Lord Zen's Next Saber

[Lord Zen]

Hi All,

Thought I'd start a post about my next saber, which might not proceed at a particularly rapid rate and will take some time to complete.
For this project I decided that I would create a tribute/homage/replica of my favourite saber from the SW universe - and I've checked with the original designer to check that they are cool with this.

At this stage I'm am just beginning to collect the bits and pieces needed:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_1479_zpsd875b336.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_1479_zpsd875b336.jpg.html)




So, 10points and a warm sense of satisfaction for anyone that correctly guesses what saber this might be... :)

[Ty_Bomber]

The Derelict is an awesome saber. A crytal chamber will really set it over the top.

I will be watching this.

[Silver Serpent]

I think it's an amazing testament to Slothfurnace's artistic ability that he's created the most-replicated saber design, apart from the on-screen sabers.

Good luck with that build. I've got one in my to-do list as well.

[Darth Ryo]

Also in my to-do list ^^

Looking forward your progress on that one ;)

[Lord Zen]

Hi All,

So 10 points to everyone who correctly guessed that this will be paying honour to Slothfurnace and his Derelict design, and additional bonus points for anyone who guessed it will be a Derelict Reveal :)

This build is going to take some time to do, with only a couple of hours free each week to spend on it - so I'm not anticipating regular update posts on this, but let's see how things go.

[Sidd]

I am guessing it will be a starkiller

[Lord Zen]

I'm still in the collecting bits and pieces and figuring out how all this going to go together stage.
However that doesn't mean I haven't been tempted to do a couple of small, little things to start off - so thought I would share a photo

Just cut some photo-etched hex-mesh and glued it behind the glass eye. One day this will be illuminated by a cut-through to the main blade.
For me it's the small embellishments, "greebles" and weathering that really makes a difference to a saber:


http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_1494_zps857d4bcc.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_1494_zps857d4bcc.jpg.html)

[Mandalorian]

Now that's awesome. Definitely a nice, subtle touch that makes it personal and really cool at the same time.

[Lord Zen]

Hi All,

I managed to find the time to cut down the MHS Ribbed extension (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MHS-ribbed-extension-P245.aspx) so that it fits snuggly within the Graflex section:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/image_zps69240b33.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/image_zps69240b33.jpg.html)

The control box is resting on top while I think about where to attach it. I might cut some length off the Graflex to remove the L-shaped cutouts and then attach the box directly to the Graflex instead of the ribbed section. So located where it is in the photo. This will take about 17mm off the overall saber length, but I think I can live with that.

[Lord Zen]

Just a minor update

I've been slowly working on the rear grip section for the Derelict
This piece is about 1-5/8" (41mm) diameter and 3" (76mm) long with six groves cut into it
I've also drilled and tapped four M4 screw threads for a pair of button head and cap head bolts to go in the future:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_1532_zps3d1eaf1c.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_1532_zps3d1eaf1c.jpg.html)

Still need to chamfer the ends, but it's getting there:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_1550_zps4197a03a.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_1550_zps4197a03a.jpg.html)

[brett]

This is looking great! The Derelict is one of my three favorites, and it looks like yours is going to be a very faithful reproduction. Excellent work on the base/handle. Hope everything runs smoothly.

[Cern]

Hmmm...if it was me, i would paint/PC the ribbed section and leave the L cut...the more asymmetric the better i say

[Lord Zen]

Thanks both,

The ribbed section (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MHS-ribbed-extension-P245.aspx) will definitely end up black, either anodized or powder coated.

The rear grip is finished now:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_1682_zps421ab40f.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_1682_zps421ab40f.jpg.html)

I've placed a MPS Pommel Style 10 (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MPS-Pommel-style-10-P589.aspx) on the end to give me a sense of total length.
After I've worked on the Obi TPM style pommel I'll make the decision on shortening the Graflex or not.
Once I've done that I'll drill the holes to mount the Activation box 2 (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Activation-box-style-2-P355.aspx) in place.

[Lord Zen]

Small update,

The Graflex clamp lever is now attached to the activation box:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_1696_zpsf393b012.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_1696_zpsf393b012.jpg.html)

I drilled and tapped a M3 screw thread into the side with a larger 4.5mm hole at the top to accommodate the larger section of the lever head.
I also threaded the entire length of the shaft, so the lever just screws into place. When tightened, the friction of the clamp lever against the box holds everything in place.

