before he was able to deactivate the saber, a bright flash encompassed the saber and the hand holding it. Corbin wasn't sure if he was knocked unconcious or not, but finding himself laying on the floor, he rolled over on his side and reached for his head, to brush away something that had gotten in his eyes. Filled with a strange sensation that can only be described as a combination of pain and numbness, he felt a burning in his right hand that shot up his arm and throbbed with intensity. Opening his eyes, he saw that his right hand was all but destroyed in the explosion, the unstable cell errupting and blowing a hole through his right palm and out the back of his wrist. T6 rushed in and administered a medpac as Corbin regained his feet. Apparently the saber didn't like his attempt to remove the Soul Mirror.
After much recuperation and several reconstructive surgeries, Corbin returned to the business of trying to decipher the ancient text and cryptic messages within the journal he had found. His time of recuperation allowed him the much needed opportunity to practice his Force healing skills. It also allowed him time to think about exactly what had happened that caused the saber to explode. He went quite some time after that before attempting to make another saber. In the mean time, T6 reminded him of Mai's old saber that they had stored away since her death, years earlier. That became Corbin's main weapon for several months.
It wasn't until Corbin had watched T6 disassemble and reassemble his own training saber several times that he felt comfortable enough to give it another try. He even had T6 dismantle Mai's saber a few times so he could examine the components so that there would be no surprises for him this time. Having learned his lesson, he would use all new components in this new saber. The outer shell however was comprised of parts from the other Malius saber he had found on Anoth.
The initial version of the saber lacked any extraneous features like blade length control, power settings, recharge ports or indicator lights. Over time however, as Corbin's skills increased, many of these features were eventually added to the saber. It now contains more features than most sabers have, including a rather unique feature which allows the blade to be transformed into a beam of light that neither cuts through anything or can stop another saber blade.
This “phantom” blade is activated by momentary contacts on the underside of the saber. By touching these contacts a split second before your opponent blocks the blade with his, the blade will pass harmlessly through your opponent's. By releasing the contacts after the blade is past his guard, you effectively bypass any defense he is able to mount and return the blade to its full destructive potential. Corbin learned this technique, and how to modify a saber to make use of it from an exiled Jedi Corbin encountered in his travels, Ali-Ki Morr. The technique, called “slipblading”, was a favorite trick of Morr who also used it to great effect during the Jedi Purge by creating an illusion of committing suicide with his own saber. After being wounded and driven to the edge of a cliff, Morr took his hilt and placed it over his heart. Activating the blade (which was a phantom blade), the pursuing bounty hunters saw Morr's blade penetrate his chest and come out his back. He then fell from the cliff to the water below, thus escaping. Corbin would use a similar technique to fake an assassination much later.
Feeling somewhat of a kinship with this saber, Corbin found a bit of symbolism in its "transformation": Though this saber was born of darkness long ago, all of the internals were removed and replaced with new components that allowed the saber to be "reborn", serving not the darkness it had once known, but perhaps a more balanced version of the Force....maybe even one day, the Light Side.




This saber remains as Corbin's reminder of his journey towards understanding. Though it looks much the same as it did when it served darkness, the new internals balance out that aspect of the saber and make it whole.

fau-pa ramid
04-19-2007, 08:12 PM
wow that was really cool how you made the saber a character in the story of corbin. :D

vortextwist
04-19-2007, 08:52 PM
Reminds me of the Tiger and Del book series. Very cool

Corbin_Das
04-23-2007, 12:19 AM
Well, all the parts are machined! YAY! :D

Here's the last section done, the guard covering the forked emitter shroud:

http://server2.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics12-guard4.jpg

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics12-guard2.jpg

Now, just to get everything assembled, and eventually, probably weathered a bit. Don't worry though, We'll get lots of pics with it all shiny first.

Corbin

Ravage179
04-23-2007, 12:20 AM
very nice!

fau-pa ramid
04-23-2007, 12:23 AM
.............. *opens mouth as if to speek* ..............wow

Jay-gon Jinn
04-23-2007, 07:59 AM
Looking good, can't wait to see the final pics!

Ryma Mara
04-23-2007, 02:09 PM
Sweet

Jedi Ranger
04-24-2007, 01:54 AM
I really like the double-layer emitter support bars. They look awesome!

Corbin_Das
04-24-2007, 12:27 PM
Thanks
Here's essentially how they were made:

http://server2.uploadit.org/files/corbinspics12-guard.JPG


This saber has more custom machined parts than any I've ever had before. Literally, every piece of this saber except the fluted grip section and PLI box were custom machined (well, there's the screws too). Even those pieces had to have some machining on them for mounting.




Corbin

acerocket
04-24-2007, 01:12 PM
Actually, it's a little more complicated than that. The three parts were cut at the same time from a single piece of 1.5" round solid brass. They were run with 4th axis positioning to get all the flats, holes and radii machined properly. Finally, they were parted seperately from each other. The two top bars are exactly that, two bars. The bottom two bars are actually one bar that is connected to keep the spacing correct. In case you don't see them in the picture, those little bumps on the top are the 0-80 threaded brass screws that hold them together (0-80 is a 1/16" diameter screw with 80 threads per inch - real fun tapping those holes). Machine time on those was about 2.5 hours start to finish. I could have really cut that time down, but I elected to use some left over material as opposed to buying a new piece of stock. So I had a lot more material to remove.

