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Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
02-08-2008, 10:18 PM
I thought I'd make a progress thread showing my brass and copper custom saber. I've had the idea for this saber in mind, and have been planning it out since before Christmas, but I finally got around to starting it last week.

I went out to my local scrap yard several weeks ago and found some nice pieces of copper pipe. One size fits nicely inside a 1.5" sink tube, and the other size fits nicely over a sink tube. I got enough to do three sabers. I'll cut my teeth on this one and see if I can get better as I go.

Here's the first picture. I made a chassis out of 1.25" aluminum vacuum pipe and two sink tube adapters, and made a switch plate out of a piece of the smaller copper. I wanted to have easy access to the guts without having to poke everything down into the end of a tube.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1236148/brass_saber_2.jpg

Here's a close-up of the switches:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1236148/brass_saber_7.jpg

Here is the larger copper pipe. I will cut out a shroud overlay that will cover the thin piece of aluminum adapter that is showing, and part of the blade holder. I'll post a picture with my paper template tomorrow night.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1236148/brass_saber_5.jpg

This is the speaker grill I made. For now, this works, but I'd like to find some kind of brass mesh. I could put a huge speaker in there if I can find one.


http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1236148/brass_saber_6.jpg

I plan on using a blade holder #1, and doing a double layered emitter shroud with the brass sink tube and the smaller copper. I still have to order the blade holder, a blade, and a few other things from Tim. Maybe I'll do up a cardboard mock up and post pictures of that too.

That's as far as I have done so far. Stay tuned for more pics.

Drichar Deis
02-09-2008, 04:20 AM
Nice, another steampunk?

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
02-09-2008, 11:22 AM
Honestly, I didn't know what Steampunk was, so I Googled it.

I think you've just spawned my newest obsession!

Clockwork
02-09-2008, 12:41 PM
YEAH for Steampunk! I like the look, one can never get enough brass on a saber in my opinion. I really like the speaker grill on the pommel, exactly what I was thinking about doing on mine. good to see that it looks good!

ArkaiHalon
02-09-2008, 01:38 PM
looks good. can't wait to see the shroud.

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
02-10-2008, 10:04 PM
I only have a minute to post this, but here's what I did tonight.

I haven't ordered the blade holder #1 yet, so I made a mock up out of cardboard and tape.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1236148/brass_saber_8.JPG

Then I used graph paper and made templates. The yellow is brass sink tube, and the red is the two sizes of copper I have.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1236148/brass_saber_9.JPG

The smaller copper is the same stuff I made the switch plate from, and will fit over the smaller step on the BH, the larger copper fits over the sink tube, creating a three layer shroud. The circle shows where the thumbscrew would go. I would have to put a screw in the shroud behind the switches to keep that part from lifting.

I saw a saber with a shroud like this somewhere and really liked it, but it was all aluminum.

This design isn't carved in stone, I may change the shape of the outer shroud. As long as it covers the thin strip of aluminum in front of the switch, that's the main part.

I could use some objective input here. What do you think?

One other question I'll throw out there: Should I polish it and spray it with some clear coat to keep it shiny, or should I let it tarnish. It's already developing a patina from me handling it.

ArkaiHalon
02-10-2008, 10:35 PM
I like the overall concept. As for the screw in the back, i'd suggest a small socket head screw. being that close to the switch, it could be a "control knob"

As for polishing v patina, go for a combo. polish and clear coat the copper, but let the brass go. might have a nice effect.

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
02-10-2008, 10:58 PM
Good idea on the socket head screw. The whole idea behind the design is that I can easily access the innards by sliding the brass tube off. If I secure the outer shroud to the blade holder, a single screw there behind the switch would hold it together, but be easy to remove.

You may have something with the copper too. When I picked it up at the scrap yard, it was all oxidized and looked like crap. I cleaned it before I took the picture above. If I didn't protect it, it might go like that again. It has a funny smell to it too. I don't want my hands to smell like that every time I handle it.