I will need to shorten the threaded section of the lever so it doesn't get in the way when I put the aux switch in. I'm thinking of using one of the spherical momentary switches (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/SPST-Momentary-tactile-switch-P641.aspx) here. This will mean either drilling out the hole to fit, or attempting to thread cut the switch. But I don't rate the chances of that second option...

The AV switch, black cap-head screws and recharge port are in place to see what they look like. I will have to replace the recharge port as there is a slight difference between its metric thread and the box's imperial thread pitch.

[Lord Zen]

While playing around with the activation box and Graflex glass eye, I found out that the two fit together quite nice nicely:



http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_1824_zps9bf483ab.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_1824_zps9bf483ab.jpg.html)

It just screws right in.
Don't think I will use this for this saber, but I thought it was an interesting discovery

[Lord Zen]

I finally found some time to drill into the Graflex section.
There is a pair of M3.5 threaded holes at each end to attach the activation box. The external diameters of the Graflex and MHS are slightly different, but not enough to show. Clamping the box down tightly with the screws doesn't reveal any gaps. There are also holes for the recharge port, the AV switch and wires to the momentary switch:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_1846_zps578421df.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_1846_zps578421df.jpg.html)

Box attached on top with the AV switch and recharge port in place:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_1847_zps33b21264.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_1847_zps33b21264.jpg.html)

Next I will need to cut a slot into the ribbed section so it can slide past the controls that protrude into the internal of the tube. I will use one of the screws that holds the activation box down to lock it all into place.

I decided not to shorten the length of the Graflex section. With the Graflex adapter in-situ there is not enough length free to reduce. This means I will need to think about the slot to the side of the activation box. I might leave it as is, revealing the black ribbed section below; or fill with some mesh or metal.

[Ty_Bomber]

The glass eye looks really good in that box. I just noticed the small momentary switch in the box as well. Was that custom work from Tim or did you do the mod yourself? It's a very nice look.

[slothfurnace]

Looking nice so far, good luck!

[Renaissance Jedi]

Very nice. Derelict is by far one of the most frequently replicated sabers out there. Already looking at your's, it puts mine to shame.

[Lord Zen]

The glass eye looks really good in that box. I just noticed the small momentary switch in the box as well. Was that custom work from Tim or did you do the mod yourself?

Thanks Ty,
I drilled out the M5 screw thread of the Activation Box 2 (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Activation-box-style-2-P355.aspx) to fit the slightly larger spherical momentary switch. It's about 0.2mm difference and as it is a friction fit I had to make sure not to over-size it. It fits quite snuggly. I also had to drill out the underside as the spherical switch is shorter and wouldn't have reached through.



Looking nice so far, good luck!
Thanks Sloth,
I appreciate that coming from the original creator :)




Very nice. Derelict is by far one of the most frequently replicated sabers out there.

Thanks Renaissance Jedi,
That's very nice to hear, especially from a fellow Derelict builder :)

The Derelict is my favourite design, even more so than the film sabers. And I think it's great that it has its own following. It blends many aspects of the film sabers into a single, well balanced, composition.

I've still got a long way to go - and have yet to face doing the scary cut into the Graflex to reveal the ribbed section. Think I might postpone doing that to towards the end of the build :)

[Lord Zen]

I managed to buy a second-hand Acerocket Pommel. And it is very nice. :D

It's powder coated rather than anodized, which will make it easier to weather if I opt to do that.
It also came with with one of the blocks drilled - perfect for a triangular D-Ring:


http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_1885_zpsf73b58fe.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_1885_zpsf73b58fe.jpg.html)



It took a little light sanding, and some GT-85, but the D-ring is now very snug in place. It rotates if pushed, but there's no rattle when swung around.

[Lord Zen]

Just playing around with some bits and pieces for the internals.
The crystal is held in place by wrapping some wire around it, and the LED is just resting in place. I will come up with a better solution than this, but wanted to see what the crystal would look like lit up.

It is a single point quartz illuminated by a yellow 3mm round LED:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/image_zps09445e24.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/image_zps09445e24.jpg.html)


Will need to figure out how to put this inside the saber along with everything else :)


But isn't that always the way...