There are 27 'machined' pieces and 16 screws. Corbin supplied me with the grip which I had to drill three holes and machine a slot for the PLI to sit in, the brass tubing which became the shroud and sleeve at the grip, and the PLI box which I had to remove the rivets and cut a slot for the PLI LEDs to show through. Everything else was CNC machined. I never really kept track of how long it took to machine, but I would hazard a guess that there was about 24-38 hours. And that doesn't count the 3D modelling or CAM work. If I have time this weekend, I will break the whole thing down and final polish everything. Reassemble for those polished pics everyone wants. Then break it back down and start weathering the individual pieces. With any luck, Corbin will be able to post some pics of it running in a couple of weeks.

Novastar
04-24-2007, 01:20 PM
Looking forward to that, Ace & Corb!

Corbin_Das
04-24-2007, 03:42 PM
Sorry I over-simplified the process, Ace.

I'd ask that you not polish the grip section up TOO much. There's already 70 years worth of weathering on that piece that would be tough to duplicate. So long as the camera doesn't see the really weatherd area, it should match up reasonably well with the rest of the saber.

Use your best judgement though.

Also, don't knock yourself out with the weathering process. I intend to do my own weathering anyway. I suppose some of the parts that would be hard to get to once assembled could benefit from some weathering prior to assembly, but even those aren't too big a deal.

Remember, even though this saber is supposed to have been made with old parts, it stands to reason that Corbin would have cleaned them up a bit before assembly. So we don't need the super ancient look to it. That being said, the saber is supposed to have been in Corbin's possesion for about 15-20 years. I'm sure it would have "battle damage" of some kind.

Maybe the polished pics can be the "as first built" pics. Well, as CORBIN first built it I mean. As such, please try to have the background non-descript if you wouldn't mind. I might use one of those pics for the persona story showing the newly completed saber.
Perhaps some pics of the weathered parts might be good too. Sorta like what Corbin had to start with. If you want, I can ship you some crystals or something to make it look like the pile of parts are more "authentic".


Corbin

Lord Maul
04-24-2007, 05:47 PM
very nice corbin and ace!!!
i can't believe all the work you have put into this baby :shock:
i look forward to seeing it ignighted http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_sabre.gif

Corbin_Das
04-26-2007, 11:09 PM
I can hardly wait to get my hands on this baby. I havn't been this excited since I fell into that nest of gundarks..... Oh wait, that was Obi Wan......never mind. :P

Here's a couple pics of the saber's power cells. They are 3 Li-Ion rechargeables in a speacially made holder. The amount of custom made components on this saber amazes me. It's going to be a practical billboard advertizing Ace's exceptional skills. I'll be proud to call it my own. Don't expect to see this one on Ebay. :D

Anyway, here's the pics:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v345/corbin_das/Liion1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v345/corbin_das/Liion2.jpg

Corbin

Ryma Mara
04-26-2007, 11:49 PM
Holy crap thats sick

Marsupial
04-27-2007, 11:07 AM
Don't expect to see this one on Ebay. :D


Ahhhh. Sith. oops ****.

You sure Jedi mind trick won't work on you? :P

but I agree, this is by far the most impressive design I've seen so far, and you know I've seen lots of designs.

Novastar
04-27-2007, 11:58 AM
Looks great!

Although--me personally... I'd think it's sort of a waste of space forward of and behind the batteries because of the holder material. Then again, the other option is electrical tape, hehehe. :)

Great stuff... looking fwd to seeing it at C4...

fau-pa ramid
04-27-2007, 01:01 PM
wow you had internal parts custom made as well. :shock: im impressed. :wink:

acerocket
04-27-2007, 01:03 PM
Not so much a waste of space as a neccessity. Three 18500 li-ions will barely - and I mean BARELY - fit inside the grip of the KP. You have to line them up with the grooves on the inside of the grip and push them in to the bottom. Without the top and bottom parts of the pack, you would most likely tear apart your pack before you got it in the grip. Same goes for removing it. I am hoping to do a little crative sanding on the inside of the grip to get myself a little more space so the cells slip right in (just taking off a few high points and rounding some edges). Tape won't work either because it just gets pushed all over the place. Interestingly, the three unprotected cells I used to test whether three li-ion would fit do indeed slip in easily. My guess is the internal charging and thermal circuits add a little to the thickness (I know they add a little to the length - but's that's another problem there). In case anybody is wondering. The holders are delrin and the terminal tabs are copper.

Novastar
04-27-2007, 02:54 PM
I totally understand, Ace... I wasn't meaning to say it wasn't needed--just that I'm such a space saver dude...

I had to be especially careful and plan things out to fit my dual 18650 pack into a standard 1.5" sink tube with the screw on bottom. But that fluted tubing sounds AWESOME to hold the three of them!

So, the wiring is for the voltage then?

acerocket
04-27-2007, 04:31 PM
The delrin pieces of the pack are 1.5" od. By themselves, they barely fit down inside the grip. As a matter of fact, to get them to fit all the way, I had to file a bit of the original solder/gunk out of the bottom of the grip to make room. The three cells are obviously larger in diameter than the delrin - hence the cutouts in the sides. If it were not for the (as luck would have it) fifteen grooves inside the grip, the batteries would not fit. I hear you abot the side by side 18650s. I have a double pack inside a 1.5" id grip on my saber and they barely fit if they are wrapped with more than one and a half wraps of tape.