The brass is not bad. I kind of like the look of tarnished brass.

Drichar Deis
02-11-2008, 06:26 AM
looking good.

Novastar
02-11-2008, 07:26 AM
Nice work, Obi-Dar!

Now THAT is my kind of style of saber. Starts out simple, with some decently recessed switches... and room for a nice speaker.

Looking forward to seeing photos of advanced work on it... take your time!

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
02-11-2008, 10:03 PM
Thanks, guys!

Novastar, your Flange III was the inspiration for the nut on the end. I saw it and liked the idea.

By the time I file down the switch a little, and add the shroud around the area, I think there will be very little possibility of accidentally turning it off, while still being easily accessible.

Ever since Drichar mentioned "Steampunk", I have been fascinated with the concept. I still have enough copper and brass for two more sabers. I have been looking around online for inspiration, and plan to go completely nuts on the next one. Should be fun!

Clockwork
02-12-2008, 05:59 AM
Glad to see you have entered the realm of Steampunk Obi-dar, I can't wait to see some more of your steampunk saber Ideas. I am just waiting on the next Batch of CF's to finish my Steampunk graflex up. Then I hope to move on to a Steampunk dooku/qui gon (haven't decided which yet). If your looking for inspiration, check out these steampunk links

http://bbs.stardestroyer.net/viewtopic.php?p=2324442
a steampunk lightsaber

http://www.brassgoggles.co.uk/brassgoggles/
probably the finest steampunk blog around

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
02-12-2008, 07:58 PM
Dude, that's awesome!

I have a .22 caliber pellet pistol that uses CO2 cartridges. I have some empty brass ones kicking around somewhere. I never would have thought of using them.

Thanks!

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
02-18-2008, 07:24 PM
Progress pictures!

I spent most of the afternoon with my Dremel, and this is the result. I still have some shaping to do, then polishing, but it's pretty close to the finished product.

The Dremel got away from me a couple of times when I was cutting the switch hole. I have some deep gouges that I'm going to try to sand out. You can see one of them in this picture, just to the right of the hole. I may decide to leave them there and call them "character marks".;)

Now I just need to order the parts to finish it.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1236148/101_0617.JPG

Edit to add:

This is the saber that inspired my shrouds. I found the picture on the net, but I have no idea who built it. If anyone knows, I'd gladly give them props.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1236148/artistlightsaber.jpg

ArkaiHalon
02-18-2008, 07:40 PM
that looks so cool. what sizes are those pieces again?
and ya got any left? ;)

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
02-18-2008, 07:47 PM
I do have some left. Enough for at least two more sabers.

I haven't measured it exactly, but the brass is your standard sink tube. The larger copper fits over that with a small gap, and the smaller copper fits inside with a little room to spare.

I'll get an exact measurement if you would like.

ArkaiHalon
02-18-2008, 08:08 PM
please do get the measurements. I suddenly have a vision of a copper AOTC Anakin shroud.

Dandura
02-22-2008, 10:10 PM
Maybe A staggered copper grip similar to the MHS Hilt 4 with some wood inlaid in the spacing, or perhaps ray or shark skin for grip. I'm doing Ray on mine.

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
02-23-2008, 03:30 PM
Maybe A staggered copper grip similar to the MHS Hilt 4 with some wood inlaid in the spacing, or perhaps ray or shark skin for grip. I'm doing Ray on mine.

That's not a bad idea. Thanks!

strengthofrage
02-24-2008, 11:17 AM
That is turning out very nice Obi-Dar, It has a very impressive flow to it, I like it :)

Hasid Lafre
02-24-2008, 12:39 PM
I think the guy at thelightsaber.com origionally built that saber.

But no way to know for sure as hes selling the site and so its shut down.