[San Tala]

This is setting up to be a real beauty. I love visible crystals inside hilts. Can't wait to see some more progress.

[BRS]

I want errything you got.

[Lord Zen]

Hi all,

I'm still doodling along with this saber.
Thought it would be fun to cobble together a crystal chamber.

Starting with a whole bunch of stuff:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/imagejpg1_zpsb2662598.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/imagejpg1_zpsb2662598.jpg.html)



Then assembled together using some M2 threaded bar and tiny nuts:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/imagejpg2_zps05c3a5a1.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/imagejpg2_zps05c3a5a1.jpg.html)



This won't actually fit into the hilt, but it was good fun to put it together - makes me almost feel like a proper sabersmith :)


Lined up the chamber with the rear of the ribbed section (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MHS-ribbed-extension-P245.aspx) to see the comparative sizes:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/imagejpg3_zpscf580ab8.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/imagejpg3_zpscf580ab8.jpg.html)



Its diameter is just a bit too large to fit inside the normal MHS double female (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/3-Double-female-threaded-connector-P122.aspx) piece.
I might bore out the MHS piece, or turn down the chamber. However I think I will lose some of the interesting detail if I do the latter.



Or I might just leave it alone and keep it as an interesting thing :)

[Gnar-Gnar Gin]

looking awesome dude!

[Lord Zen]

I like to try different arrangements of saber pieces, just to see what happens. I quite liked how this looked, so thought I would share.
It won't work as a blade holder, but might be an interesting basis for a blade plug:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/imagejpg1_zpse3707a5d.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/imagejpg1_zpse3707a5d.jpg.html)

If you look closely you can see the ribbed form of the crystal chamber behind the mesh of the glass eye.
I really like this subtle detail.

Shining a blue LED through the piece makes it a little easier to see:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/imagejpg1_zps4e2693b4.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/imagejpg1_zps4e2693b4.jpg.html)

[Gnar-Gnar Gin]

you've got a great eye dude!

[Lord Zen]

looking awesome dude!

Thank you :)

[Lord Zen]

Well I finally decided to face the task of cutting the Graflex section that helps give the Derelict its form.
I must admit this is something I wasn't looking forward to considering the costs involved in finding a Graflex tube, and the work I had already done on the top for the activation box (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Activation-box-style-2-P355.aspx) mounting.

Graflex section prepared with a printed paper cutting mask and tape to prevent marking when held in the vice:


http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/imagejpg1_zps0f3c79a9.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/imagejpg1_zps0f3c79a9.jpg.html)



Front radials cut along with the side edges. The paper mask didn't survive well enough to mark the rear radial cuts needed. So I will have to do these at a later point.
Edges are filed and sanded to make them nice and smooth:


http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/imagejpg1_zps24d68419.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/imagejpg1_zps24d68419.jpg.html)



The modified ribbed section (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MHS-ribbed-extension-P245.aspx) friction fits into the Graflex piece:


http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/imagejpg1_zpsfdcc1891.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/imagejpg1_zpsfdcc1891.jpg.html)


There is about 7mm of overlap and the two are held together tightly with just this. However I'm not sure how well it will hold up with any sort of saber beating, but this isn't really a combat saber.
The rear screw mount for the activation box (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Activation-box-style-2-P355.aspx) will also hold the two pieces together.

You can also see how tight the fit is from the numerous scratches on the ribbed section. These were caused by sliding the parts together and apart during construction.
I will need to sand this down a little before I get it painted.

I have also thought about a few ways to make the attachement more secure.
The heavy duty version is basically taking a piece of 1.10" aluminium rod to fit through the ribbed section and putting a screw thread on the end to go into the Graflex adapter.
The diameter of the Graflex adapter's ring of 4-40 holes is a little too large to run 3 rods through the internal diameter of the ribbed section, so doesn't appear to be an option.
Putting a screw thread on the end of the Graflex adapter so it can screw into the ribbed section is another idea.

However, at the moment I don't think I need any of these.

[Lord Zen]

All the pieces reassembled.
Just imagine that the middle bit is painted black :)


http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/imagejpg1_zpsfe0a4cbe.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/imagejpg1_zpsfe0a4cbe.jpg.html)

[setelf3of5]

This is an amazing build. The pictures were clear, and really brought out the highly detailed work you put into this. Really well done!