Not sure what you are meaning by wiring for voltage, but the copper tabs are for soldering wires to (the second larger hole is for the wires to pass through the pack and out the top to be wired. I need to wire this pack up differently to get a both a 7.4V and an 11.1V setup out of it. I need the 7.4V for the PLI and the 11.1V for the 5 watt LED. It is going to be a tough wiring job but I am sure I can pull it off. I better or Corbin is goin' to kill me.

Corbin_Das
04-27-2007, 11:06 PM
I have eveery confidence in you Ace *slowly reaches for blaster* :D

Corbin

Halcyon the Righteous
05-06-2007, 08:10 AM
so whats the status on this baby?

acerocket
05-06-2007, 09:53 AM
Polishing right now. I am actually taking a break to get a drink then back to work. Then some 'shiny' pictures and off to do the weathering.

Novastar
05-06-2007, 12:03 PM
I have eveery confidence in you Ace *slowly reaches for blaster* :D CorbinSo are you saying you've been looking forward to this for a long time?

Yeah, I'll bet you have...
.
.
.
.
(Han shot first.) :D

Corbin_Das
05-06-2007, 12:48 PM
LOL
I think the planning stages of this saber have been in the works for a couple years now. Because I never really narrowed everything down, and the fact that better batteries, LEDs and whatnot became available, the design has gone through numerous changes. Also, Ace didn't have a CNC machine when we started this either. That fact alone has made quite a difference I think.
Fortunately, I was never in a huge rush for this saber. Like I said, the design changed a bit here and there, though the overall look remained pretty much the same. We had a couple setbacks here and there, but overall, I'd say things went fairly well. Ace and I never really had a disagreement about anything that I can remember. I was always amazed at how I'd bring an idea to him and say "I'd like the saber to do THIS, although it would be REALLY cool if we could get it to do THAT instead". I'd never expect Ace to actually figure out a way to do the more complicated thing that was little more than a daydream, but he always found a way to make it happen.
A good example of this is the on/off inside the covertech knob. Originally I was expecting to have the on/off switch either be on its own either where the covertech knob ended up or maybe on the pommel. It would have been just fine in either of those locations. Then I asked about a custom machined copper covertech knob. He made it. Then I threw out the idea of "Wouldn't it be cool to have a brass button in the center of the knob that could be the on/off?". I never expected him to actually figure out a way to DO it. But after a week or so, he sent me a 3D model of the saber with the on/off in the covertech knob.
Same for the C&L box up front. Originally, its purpose was to cover up the screws that held the lens holder in place. It was little more than a pretty coverup. That evolved into a functional activation switch for the lockup function of the driver. A mini switch and creative wiring allowed for this part to actually serve a purpose.
The attention to detail is amazing to me. The lightening of the saber in and of itself involved quite a bit of custom work. And it's not even going to be seen when the saber is together.
I can't tell you how happy I am with how this saber is turning out. It's cool to see it taking shape after these last couple years of having the image in my head of what I felt Corbin's personal saber should be like. Ace has really come through for me on this piece. I intend on having this saber as a virtual billboard to show folks the type of attention to detail and fine craftsmanship Orbital Machining is capable of. Of course, I won't be getting rid of this saber, so don't ask. :P


Corbin

acerocket
05-06-2007, 08:55 PM
I appreciate the compliments Corbin.

Oh and for everyone interested, a new set of pictures was taken today so stay tuned for an update from Corbin.

Corbin_Das
05-06-2007, 11:19 PM
OK,

70 pieces total, not including the blade.

Wouldn't the back end of the copper blade holder look cool as an actual emitter with those slots allowing the blade to be seen?

http://server2.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics13-parts.JPG

From Corbin:
1 grip
1 brass trim box
1 brass trim piece
2 pcs brass tube
1 PLI
1 driver
1 optic
1 optic holder
1 brass thumbscrew

Hardware:
16 screws
1 set screw
1 allthread
2 nuts
1 charging port
1 washer for charging port
1 nut for charging port
1 plastic diffuser
1 LED
3 switches
3 batteries

Machined:
15 pieces machined copper
9 pieces machined brass
5 pieces machined delrin


Weight is 3 pounds 10.6 ounces. So it will be less than 4 pounds when finished. That's over 1 pound less than the computer program predicted (without the lightening). Still not a light saber by any means.
The balance point with a 40" thick walled blade in it is about 3 or 4 inches behind the emitter (just behind the blade retention screw).

Now for the pics!!!!!

I requested that the grip section not be polished because it has 70 years worth of REAL weathering that I'd like to keep. So the non-polished grip may look a little out of place.

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics13-whole1.JPG

http://server2.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics13-whole2.JPG

http://server2.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics13-whole3.JPG

http://server2.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics13-whole4.jpg


Here's the progession of the blade holder and neck section:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics13-progession.JPG

Pretty cool, huh?