Sethski
02-24-2008, 01:44 PM
I really like that Obi Dar, I agree it has a nice future-past tech, steampunky thing going on. Hat's off to you, sir! :D

DACOTA
02-24-2008, 07:37 PM
Holy cow! That is so sweet! Nice job on that man. For some reason the finished silver saber pic there, looks like it would be predators saber, but I dont know why.:confused:

Dandura
02-24-2008, 07:47 PM
It does look like a Prdator saber, probably because predator armor and weopons have the same design i.e. the layered carapace look, the diminishing curves, and the tarnished used look of a weapon that has been in many battles. BTW don't worry about dings and such Obi Dar, mines pretty bashed, but why build a lightsaber if it doesn't get used?

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
02-24-2008, 08:57 PM
Thanks for the kind words, folks.

I really like the idea of the wood and brass inlays. I hadn't made up my mind what to do for grip, and that helps. I'm going looking for thin wood veneer this week. I'll also be ordering the parts to finish it on payday. I should have some progress pictures to show in a couple of weeks. I'm taking Novastar's advice and taking my time with it.

I'm also drawing up a plan for another steampunk saber. This one should be really cool. If I can clean up my drawing a bit, I'll post it.

xwingband
02-24-2008, 09:21 PM
I think the guy at thelightsaber.com origionally built that saber.

But no way to know for sure as hes selling the site and so its shut down.

Close... it was made for one of his lightsaber building contests. I used to know who made that one, but I can't remember it anymore. It's one of the higher posters at the RPF.

Hasid Lafre
02-25-2008, 05:54 AM
Ah, thanks for the info there X

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
02-25-2008, 09:12 PM
Ah, that gets us a little closer. Whoever it was did a great job. I found it when I was scouring the net looking for inspiration, but I couldn't find it again.

Do you remember if it is functional, or just a show piece? I'd love to see it lit up.

xwingband
02-25-2008, 09:36 PM
It was solid if I remember correctly. It was actually hammered together over an apoxie sculpt or something similar.

It was for the non-SW movie themed contest. If memory serves me it was a Jules Verne 20,000 leagues inspired one. I want to say it was Jedi135 that made it as that sticks out in my mind, but there is no way I'd bet on that.

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
02-25-2008, 10:14 PM
Thanks. If I'm copying the concept, I wanted to give credit where credit is due.

I went to the RPF site. Looks like lots of neat stuff there. I'll have to poke around there a little if my eyes can stand the white on black color scheme. I'm still seeing ghost images when I look at the white wall.

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
03-22-2008, 08:46 PM
I finally ordered the parts to finish this saber. I got them on Thursday, and wanted to show it off.

It's running a green K2, powered by two 700 mA pucks wired together. Dang, this thing is bright! It's way brighter than my MHS saber with the royal blue Lux III.

I've decided to call this saber, "Enigma". It's not completely finished. I still have to do the grips, and put on the brass covertec knob I found. I polished the parts as I was making them, but I'm going to let them tarnish as I handle it. You can see in the pictures that it has already started to lose it's shine.

It's set up that I can put in a CF when the next round comes available. For now, I'm pretty happy with the way it looks running on the pucks.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1236148/enigma_1.jpg

Here it is next to my MHS saber. (Which still needs a name.)
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1236148/enigma_2.jpg

I haven't sanded the blade yet. I did it for the blue saber, but I'm not sure if I want to do it for the green one. I'll swap the blades and see if I like the effect.

Darth Relin
03-22-2008, 09:52 PM
very kick ass looking!!!!! and i love the simple design! very classy!

Malaki Skywalker
03-23-2008, 03:12 AM
That is one hell of a SWEET! :shock: Saber! great work Obi-Dar, any chance of a video for this bad boy saber? :cool:

Er Dan Gill
03-23-2008, 03:17 AM
Wow, that looks awesome with the green blade.

strengthofrage
03-23-2008, 05:16 AM
Very well done Obi-Dar, that saber is definitely sweet. The multiple emitter pieces and then the last one sweeping down to the recessed switch plate is gorgeous :)

ArkaiHalon
03-23-2008, 05:23 AM
oh man that thing is ugly. You need to send it to me for proper disposal. Just Kidding. That thing is awesome. I really love the multi shroud, and the recessed switch is great.

