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awc105
05-20-2014, 09:21 AM
Hi, this is my second saber project, and I figured I'd make a build log for it.
So a few weeks ago a friend showed interest in the first saber I made (ROTJ V2), so he wondered if he could get me to build him one. So this is what has happened since.

After several days of contemplation he decided that he wanted a Sidious style saber. That's when I got to work.

Heres the tentative Specs:
PC v3
MHS chassis disc system
In hilt recharge and a rice port
14500 7.4v pack
Tri-Rebel RRW, FOC
3/4" trans white blade
polished Aluminum and brass hilt with nickel plated decorative sleeve

So heres where we are currently:
I machined the first part of the emitter section out of brass and cut threads on it to mate with a 6" mhs extension, which will serve as the main body. I also adapted the use of the mhs led holder/heatsink v4 to fit the brass piece.
I then machined the aluminum tapered section of the emitter that threads into the brass part. This part was a nightmare of sorts because my lathe kept cross threading the threads I was trying to cut, the half-nut was just dirty, so I cleaned it out and the threads finished out perfectly.
Next to be done is to machine the third and end part of the emitter out of brass. I need to make two of them, one with the blade pressed into it, and one without a blade. I dont like the idea of having to use a set screw to insert a blade, and a thumb screw doesnt fit the design, so I decided that an easy way to do it would be to have two end emitter sections, one with a blade and one with out, then you can just interchange them by taking one out and putting the other in. This is how I did it with my first saber.

As for the decorative sleeve with the cutouts, I plan to use copper tubing and then experiment with diy nickel plating. If that doesnt work I'll make an aluminum sleeve, polish it, and then use something like the duplicolor shadow kit, which is a special spray paint that mimics the look of black chrome.

Anyways that's it for now. More to come as soon as I get around to it.

Thanks



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awc105
05-20-2014, 09:27 AM
Here's some more pics.

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awc105
05-22-2014, 08:29 AM
Got some time to work on it yesterday. I made the first of two of the brass emitter end pieces. This one is decorative, and wont be attached to a blade. Needs some sanding/filing to make it look just right, but I think it came out ok.
Well that's it for now.

Thanks

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TrypWyr
05-22-2014, 10:52 AM
This is looking sweet! You planning a shroud for the grip section? What about the coloring? I would imagine anodizing would look better than powder coating on this particular design.

Forgetful Jedi Knight
05-22-2014, 12:14 PM
This is looking sweet! You planning a shroud for the grip section? What about the coloring? I would imagine anodizing would look better than powder coating on this particular design.

I think he covered his "plan" in the OP.

Looks great so far. I'll be looking forward tot the progress on this.

TrypWyr
05-22-2014, 01:35 PM
So he did! I read it a couple days ago and completely forgot... Too much reading about Sids, what with other forums and all...

awc105
05-23-2014, 07:23 PM
Hi All,
Thanks for the kind words.
Anyways, made some more progress today. Machined the second end emitter piece. The ID is .747 and with the blade being .752, it makes a nice tight press fit that wont come out.
Getting ready to order some more parts, sleeve material and pommel specifically. Will keep updated.

Check out the pics

Thanks

Andy

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awc105
06-01-2014, 05:32 PM
Well, been busy lately, but I had some time to experiment with the nickel plating. The results turned out great IMO. I also decided to start constructing another saber for myself, its going to be a Graflex Luke ANH. Wasn't patient enough (or rich enough lol) to find a vintage graflex, so I ordered a parks replica, and it should be here in a month or more maybe...
Anyway, as far as the plating goes, I've found that the lower the voltage you give, the better the surface finish is. The green liquid is nickel acetate, a homemade version with vinegar (for the acetic acid) and a little salt for better conductivity. You then submerge two electrodes of nickel (one + and one -) into the solution for awhile for the reaction to occur, once it looks thoroughly green, it can be used for plating. I am not a chemist so I am not quite sure what all goes on chemically, but it works pretty good. lol Then you keep a piece of nickel in the solution as the anode (positive), and hook the piece to be plated up as the cathode (negative), and then drop it in the solution. After rotating it periodically you'll get a nice even coat. The piece I tested on took about 3 minutes. I'm sure you could dip it several times for a thicker plating.
Total price for nickel plating setup: $6.00

That's it for now.

Thanks
Andy


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jedimastergarcia87
06-02-2014, 01:09 PM
Yeah I can't wait to see this done. Probably the first MHS base Sidious I've seen so far. Aside from the blade holder that is.

awc105
06-02-2014, 06:29 PM
Hey Thanks!
Did a bit more work tonight. Put a 5 deg. taper on the end of the sleeve for a smooth transition to the pommel, drilled and tapped the hole for the belt clip knob, and drilled the holes for the accent leds/switches. The hilt itself is really starting to come together. Next step is to cut out the design on the sleeve.

Thanks
Andy

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awc105
06-02-2014, 06:30 PM
Some more pics

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awc105
06-03-2014, 09:11 AM
Haha I must have been pretty tired when I drilled the hole for the belt knob, because I put it on the wrong side! No worries though, I drilled a new one and used the old hole as a starting point for the first cut-out. Pretty much just eyeballed the size of the contour of the cut-out. I think it turned out pretty good. I used a 7/8" hole saw for the holes.

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awc105
06-03-2014, 01:16 PM
Well, really got some progress on the sleeve done today. Got both cutouts more-or-less done, just need a bit of fine tuning. My dremel skills were a little rusty, but that's what we have files for right? lol
Still need to figure out what I am going to do about the mistaken hole on the top.

Thanks
Andy

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awc105
06-03-2014, 01:17 PM
More pics

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awc105
06-03-2014, 01:18 PM
Can you tell I like taking pictures?

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Denz
06-04-2014, 07:54 AM
Impressive! This build is a great source of inspiration.

Renaissance Jedi
06-04-2014, 10:19 AM
Truly amazing! This is one of the more intricate hilts and I don't believe anyone has attempted one before because it is so intricate. However, you seem to have mastered it. Keep up the awesome work!

awc105
06-12-2014, 04:11 PM
Hey thanks everyone. I haven't had time to work on it lately because of school, but I will get to it soon!.

Thanks
Andy

awc105
06-25-2014, 07:41 PM
Well, while I'm waiting to purchase the parts for this saber I plan on starting a build thread for my ANH graflex with a motorized crystal chamber, probably in the next day or so. I said before that I wanted to go with a parks replica, but I got a vintage graflex for a steal on ebay.

Andy