Here's some of the internal parts:

The PLI support:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics13-PLIbox.JPG

The On/Off switch support:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics13-onoffdelrin.JPG

Shown inside the saber:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics13-ctswitch.jpg

Recharge port bracket:

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/Corbinspics13-rechargeportbare.JPG

fau-pa ramid
05-07-2007, 12:26 AM
HOLY SHNIZ!!!!!!!! :shock: :shock: :shock:

that copper looks really good all shined up!!!! that is one amazing saber i will admit. :wink:

i hope mine turns out that good. :roll:

Barmic Rin
05-07-2007, 01:24 AM
Tears... welling up.... how can I live... knowing i've seen the most beautiful saber....ever....?

I PRAY you never duel with it! If I had one like that, i'd keep it in a display case.

Masterpiece guys!

Corbin_Das
05-07-2007, 01:40 AM
Thanks guys.
I'm really loving how this thing is turning out. Although I'll likely do a bit of playing around with this saber, I'm not intending for it to be a dueling saber, that's for sure. While I would think this saber would stand up to some dueling, it's not my intention to use it for that. It's more of a functional hero prop than a dueling/stunt styled saber.
For a dueling saber, I prefer a relatively smooth surface without many parts to catch on things. Most hero sabers aren't like that. Heros often have all types of little do-dads that look pretty, but tend to get in the way when actually dueling.
I wouldn't mind building a custom stand for this saber. That doesn't mean it's going to just sit there and collect dust though. It WILL be played with. Just not as a serious dueling saber.


Corbin

Firebird21
05-07-2007, 03:47 AM
Ooooo..... Shiny.....


http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_mouthwater.gif

Barmic Rin
05-07-2007, 04:07 AM
Well, OBVIOUSLY you're going to play with it! I just wouldn't duel with it!
Think of it more as a 'Look how shiny my saber is. Think you can take me?' deterant, should an argument arise! :D

Ryma Mara
05-07-2007, 04:24 AM
pure ***

Tenric Starkindler
05-07-2007, 05:54 AM
HOLY SHNIZ!!!!!!!! :shock: :shock: :shock:

that copper looks really good all shined up!!!! that is one amazing saber i will admit. :wink:

i hope mine turns out that good. :roll:

I hope mine turns out 10% as good !!!!!!!!!!!
:shock:

xwingband
05-07-2007, 06:46 AM
I love polished copper. I hope when my personal saber gets done it can be in the same class as the penny killer.

I'm curious... I thought it was lighting in the pics before but I see it laid out too. What is the color of the Delrin of the battery holder? Is that in it's natural color? Forgive my ignorance but I've only seen it in white or black.

Jay-gon Jinn
05-07-2007, 08:12 AM
That is absolutely gorgeous, Corbin and Ace!!

I can't wait to see it weathered now!

I can understand not wanting to duel with it, my custom saber sits in an acrylic display case when not being played with, right on my nightstand.

acerocket
05-07-2007, 08:43 AM
I love polished copper. I hope when my personal saber gets done it can be in the same class as the penny killer.

I'm curious... I thought it was lighting in the pics before but I see it laid out too. What is the color of the Delrin of the battery holder? Is that in it's natural color? Forgive my ignorance but I've only seen it in white or black.

Me too. I ordered black delrin and imagine my suprise when I open the box to find a 12" long tootsie roll (actually a tootsie roll wasn't my first thought but since this there be younglings here I won't say what I really thought it looked like).

I thought maybe they had a problem with the black dye at first, but then got a follow-up letter from my supplier the day after I got the package saying they were out of the Black Delrin and substituted PTFE-filled Delrin (Delrin AF). It is an opaque brown color and has 13% PTFE added for better wear and friction resistance. It costs like 4 times standard Delrin but they didn't charge me for it. If it had been something visible, I would have sent it back, but since you can't see I figured why not use it.

Oh, and I like the look of polished copper to. The only thing better is a nice patina on the copper. :wink:

Jedi-Loreen
05-07-2007, 09:34 AM
I can't wait to see this saber in person at C4! http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/happy0158.gif

Jedi Ranger
05-07-2007, 01:40 PM
Ohhh.............wow.................!!!!:O:O:O:O: O:O:O:O

I, too, am excited to see this hilt in person at CIV!!!

Lord Maul
05-07-2007, 02:49 PM
HOLY FRICKIN CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
that saber is THE coolest one i've EVER seen!!!!!

great job ace :D :D

Kuil
05-07-2007, 03:20 PM
OMG!! :shock: I'm jealous... very jealous.
It's an amazing job guys!! :wink:

987654321a
05-07-2007, 03:21 PM
great job ace and corbin. this is really awesome.

Ryma Mara
05-07-2007, 03:31 PM
a friend of mine concured it is the drool

Halcyon the Righteous
05-07-2007, 07:23 PM
:cry: beautiful, absolutley beautiful. I can't wait to take alook at this baby at C4...its just so amazing. Dont worry, i'll wear gloves.

Corbin and Ace, truly a spectacular job.

Corbin_Das
05-07-2007, 07:25 PM
No need to wear gloves. :D

Firebird21
05-07-2007, 07:36 PM
No need to wear gloves. :D


But you might need a....


Nevermind...

