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View Full Version : First Lightsaber Project and a Few Common-Sense Tips



Jouster
09-06-2007, 07:44 PM
Here is my first lightsaber. It is a green Lux V, using Corbin's board, and has no sound. Most of the components were bought from TCSS; only the aluminum tube, PVC, and random bolts and screws were sourced locally.

Taken with flash, in a dim room.
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/2640/litwithflashsx4.png

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/3355/unlitkp5.png
And yes, I know the switch isn't in the center of its decorative plate. The drill bit wandered while on the drill press.
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/1271/topaz2.png

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/9035/frontrq7.png

Now I feel I must give some common-sense advice to those who have yet to build a lightsaber:
1.) Try color-coding all the connectors one might use in the hilt according to the components. I made the mistake of making some clear tags out of scotch tape, and writing the names of the components on them. I figured this would keep me from, say, connecting the battery into the wrong port on the driver board. Well, because the tags were clear, I ended up doing just that anyway (one tag rested over another, giving me the wrong impression) and fried one of Corbin's boards. I was not pleased, to say the least. My solution was to use enamel paint on the connectors, and this kept me from doing that again.

2.) If you decide to work with PVC, as I did for the emitter and pommel, one should wear a dust mask. PVC sands easily, and creates a lot of fine plastic dust that shouldn't be breathed in.

Well, that's it for now. Thanks to everyone for posting on this forum. All of your hard-earned advice helped me immensely.

atomsk
09-07-2007, 03:36 AM
thanks for the tips! i like the color-coding idea, I'll definately try that.
BTW. your saber turned out great, i dont mind the off-center switch at all, gives it a 'hand made' look. Who wants a weapon that looks like it just came off an assembly line right? nice work.

Vazan Maceu
09-08-2007, 02:44 PM
It sure looks good, Jouster :)

I agree with you in the PVC matter, as I do use it for my own hilt projects... You should be wearing at least a dust mask if you´re going to work with PVC, and protective goggles (I always use them) won´t harm you either :wink:

Nice saber, keep up the good work :)

Barmic Rin
09-08-2007, 03:16 PM
Very cool dude.

Plain, simple, effective.

goldsaberwarrior
09-08-2007, 10:23 PM
Not a bad saber. Simple but it works.

Jouster
09-09-2007, 01:32 PM
Thanks for the comments, everyone!

Thanks for reminding me about the protective goggles, Vazan. I have a pair, and should use them more often.