[Lord Zen]

Thought I would post a quick picture of this very important piece:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/imagejpg1_zpsda959f51.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/imagejpg1_zpsda959f51.jpg.html)

It's a piece of scrap Nylon I used when drilling the holes and cutting into the Graflex section.
This prevented the Graflex from flexing when drilling, especially near the L-cut notch. It also reduced the burring on the inside.


You can see the set of holes at the top for the activation box, and how it was also used for the radial side cuts.

[Lord Zen]

I got around to weathering the Obi pommel:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/imagejpg2_zps49f9b64a.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/imagejpg2_zps49f9b64a.jpg.html)

I only wanted to apply a light weathering to the pommel so went easy on any dings and dents.
Increasingly fine grades of sanding papers and wire wool was used to scuff and polish different areas.

[Lord Zen]

More playing about with the crystal chamber piece I made.

The chamber won't fit into the small internal diameter of the ribbed section. So I thought I'd see what it would look like if I used the chamber instead of the ribbed part.

I think it creates a "Skeletal Derelict" or Starkiller feel:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/imagejpg1_zps587fd482.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/imagejpg1_zps587fd482.jpg.html)


The parts are just resting in place, and not attached or secured in any way.

I'm not sure the overal saber would be very strong if I decided to pursue this direction. The front and rear sections are only held rigid by the three sections of M2 rod, which would not be enough if a blade were attached and swung.

[son of korriban]

Looks great man! I've wanted to do " tribute" derelict saber ever since it's inception. But more dueling oriented. As in no control box

[setelf3of5]

I am also planning on doing a similar type of tribute saber. Have to finish my first one.

[Lord Zen]

Looks great man! I've wanted to do " tribute" derelict saber ever since it's inception. But more dueling oriented. As in no control box

That'll be an interesting challenge :)

The Derelict is a very pretty saber, but in my experience not the most comfortable one to hold.
Would need to "soften" the cubes on the Obi pommel and have a strong connection between the ribbed section and the Graflex.

Look forward to seeing what you come up with :)




I am also planning on doing a similar type of tribute saber. Have to finish my first one.

Cool, more Derelicts :D

[Lord Zen]

A cheap little kill key I put together:


http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_1986_zpsd7b524d8.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_1986_zpsd7b524d8.jpg.html)


Used a stainless steel thumbscrew (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/8-32-x-38-Stainless-Steel-thumb-screw-P539.aspx). Hacked off the screw thread and filed the surface smooth. Then drilled a 5.5mm hole and glued in a style 4 kill plug (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Kill-plug-style-4-P783.aspx).
The hole is around 4mm deep and the plug fits flush when in the recharge port.

[Denz]

I was able to strengthen the connection between the graflex top and ribbed section by machining a bushing that attaches to the TCSS blade holder and snuggly slides into the gribbed section to about 1" depth.

Similiar to what I did here:
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y522/MasterGreeble/Derelict%20Replica/bushing-interface_zps7a5ead8b.jpg

-Denzil

[Lord Zen]

Thanks for sharing Denzil, that's great.

I've also noticed that you are also a big fan of the Derelict :D

How did you attached the bushing to the Graflex adapter?



I've been noodling over some ideas on how to make the joint stronger, and am trying some out.
The saber has now entered into its experimental stage as I have the external look completed.

[Denz]

How did you attached the bushing to the Graflex adapter?
This photo was not the actual part, just an example of a bushing I machined for my first Derelict build to improve the flex at the joint.

I'm not sure if this is the same for you but he LED/lens/heatsink assembly for the Graflex blade adapter thread deap enough into holder that there is adequate room for a bushing to to fit in behind the LED / heatsink AND into the ribbed section. You would need to machine this custom as the ID of the grip and bladeholder are different. (The bushing would have a step in it for one end to fit the ribbed section and the other end into the blade holder). Or the blade holder's OD at the LED end could be turned down some and the bushing could fit over the blade holder.

I would have to do some measurements but another possible solution would be to have the bushing to mount to the blade holder using the threaded holes on the holder.

BTW: All of these solutions would require access to a lathe.

-Denzil

[Lord Zen]

So,
This is where I am with my thinking...