As for the other saber, name it Focus. since it's got the camera focusing ring on it.

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
03-23-2008, 08:32 AM
Thanks, all!


...any chance of a video for this bad boy saber? :cool:

Maybe once I get a CF in it. I've got the money set aside for one now, so next time they come out, I'll get one. This saber deserves it.


As for the other saber, name it Focus. since it's got the camera focusing ring on it.

I like that, it's perfect! Thanks!

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
05-24-2008, 10:26 PM
Update:

Sweet buttery goodness! Enigma is now powered by a Crystal Focus 4.0!

I don't know if I can handle coolness of this magnitude!

Here are some pictures:

Beauty shot. This is the same picture as above. The copper has deepened in color since then.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-12/1126239/enigma_1.jpg

Internals. Not the cleanest job I've seen, but at least it's not spaghetti.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-12/1126239/enigma_3.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-12/1126239/enigma_4.jpg

It's got a white Seoul P4 with a yellow filter, and I'm running it off 4 NiMH AA batteries for now. I will be upgrading to better batteries when I can afford to.

As you can see, I installed it backwards to the typical orientation. I did this so I can get at the card easily by just sliding the cover off. I asked Erv about this, and he said that it will work fine this way.

I want to put in a low battery indicator, and perhaps some flashy bling LEDs, but I just wanted to keep it simple for now. I still have some tweaking of the settings to do, then I'll post a video.

eastern57
05-24-2008, 10:48 PM
Allow me to be the first to congratulate you on your long journey's end. It's absolutely beautiful. Good job!

Malaki Skywalker
05-25-2008, 04:01 AM
That is FREAKIN SWEET! :shock: Any chance for that video now????? ;)

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
05-25-2008, 02:06 PM
Thanks, guys!

I'll be doing a video soon. Maybe tonight if I can.

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
06-01-2008, 05:33 PM
*SIGH*

I'm such a dork.

This is why I'm a photographer. I'd much rather be behind the camera than in front of it, but I said I'd do a video, so here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1dKIb7LAkE

I had to do it in three parts. I somehow skipped over one of the sound fonts, so I shot a second video. When I tried to convert the files so I could stitch them together, it went all wonky, so I just posted the second one by itself. The third video is just me messing around. I put that there just for fun.

At the time that I'm typing this, YouTube is still processing #2 & #3. Looking at the first one, it looks darker than the original. I'll have to see if I can fix it.

As I said in my description, I shot outside for two reasons. One, I thought it would look cool in the dark, and two, my son was sleeping, and the saber would have woken him up. I was standing under a street light, and in the original, you can see me clearly. Oh well. You get the idea.

Your comments, both positive and critical, are welcome.

eastern57
06-01-2008, 06:07 PM
Well Done, Man! Very nice.

My V4 does the same on phoenix pyre, so I'm sure it's a config setting.

:)

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
06-01-2008, 06:09 PM
I'm hoping Novastar or Erv will jump in here with their wisdom.

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
06-03-2008, 08:39 PM
Update:

Here are the links to all three videos.

Part one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1dKIb7LAkE

Part two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rg7whZK8Jc

Part three:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Guna3ZNXKnw

Like I said, the third one is just me screwing around, but I put it in for the heck of it.

Hasid Lafre
06-04-2008, 11:19 AM
I think it may have something to do with the configuration speaking to the driver, My bro had one with a bad led controller and it made all sorts of noises when it was turned on and the led was barly lit up when it was off. You may have to ship it to erv but you could try just downloading the font pack and put it in there and see if that clears it up. Maybe something got messed up when loading the files to the sd cards.