Ravage179
05-07-2007, 08:27 PM
oh boy Its awesome... when you gonna light it up?

cant wait for the ignited pics! :shock: :D 8)

Marsupial
05-07-2007, 09:12 PM
yeah, don't wear gloves. Those body acids helps the weathering process.

Corbin_Das
05-07-2007, 09:26 PM
oh boy Its awesome... when you gonna light it up?

cant wait for the ignited pics! :shock: :D 8)


PATIENCE! For the Jedi, it is time to weather the saber as well. :D

Jedi-Loreen
05-07-2007, 09:27 PM
:cry: beautiful, absolutley beautiful. I can't wait to take alook at this baby at C4...its just so amazing. Dont worry, i'll wear gloves.



No need to wear gloves. :D

Yeah, it's gonna be weathered, by then. :P

Corbin_Das
05-07-2007, 09:43 PM
Actually, I've found that with my Malius saber (which was weathered WAAAAY more than this one ever will be), that the more you handle it, the more you rub off the weathering I used on it. To a poiint anyway. The brass black chemical I used on it will rub off except in the cracks and such.

Ryma Mara
05-08-2007, 07:18 AM
I would say that by the time you get back from c4 it willprolly have all the weathering it will need.

Marsupial
05-08-2007, 08:40 AM
Actually, I've found that with my Malius saber (which was weathered WAAAAY more than this one ever will be), that the more you handle it, the more you rub off the weathering I used on it. To a poiint anyway. The brass black chemical I used on it will rub off except in the cracks and such.

yeah, but it does a natural look to the weathering :P

Ravage179
05-08-2007, 04:25 PM
nerd sweat! is there any greater cleaning/buffing/oxidizing compound!

acerocket
05-08-2007, 08:37 PM
Stop now. People with weak hearts, ladies who are pregnant, and children should not scroll down further.

You have been warned now prepare to be shocked and sickened.




















The first weathered piece.

http://www.orbitalmachining.com/assets/images/100_0489.jpg

http://www.orbitalmachining.com/assets/images/100_0490.jpg

http://www.orbitalmachining.com/assets/images/100_0491.jpg

Ryma Mara
05-08-2007, 09:00 PM
sweet

fau-pa ramid
05-09-2007, 12:50 PM
NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! it was so shiney! :x

ti-el_terall
05-09-2007, 12:58 PM
I love that look! I think weathered willl be sweet!

Arthelion
05-09-2007, 03:21 PM
That makes me sad. I'm sure it will look amazing like this, but I have a thing for polished copper.

Marsupial
05-09-2007, 08:06 PM
I'm happy to see it being dirtied...

I'm from the old gen star wars, where the universe was used, not brand new out of the box. A lightsaber must show its being used, otherwise it can't be a real weapon.

Firebird21
05-10-2007, 03:34 AM
He polished it and posted pics, that's all I asked for. :D

Tenric Starkindler
05-10-2007, 07:16 AM
almost feels like the death of a friend...... :cry: :cry: :wink:

**Sigh** at least we got to see it all shined up for the unveiling!

'course NOW we need to see side by side before and after pics........

Barmic Rin
05-10-2007, 07:21 AM
Corbin, it looks so good now!!!
Real 'old galaxy' as it should. It was too beautiful to keep new looking!

Does this count as a point for those of us from the 'Han Shot First' generation? :D

Arthelion
05-10-2007, 11:27 AM
I don't think appreciating the look of something shiny by default makes you not of the "Han shot first" generation. I for one, can hardly bear watching the prequels, and I was just as livid as you were when Han magically "dodged" the blast. I just like shiny copper.

supertrogdor
05-10-2007, 03:13 PM
The polished vs. weathered pics are much anticipated, and i am sure Corbin will provide.
As far as han shot first, second who cares, if someone points a gun at you you shoot them if you get the chance, maybe george decided that since han knew he was cornered, and had his gun ready that his further character development puts him as the kind of guy who would take a shot as soon as he could get away with it...Had you thought about that, George was changing a bunch of other things about the movie to reflect advanced technology and what he could do to better reflect his vision that is a series we all know and love, perhaps he always wanted it to turn out the way it currently sits. Have you thought about that?

Ryma Mara
05-10-2007, 05:07 PM
Yeah I agree 100% its his vision not ours.

Corbin_Das
05-10-2007, 09:28 PM
Hi all
I'm going to try to keep this thread from getting sidetracked into "Did Han shoot first?" or "Are Special Editions better?" type of thread. I'd really like to try and keep this about the saber if possible.
I know that several folks like the "as first built" look. I can appreciate it too. It's just that this particular saber is supposed to have been one Corbin carried for 15-20 years, so it would look somewhat weathered and battle worn. Besides, many of the parts were supposed to have been fairly old when Corbin found them and used them to assemble the saber. Lastly, the grip section on this thing is actually from about the 1930s or so. It has 70+ years of nicks, dents and grime that it gathered over that time and I felt it would have been best to integrate that look into the rest of the saber rather than try and clean it all up, fix the dents and nicks and whatever.
So I know not everyone likes it weathered. That's cool though. That's why we polished it all up and took pics for you guys first. :D I don't intend to make another one of these that's all shiny to put under glass (I bet Ace is glad I'm not asking him to make another one). I might have a display for this one though. Maybe even an old looking display box or museum like case. We'll see. I suspect I'll be handling it too much to have it under glass or anything like that.


Corbin

Lord Maul
05-10-2007, 09:41 PM
i like it weathered myself. it fits in with your story, and i just like weathered copper/bronze 8)
i look forward to the whole thing being done :D

Jay-gon Jinn
05-10-2007, 09:46 PM
I think it'll look great weathered. It's your saber, do what you want with it!

Tenric Starkindler
05-10-2007, 10:27 PM
Weathered is a good look for it (or most any saber).........But the design lends itself so nicely to a sunny day (or brightly lit room) that it is natural to want to appreciate it.

Novastar
05-11-2007, 03:18 AM
Agreed. Weathered is better. However... some comical comments on that...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If Corb bequeathed BOP I or II battlers to brandish that barely born brass beast but a bundle of bouts to best brigades of boastful, baneful belittlers of we band of brothers boldly buying brilliant beaming blades of blazing bulbs bursting with brash boom, buzz and blow...

...bypass botheration, buddies! Beginning with battle, the brackish bourgeois believe with bash by bash... bit by bit of bare brass beast's beautiful backbone, bolt, bedrock, belly and bowels... would become battle-bushed, battered, bygone, and bewitched with breath of blue moons bypassed!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And all THIS... without having to "weather" the saber at all...

:)

In other words... any one of us could weather that saber by going nutso with it in any given rehearsal, heheheh... :D :D

supertrogdor
05-11-2007, 07:25 AM
Consonance is your friend Novastar, well done

And Corbin, i am glad you are doing something Unique, and that you have made a story to go with your saber, that rules. It really among the first steps to writing your own starwars book, whether or not you choose to seek a publisher, you do have some really good content, and may want to contact a StarWars Novelist with regard to your ideas if you dont want to put them in print yourself. I, for one, think your saber would make a great cover picture

Ryma Mara
05-11-2007, 07:46 AM
Yeah the story goes really well with the saber. and I like the used look.

becides teh grip section does have 70 + years of real weathering. cant beat that man.

Corbin_Das
05-11-2007, 09:08 PM
I actually HAVE been writing a story for a couple years now, on and off. It's my persona story and it's up to 30 something pages so far. Here is a much condensed version, though still rather long:

Nutshell (http://www.corbindas.com/story/nutshell3.pdf)


Corbin

Novastar
05-12-2007, 04:33 PM
Holy eight pages.

Holy.

Hooooollly...

HOLY!

HOLY!!!!

Holy I'd better stop sayin' "holy".

Man, I should have YOU write Episode IV of "Balance of Power", hahahah.

Alright, I'll read the bloody thing in its entirety... I owe Corbin at least that much, lol.

acerocket
05-23-2007, 10:07 PM
Well for everyone keeping score, a fully functional KP was delivered to Corbin this evening at 6:30. But not without some considerable troubles to overcome. I will post more later but suffice it say that three Li-ion is an LED killer. If you are attending C4, keep a look out for it.

Jay-gon Jinn
05-23-2007, 10:13 PM
Uh-oh, that doesn't sound good Ace....wish I were going so I could see it in person!

Novastar
05-23-2007, 11:03 PM
Copy that... I'll see it in person, as I'm meeting up directly with Corbin.

Suffice it to say... WHO CARES, Erik!!!! That is an AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME job you did.

So, Li-Ions (or any batteries) aside... I'm sure it will be nice.

What may be occurring is... the Lux V just sucks away too much via Corbin's board.

With 3 hours PLUS on 7.4v Li-Ion 2400mah with Erv's v1.2 board via K2 Green @ 1.3A... now that's a decent run time.

acerocket
05-24-2007, 08:07 AM
For those not familiar with the recent events going on in my life, I am moving to Idaho in a few months. So I am trying to finish the KP, finish the remodeling on my house, buy a new house and sell my old house. I thought I was doing pretty well with time by getting the machining done a few weeks ago but weathering took far longer than I anticipated. Plus, with my 5 day trip to Idaho two weeks ago to look at houses and the need to be out of my house six hours a day Saturday and Sunday each weekend for open houses, work has taken longer than I wanted. Anyways, enough of my personal problems. I had fully assembled (which takes a few hours) both the top and bottom half of the KP and tested everything to make sure it worked. When I shortened all the wires to make the driver fit in the saber and pt it together, the LED fried almost instantly. That was at 10:00 on Tuesday night. I emailed Corbin but with the time difference, he didn't get the email. I was supposed to meet up with Corbin when he came in on Wednesday, so I took off work a little earlier and hit the Convention Center to get my pass and had enough time to give Corbin a call. His plane had just landed so I offered to pick him up at the airport. After a short side trip to deliver Jedi Ranger his package, Corbin and I headed to my place to try and get the KP going. I spent another couple hours sorting everything out and finding that the driver was still good, but somehow, the 12+ volts the Li-ion packs kicks out is just too much for Corbin's driver. So I redid the battery pack and bypassed one cell (in case he changes drivers later and can take advantage of the full 12+ volts) to get 8 volts. Checked everything as I went and by 6:30, the KP was in one piece and ready to go. I think Corbin is happy with it and it really looks good next to the original Malius. I am sure when Corbin gets back to a computer, he will be happy to give his review of the saber. And if you ask nicely, he may even show you a pic of how the saber was found on a cave on some planet I can't remember the name of. I will ask him today if he minds if I post a pic of the KP I took last night or if he wants to do it later.

supertrogdor
05-24-2007, 08:20 AM
looking forward to seeing the further version of your work Ace, It really is an impressive piece of work.

Jay-gon Jinn
05-24-2007, 09:42 PM
Well, I'm glad you got it figured out, and hopefully one of you will have time to post the finished pics!

acerocket
05-25-2007, 07:44 AM
I was at C4 all day yesterday. Spent some time with Corbin, we met up with Gforce13 and his wife, and also added Kit Fisto to the group. I had a great time finally getting to meet some of my fellow saber enthusiasts. Corbin was really having a blast explaining the MHS to people. It seemed like everyone's first question was "is that a Park's?" He was really going to town showing how tough the blades were. He was smashing them pretty hard and most people couldn't believe it. Anyways, I think Kit Fisto took some nice pics and maybe a video of it but when I get a chance tonight, i will try and post the pics I took at my house.

xwingband
05-25-2007, 09:26 AM
Kit did get a video up on youtube. I was just waiting for permission to post it here.

lol, a Parks...

It's great to see Corbin representing TCSS! W00t!

EDIT: I'm calling this now... after the weathering I bet after "Is it a Parks?" you'll get: "Why don't you polish it?"

At MegaCon I always had people giving suggestions. "Why don't you put grips on it?" (holding clear saber), "Why does it have that core?" (using one of corbin's blade), etc... made me want to :roll:

Halcyon the Righteous
05-25-2007, 09:34 AM
sweet! i';ll look for it on the con floor.

xwingband
05-25-2007, 02:07 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITBKlOvJgEs

There's the video of Kit Fisto/illbeats playing with Corbin's sabers. Between the 4lb Killer Penny, a double staff and an MHS kit... I think Corbin's getting a workout just walking around. :P

acerocket
05-25-2007, 05:28 PM
A few quick pics snapped as we were headed out the door back to Corbin's hotel on Wednesday night.


http://www.orbitalmachining.com/assets/images/100_0621.jpg
http://www.orbitalmachining.com/assets/images/100_0622.jpg

From watching the video, you can see how bright that 5 watt LED is. Oh, it is driven by Corbin's board so it is already being driven almost 50% higher than normal. Big deal, so the LED life will only be 40,000 hours instead of 100,000 hours.

vortextwist
05-25-2007, 05:29 PM
nice weathering! I especially like the build up on the center ring area

Lord Maul
05-25-2007, 05:46 PM
damn is that a sweet saber. i love it weathered, makes it look like it has been used and abused

Hasid Lafre
05-25-2007, 06:27 PM
4 Letters

S.I.C.K.

Novastar
05-26-2007, 12:49 AM
I am SOOOO going to be dueling with Corbin when I visit C4 in only a few days.

BTW, the opening of BOP II was OFF THE CHAIN!!!! :)

Halcyon the Righteous
05-27-2007, 02:01 AM
its truly an amazing saber to see in person.

erv
05-27-2007, 02:03 AM
Wonderful video ! so glad to see the saber working, it's very bright, and I love the push button to check the energy level !
Erv'


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

There's the video of Kit Fisto/illbeats playing with Corbin's sabers. Between the 4lb Killer Penny, a double staff and an MHS kit... I think Corbin's getting a workout just walking around. :P

Hasid Lafre
05-27-2007, 03:29 AM
The vid was awsome. the kp is sweet. the staff is cool.

Barmic Rin
05-27-2007, 03:58 AM
It's....... Beautiful...... (The KP, not Kit! :P )

Jay-gon Jinn
05-28-2007, 06:34 PM
That turned great, and it seemd to have been a huge hit at C4!

Halcyon the Righteous
05-28-2007, 07:26 PM
oh it was! all th little tidbits and effects of this saber are so amazing!

Ravage179
05-29-2007, 06:02 PM
I think you guys just earned saber of the year!

987654321a
05-29-2007, 06:39 PM
it is really nice corbin, just wish i could be there to see it. I absolutely love it, especially the PLI. your saber has given me inspiration to make one similar to it. first i need a lathe.

Corbin_Das
05-29-2007, 09:27 PM
Hi everyone.
C4 was a blast. I've still got a bit of jet lag, but I'm getting better. Switching time zones and not sleeping much makes for a FUN time. :?

Thanks to Kit Fisto for posting the video of the KP and the double MHS staff. Both were very well received at the convention. I had another MHS saber I carried around too (a single bladed unit). On Sunday, I swapped out the original emitter on the single for a clawed emitter from the staff and it made for a cool looking Sith like saber.

The KP has turned out wonderfully. It showcases Ace's talent as a sabersmith and got tons of positive reviews at C4. Despite the "Is that a Parks?" question that seemed to surround this saber, I really enjoyed talking with everyone about the saber, and really liked showing off the modular aspect of the MHS by swapping out parts on the fly, removing the blade and even changing the LED a bit.

Look for more on this saber in the future. As Ace said, there's pics of the parts "as they were 'found' in the Sith lair". I wanted to crop them and maybe do some photoshopping to add various details like crystals and wires and such.


Corbin

acerocket
05-30-2007, 04:40 PM
I am suprised Corbin didn't mention the bloodletting ceremony he had for the KP. Truly it is a killer now.

Corbin_Das
05-30-2007, 11:19 PM
I am suprised Corbin didn't mention the bloodletting ceremony he had for the KP. Truly it is a killer now.


Oh yeah!

Just like ancient runes are said to require blood to "activate" them, the KP has had its first taste of blood when it was only a few days old.

I don't recall exactly what I was doing with it other than showing it off. But I can tell you that the forked emitter shroud can bite you if you don't treat it with caution and respect. It wasn't a very large hole it made in my finger (maybe the size of a toothpick), but it bled and bled to the point of me having to go to the first aid station. I think it hit a capillary or something.

So now the KP has tasted blood. I wonder if it will thirst for more or if it just needed some of my midichlorians so it recognizes me from now on. :D

Hasid Lafre
05-31-2007, 06:17 AM
Well your blade with listen to you now that you have bonded yourself to it. good luck and again very awsome saber indeed.

Barmic Rin
05-31-2007, 07:13 AM
I think i'll stick to Crystal attunement thanks.
Have my Aqua aura cluster, just need to tune it, then pick up a crystal mount from MC.

Novastar
06-06-2007, 08:11 PM
That is seriously pretty cool, Corbin! Talk about a story never to forget. :)

By the way--you ever going to post some video of you dog fighting and with your friends and all? I'd love to see some Luxeons in action with all that...

Corbin_Das
06-07-2007, 04:53 PM
Hi guys
I think one of my buddies has a decent video cam that we can use. He doesn't "dog" fight, but likes Luxeon sabers. Honestly, I haven't done much with it since the beginning of May. Been too busy. I'm hoping we can dust off the equipment and figure out exactly where we want to go with it.
We've been discussing a less "street brawl" version where you don't kick, punch, wrestle, etc. We've also tried to develop an armor standard we can all agree on. But more on that as things develop.

Besides, this is the wrong thread for that anyway.


Corbin

Novastar
06-07-2007, 06:20 PM
True, but I think a TINY amount of digression is ok.

Besides... at this point, I guess the next photos of Killer P. will be if you upgrade anything, or maybe it during a duel?

By the way, enjoyed taking you, Phil and Jen out to dinner. Hope you liked chatting with Phil as well on the way to the airport. He's aces when it comes to getting stuff done and was a huge support in keeping the BOP I sabers "alive", for performances, heheh.

Corbin_Das
06-07-2007, 06:41 PM
Hi
Actually, I don't intend on dueling with the KP. It's too heavy, has sharp points on the front (trust me on that) and honestly, has too many greeblies on it to make for a good dueling saber. Don't get me wrong, it feels great in the hand and is a work of art, but it was never designed to be a dueling saber. It's more of a functional hero prop.
I built up another MHS saber from some of the parts you gave me at C4. This will probably be my next dueling saber. It's sleek and comfortable and should work well. I'll post about it in the MHS thread (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=710) when the time comes.

Now, on a more topic related note......

I was thinking about eventually trying to hook up a Plecter Labs board on the KP, but until we remove the extra Li-Ion cell, there just isn't enough room. Even with that cell removed, there really isn't much space for a speaker. So the KP might remain a "stealth" saber. We'll see.

Corbin




Corbin

Marsupial
06-07-2007, 07:56 PM
Corbin, as much as I like your drivers (you know I have a few), I've recently added a MRFX board in my 3W saber, and having sound is a lot more interesting in a saber then just light. (altough, I hate the low motion response of MRFX)

By all mean, the KP is the top of the line of custom sabers, you should have the top of the line in saber electronics: a soundboard with your custom sounds.

I'm curious how an ancient saber sounds...


As for functional hero VS stunt... I know what you mean. My first saber I had hoped to be able to do both, but after replacing parts and injured myself, I decided to make a separate duel-worthy saber.

It would suck to have to change parts on the KP...

Corbin_Das
06-08-2007, 02:39 PM
Hi guys and gals
I've been having trouble with my regular picture hosting site, so I'm in the process of transferring over to a different one. I suppose it would make more sense to just host it myself on CorbinDas.com, but I'm dense. :?

Anyway, I just wanted to share a PDF I made with a bunch of the KP's pics, the background story, conceptual designs, etc.

KP PDF (http://www.corbindas.com/kpsaber/KPsaber.pdf)


Enjoy


Corbin

Corbin_Das
07-21-2007, 07:54 PM
Just thought I'd post some screen captures from a You Tube video:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v345/corbin_das/KPcollage.jpg

Corbin_Das
07-21-2007, 08:47 PM
By the way, I just wanted to make folks aware that any questions or comments about the Malius saber can now be directed to THIS (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=61156#61156) thread.


Thanks

Corbin

Jargo
07-27-2007, 12:05 AM
man the saber is just ssswwwweeeeettt.It looks like a double ended saber but when you realise it is not you realise that it is amazingly massive (or so it looks :P )

Corbin_Das
07-27-2007, 03:08 PM
Hi again
I edited the C4 video to shorten things up and focus just on the KP instead of having the staff in there too.

Enjoy


KP video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCQ658Rho1M)