I've cut a slot into the ribbed section so it can slide past the buttons and recharge port in the activation box.
I've also drilled and tapped a hole so the end screw locks the Graflex and ribbed section in place:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_1985_zps04417868.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_1985_zps04417868.jpg.html)

One day I'll get to painting or anodizing this bit black :)


But the ribbed section only slides in about 7mm into the Graflex section, which causes a little bit of flex when the blade is in the blade holder.
Now I'm not sure where this is going with the idea of an internal crystal chamber and electronics, but anyhoo...

A bit of aluminium bar-stock sized to just under 1.15" diameter, with a screw thread on the end to go into the Graflex adapter:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_1988_zpsc7490595.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_1988_zpsc7490595.jpg.html)

Or, a really long heat-sink for the LED :)

Once in place the rear section can slide along, without interference:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_1989_zps0dc7b359.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_1989_zps0dc7b359.jpg.html)


Well, that's the idea...

[Denz]

That would work.

You might have trouble getting everything to fit inside. I found it to be VERY tight for space with CF/CeX, 18500 stick pack, button, recharge, speaker, etc.

As you can see here, getting all this to fit into the handle / ribbed section was not an easy task.
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y522/MasterGreeble/Derelict%20Replica/chassis-electronics-01_zps88c0df3a.jpg

-Denzil

[Lord Zen]

Hi All,

The ribbed section is now painted black, so it's really starting to look the part:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/imagejpg1_zpse31ca1eb.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/imagejpg1_zpse31ca1eb.jpg.html)


It is spray painted with a basic matt black car paint.

I started with a coat of grey etch primer, which creates a better surface on the aluminium for the paint to adhere to.
Then 3 light coats of black were applied, each with a 15-20 minute wait in between.

This gave a good, even coating.

It looks so nice, it seems a shame to weather it :)

[Lord Zen]

Hi Everyone,

Another year, another update...

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/image.jpg5_zpsowogoid3.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/image.jpg5_zpsowogoid3.jpg.html)

I've bored through the central rod so I can slide the soundcard inside it.
At the far end of the bar, holes have been drilled for the switches and recharge port to sit in.
The speaker will also sit here, facing downwards with a grove cut for the sound to vent out from. I don't know how well this will work, but you need to try these things. I'm not after super loud, and would like the sound to come from the emitter end, rather than pommel.

The rod screws into the Graflex adapter (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/LED-Graflex-adapter--P221.aspx) and holds the LED and lens in place, with all the wiring passed through a centrally drilled hole.

I might need to open that front area a little more, but I'll see how that goes.

[Lord Zen]

Hi All,

I finally installed the electronics into my Derelict replica:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/image.jpg2_zpsmmeofcoc.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/image.jpg2_zpsmmeofcoc.jpg.html)

Lit up and making saber noises:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/image.jpg1_zpshauuzh5c.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/image.jpg1_zpshauuzh5c.jpg.html)

I installed the speaker so that it would vent towards the front of the hilt.

And while this saber is "finished", I want to revisit this and the installation of a crystal chamber inside..

[setelf3of5]

nice work! Very good looking saber!

[girot]

fantastic build! I too am a fan of the photo etched brass mesh!

[CET]

Looking great! I have to say that the yellow looks great on a grafflex build.

I also recently did a build with a forward facing speaker and I like the sound experience much better. How do you like it so far?

[darth_chasm]

Looks great.

[Ty_Bomber]

looks great.

more pictures please.

[Lord Zen]

Thank you :D



I also recently did a build with a forward facing speaker and I like the sound experience much better. How do you like it so far?

I prefer the sound to come out of the front on a Graflex build.
To me it makes more sense for the humming and buzzing to be located with the blade emitter.
The Graflex adapter also has a nice channel cut into it to help the sound exit the two cutouts either side of the bulb lens.
It's not as loud as other sabers I've built, but it is still plenty loud enough to hear it when it's on :)



more pictures please.

Will try to get a few more pictures uploaded :)

[Lord Zen]

Hi All,

A couple more photos to show some of the details.

Photo-etched mesh behind the Graflex lens, illuminated through the cut-out to the blade holder:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/image.jpg2_zpsaoeybehg.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/image.jpg2_zpsaoeybehg.jpg.html)


The grenade section and rear grip slid back over the central core to reveal the downward orientated speaker and hole:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/image.jpg1_zpswvwkyhgt.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/image.jpg1_zpswvwkyhgt.jpg.html)

Acerocket Obi pommel with triangular d-ring. Custom made 3" long 1-5/8" diameter rear grip section with grooves. Grenade grip into cut Graflex front section:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/image.jpg4_zpsrxsjhky2.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/image.jpg4_zpsrxsjhky2.jpg.html)


Control box detail. 16mm AV switch, spherical momentary switch, recharge port with custom kill-key based on the knurled thumbscrew:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/image.jpg5_zpsjjkl1aky.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/image.jpg5_zpsjjkl1aky.jpg.html)

[CET]

Love how you did the glass eye.

[Generic Jedi]

That's a beautiful saber. Congrats on finishing your Derelict.

[Darth Vislir]

I have 90% of the parts for my interpretation. well done. I'm still trying to figure out how to make the glass eye light up.

[Lord Zen]

I have 90% of the parts for my interpretation. well done. I'm still trying to figure out how to make the glass eye light up.

I used a Graflex glass eye replica that would have been used in an original Graflex camera flash. It was designed to allow light to shine through it. This is different to the glass eye designed as a thumbscrew.

I did however have to file down the depth of the lens housing unit. Otherwise the Graflex adapter doesn't have enough depth for the glass eye to sit flush.

The threaded hole for the thumbscrew in the Graflex adapter provided enough light from the blade holder area to shine through.

[Lord Zen]

I found one of these :D

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/image.jpg1_zpsurnwpgby.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/image.jpg1_zpsurnwpgby.jpg.html)

[CET]

Nice find!

[Darth Vislir]

I used a Graflex glass eye replica that would have been used in an original Graflex camera flash. It was designed to allow light to shine through it. This is different to the glass eye designed as a thumbscrew.

I did however have to file down the depth of the lens housing unit. Otherwise the Graflex adapter doesn't have enough depth for the glass eye to sit flush.

The threaded hole for the thumbscrew in the Graflex adapter provided enough light from the blade holder area to shine through.

Thanks for the tip... now that I have shroud material coming in I am about to source the rest of the greeblies.

[Lord Zen]

Just tinkering away...

Weathered aluminium chassis holder:
http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_2252_zpsbtdet1g6.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_2252_zpsbtdet1g6.jpg.html)

All wired up:
http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_2287_zpsh3q4fmcn.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_2287_zpsh3q4fmcn.jpg.html)

Nano Biscotte V3
20mm speaker
PC Amber, PC Amber, White Tri-Cree LED
3mm yellow flicker accent LED

The Tri-Cree LED and lens sit countersunk into the screw thread area for the Graflex adapter

Much smaller installation :)

[Kreyhn]

Uh-Oh! Time for a crystal chamber?

[Lord Zen]

Slowly getting there:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_2307_zpsyp07o85s.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_2307_zpsyp07o85s.jpg.html)


http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_2290_zpsqlgxzwck.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_2290_zpsqlgxzwck.jpg.html)


http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_2304_zpsm3nah3mm.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_2304_zpsm3nah3mm.jpg.html)

20-ish laser cut brass discs, with some other found and machined gubbins.

Still need to wire up the 18500 battery that will go in the brass canister at the rear and the recharge port, which is current screwed in the wrong way just for visual interest and to test the tapped hole. Will also wire up the AV switch once I find another Graflex lever to attach to the activation box.

And a spot at the front for a crystal :D

[jbkuma]

That chassis holder alone is a work of art.

[Lord Zen]

All wired up and done for now:

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_2359_zpsf5wf9ixy.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_2359_zpsf5wf9ixy.jpg.html)

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_2360_zps5kk7gezx.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_2360_zps5kk7gezx.jpg.html)

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/IMG_2361_zpsqmdlvaqg.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/IMG_2361_zpsqmdlvaqg.jpg.html)

Just the small issue of what to do with this now... :D

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y420/LordZenSaber/image.jpg1_zpsurnwpgby.jpg (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/LordZenSaber/media/image.jpg1_zpsurnwpgby.jpg.html)

[Greenie]

A long time coming but whoa! Worth the wait. Beautiful! Any more pics?

Greenie:mrgreen: