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eastern57
06-21-2008, 05:02 PM
1. This is a work in progress. I've only just started and probably will only work on it on weekends or when I have time.

2. Commonly called a "junk saber", this will be assembled with parts that I already have, but have no use for... appropriately named "Mongrel"

3. Not a new design - I'm totally copying/ripping-off the Dark Helmet ancient saber design (also used by B5813). But it's a rock-solid design: surprisingly simplistic, yet elegant... classic, yet fashionable...

4. Haven't decided on a "look"... "ancient", "relic", "weathered", "beat-to-crap" are on the table, but... I'd like to try something different, so I'm open to suggestions.

5. As of right now, I don't plan on keeping this one. But I reserve the right to change my mind if I end up liking it later - so there.




Parts list (pictured):
- MHS Blade Holder style #1
- "Custom" emitter piece... read as: leftover from cannibalized ebay purchase
- 5" double female... I put the hole right in the middle, that was just dumb... couldn't use it after that
- Hilt style #3 (7") also hacked to heavens
- 5" x 1.25" OD section - came from a another crappy ebay purchase and later cannibalized
- MPS style #3 w/insert #1
- Replica Graflex clamp w/bubble strip
- Mini tactile switches (x2)
- Covertech wheel
- CF V2.63
- 1w 8ohm speaker
- Assorted PVC sections for resonance chamer (1", 1.25")
- UltraFire Li-Ion 18650 Rechargeable batteries (x2)
- Recharge port w/quick disconnect thingy
- 8-32 set screws
- 5mm Aqua LEDs (x8) (probably won't fit, might need 3mm)
- 5mm RGB LEDs (x2)

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03156.jpg

So far, all I did today was chop down the MHS pieces with a pipe cutter, sand and even out the edges, fit the 3 middle section pieces, and take pictures of everything. The full album of the build is here:

http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/

But here's some of the highlights of the build up to now:

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03158.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03159.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03160.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03162.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03165.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03168.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03169.jpg

Stay Tuned! I'll post more when I get more done, but I'm liking it so far...

eastern57 :)

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
06-21-2008, 06:35 PM
Looks interesting! I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Lord Dottore Matto
06-22-2008, 01:09 AM
It's only junk if you can't use it! That thing is going to be realllllly cool!:cool:

Count Malik
06-22-2008, 01:36 AM
I agree with that! Man cant wait to see it done!:p

eastern57
06-22-2008, 11:22 AM
thanks. hopefully I won't let you down...

CorellianBada**
06-22-2008, 11:46 AM
looking forward to seeing this one :)

looks great so far!

Draconis Magnus
06-22-2008, 02:34 PM
Yeah.. this is going to be interesting looking Eastern... can't wait to see it in action!

eastern57
06-22-2008, 03:10 PM
I tried some tests today - possible finishes.

test finish no#1

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03178.jpg

Whaddaya think?

B5813
06-23-2008, 01:39 PM
This one will look slick. I already like the look of what you've assembled so far. The effort you've put in so far is probably a good indication of what the end result will be down the line. Is it going to flash like Vegas the way your other franken-sabers do?

eastern57
06-23-2008, 01:43 PM
dern skippy it will... but like the leftover 60s vegas: old, rundown, but still bright and glam ;)

Dark Navel
06-23-2008, 02:53 PM
Is that chocolate or motor oil?? LOL kidding..I personally would go more with a heated/burnt look but that may be hard to do since aluminum is such a heat sensitive metal. Let me think of a way to make it look "overheated"

eastern57
06-23-2008, 03:17 PM
I was actually going for the "rusty" look. and that's actually dry, it looks wet but it's not... I think I came up with something that'll work, but lemme try a few more things before I tell everyone... could possibly be embarassing....

Hasid Lafre
06-23-2008, 08:09 PM
So what is it your trying accomplish with this design?

Dark Navel
06-23-2008, 08:42 PM
You're not going to poop on it are you?:rolleyes:

eastern57
06-23-2008, 09:39 PM
I'm going for a "rusty bucket" look... picture a rake head or spade thats been sitting out in the garage for years... not really ancient or antiquated, but just old and used.. and not terribly well-kept.

The picture doesn't quite reflect what I had in mind, but I'm trying different things, and I'm getting closer.

That one piece is a section of MHS that was brushed with olive oil and baked for 30 minutes at 500 degrees. it's solidly on there - even more so with a clear coat, but I can sand it off too. I like this drection, but not certain of it yet.

Here's a better angle

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03193.jpg

eastern57
06-26-2008, 01:02 PM
Got some holes drilled. I don't have a drill press, so I had to drill these by hand. It was a little tricky, still not straight, but close.

Stupid me did the internal mock-up AFTER I drilled the holes... I came up .5" short. So instead of two screws holding the top section I'll only have one, the exposed hole will work for my aux button.

The center section is 10.25" (can't really tell from the picture), coming along slowly but surely.

I'm trying to plan the holes, but I'm waiting on the grafles clamp... that's gonna be interesting. I'm trying to fit a bar graph and activator on the clamp, but still trying to figure out how.

Recharge port will be off to the side - no way I can squeeze it around the resonance chamber, and won't even try. My franken-saber has the recharge port in the butt, but its just in the speaker mount - no resonance chamber, and it sounds too thin for me. I want good sound for this one.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03199.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03201.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03205.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03203.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03208.jpg

eastern57 :)

Hasid Lafre
06-26-2008, 03:48 PM
thats wha tI was wondering how the design was gonna look.

eastern57
06-26-2008, 10:24 PM
Oh the overall design? not just the finish.. okay. I guess if you can imagine Dark Helmet's Threnody with a graflex clamp and bubble strip, it's not too different... the emitter will be a little different, I don't have any pictures of that yet, but it's similar to a BH#8.

Hasid Lafre
06-26-2008, 11:29 PM
Ok got ya........

eastern57
06-29-2008, 03:31 PM
I tested out the board that I'm gonna use - it still works. I also repositioned it to the pommel side - where it should be - and it all fits... just about perfectly. So I don't have to extend the hilt length [I thought I might have to from the last update] .

In addition to testing out the board, I put on some of the ribbon wire for what will eventually be the bar graph and a quick-connect for the LED.

I also had a 3-way quick-connect (same as for the LED, but with three connections) that I'll use for the recharge port. The recharge port will get screwed-in under the covertech knob, so this connector ended up working well. I also had to open up the covertech hole a bit and thread it with a tap - it should be pretty cool.

Anyway, here's the pictures...

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03239.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03220.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03221.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03241.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03244.jpg

full album
http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/

eastern57 :)

Hasid Lafre
06-29-2008, 04:47 PM
let us know how strong teh recharge port in the CT Clip will be. Iam kinda leary about recharge ports seing as to what heppened to my brothers on his saber. it broke apart from teh inside.

eastern57
06-29-2008, 08:03 PM
dang. I forgot he told me about that. I may rethink that part...

...okay re-thought... mind changed... new strategy... no covertech.

eastern57
06-30-2008, 06:41 PM
Okay got a little farther today. drilled more holes, dremeled a line, you know, progress... I am, again, copying ideas from other people... apparently, there is no originality in me... at least when it comes to this saber...

to the pics---

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03250.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03252.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03253.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03254.jpg

Blade holder style #1 w/custom, uh, part

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03251.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03255.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03256.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03261.jpg



...and the picture you've been waiting for... the full mock-up...


http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03258.jpg

eastern57 :)

Hasid Lafre
06-30-2008, 11:18 PM
Now thats awsome!

Love the bladeholder and how everything else ties togeather. IMO I dont think of it as the DH Style really but more or less but a very clasic design.

eastern57
07-01-2008, 11:05 AM
Thanks, man! Always nice to see hard work appreciated! :)

A few more notes:
- The switch idea was from xwingband, and later used by madcow, both for luke v2s.
- The lever on the clamp is facing backwards on purpose - it feels MUCH more comfortable and it's right where my thumb is.
- I broke down and bought more parts, so it's not "what I had on-hand" saber anymore; I'm gettng a Lux3 R/O and some green surface-mounted LEDs for the bargraph

Malaki Skywalker
07-01-2008, 11:10 AM
WHOA! Now that is sweet! :cool: I can't wait to see her finished!

Treadingwolf
07-01-2008, 08:10 PM
Damn nice work imo. Now get it fired up already. :P

eastern57
07-01-2008, 08:34 PM
LOL! :) Patience, padawan, the end is near!

I started on the guts earlier today, but can't get too far, cause I still have to wait on the LEDs, then I have to finalize the outer finish before I install the components. But shouldn't be too much longer.

Thanks for the boost, guys!

Dark Navel
07-02-2008, 10:58 AM
Also looking forward to the finished product. Speaking of finish...can't wait to see what you came up with in order to "age" it.

eastern57
07-02-2008, 03:38 PM
still plan on "rusty bucket"... still trying different things... still not a hundred percent sure.

eastern57
07-03-2008, 09:25 PM
I took today off to get stuff done before the holiday weekend... it's amazing how much you can get done when you're in the work mindset, but not at work...

I decided to go back to my original "junk saber" plan... Just for me, and I can say that I did it... since I had everything already, this could be considered a free saber... from a certain point of view... okay, no.

Hanny-hoo, I used the green K2 that I never liked, somehow, it's very fitting for this saber. I also scrapped the SMD LED idea - there's NO room in that control box to begin with, but I squoze in two tactile switches and a 120-degree, 4.8mm LED... originally planned to use 2x RGBs, and 6 Aquas... 'pfffft - no

okay, okay... here's the pictures :)

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03324.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03323.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03325.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03327.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03328.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03329.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03335.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03337.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03340.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03348.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03343.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03346.jpg

link to full album:
http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/

hope you like it. Any questions? ask away!

eastern57 :)

Drichar Deis
07-04-2008, 07:14 AM
That looks older than my tooth brush! J/K!

Darcy666
07-04-2008, 09:24 AM
That's awesome. It really does look like something that has been laying around in a shed for a while. Nice work.

eastern57
07-04-2008, 10:04 AM
That looks older than my tooth brush! J/K!

and older than the condom in my wallet...




That's awesome. It really does look like something that has been laying around in a shed for a while. Nice work.

Thanks. I used my time/weather-making machine (got it from sharper image)... many winters and many summers have passed since the last post...

eastern57
07-04-2008, 12:50 PM
First changes:

- I put in the LuxV green from my graflex. I don't usually have this much power, so may as well use it (2x 18650s)

- I swapped the aux button around so it fits better, it's not right across from the other one - more catty-corner. The activator is under the clamp lever, aux is under my middle finger.
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03355.jpg



Also, here's a quck vid of what I have loaded. I think they're the most appropriate for this saber...

- NovaStar
- Heirloom
- Blackstar
- Steampunk
- Ancient Saber
- Satori Zen - has the pitch-shift on - cool!

click: //NEW VID!!// I turned the sensitivity setting down - they were way too tight before.
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/th_MOV03359.jpg (http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/?action=view&current=MOV03359.flv)

eastern57 :)

Angelus Lupus
07-04-2008, 03:48 PM
I like it, certainly looks weathered. It looks like it should balance nicely in the middle.

eastern57
07-04-2008, 10:16 PM
I like it, certainly looks weathered. It looks like it should balance nicely in the middle.

Thanks! I'm happy with how it turned out. With a 36" blade, it balances right at the "choke" on the emitter.

CybKnight
07-05-2008, 11:17 AM
Great work.

How does that baked stuff/ weathering hold up over time?

eastern57
07-05-2008, 11:27 AM
This is the first time I've done this, and it's only been two days, but I've been handling it a lot and playing with it - so far so good.

edit: new video posted - see above :)

B5813
07-05-2008, 07:11 PM
Very cool. The finish looks great. That Zen font sounds like something out of a Stephen King movie... spooky...

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
07-05-2008, 08:13 PM
Looks good, buddy! Definitely one of a kind!

eastern57
07-05-2008, 11:14 PM
Thanks :) it was fun. I like the progress tracking, it makes it feel more complete...

Kant Lavar
07-06-2008, 03:16 AM
Dammit... I wish I could get my fraking CF working...

Either that or Erv needs to release a bunch more v4 so I can get my slow-arse paws on one.

eastern57
07-08-2008, 01:36 AM
Change 2:

I got my surface-mount (SMD) LEDs today... holy tiny. I'll be able to fit a bar graph after all.

I did a few things:
- I tried to mount the LED directly to the bubble strip - bad idea... messed up the bubble strip and the LEDs didn't even stay on. But they work.

- I'll only use 3 for now... pad four doesn't seem to work... frankly, three blinking lights behind the cloudy strip doesn't look all that bad...

- Switched the activator and aux buttons again; for a left handed grip... because my right hand will grip it further up - logic, duh!

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03376.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03377.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03381.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03382.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03383.jpg

that's all for now

eastern57 :)

xl97
07-08-2008, 05:52 AM
SICK.. almost identical to what I did with my bubble strip(s) and the activator boxes form the Joe Jedi kits.. except I didnt knwo about the surface mount LED's!!!

time to redo them.. I have tiny regular LEDS withthe back f the bubbles strip half drilled to dome them.

eastern57
07-08-2008, 11:18 AM
Tip:

I lost a few in the process. They're so small they stuck to the soldering iron - two seconds later, burny-smell, black LED...

I ended up securing them face-down to a strip of double-stick tape. Have a hot iron, so you can be quick about it. It really only takes 2-3 second of contact with an iron to ruin one.

DDanDevious
07-08-2008, 12:57 PM
that saber is awesome... you are quite skilled... looks like it was owned by a messy Jedi, or perhaps dropped in some water and found much later.

I commend you sir.

DDD

Angelus Lupus
07-08-2008, 04:27 PM
This is what I've been trying to do on my saber, but my soldering skills are... poop. Unfortunately the friend who was going to help me has been very busy.

Draconis Magnus
07-08-2008, 05:23 PM
Wow Eastern... great work!

eastern57
07-09-2008, 07:35 AM
that saber is awesome... you are quite skilled... looks like it was owned by a messy Jedi, or perhaps dropped in some water and found much later.

I commend you sir.

DDD

"Attention to Orders. This is to certify that eastern57 has been awarded..." sick of hearing that yet? and thanks :)



This is what I've been trying to do on my saber, but my soldering skills are... poop. Unfortunately the friend who was going to help me has been very busy.

Skills are just the product of practice. If it's poop - flush it and start over... Erv's soldering tutorial has all the knowledge base that you'll need (that's how I learned), so all you'd have to do is steady your hand and focus.


Wow Eastern... great work!

Rock!! and thanks :)

eastern57
07-12-2008, 04:22 PM
Okay... if anyone still cares. I finished the next set of changes. plus I have some pretty pictures to go with it.

First, I finished... uh, the finish. Sprayed it with three coats of clear coat epoxy. I was comparing pictures, and it DID fade some before the sealant went on. It's not a strong copper anymore, but a better "rusty bucket" now.

The bubble strip turned out not-too-bad... I think I'll keep it as is. I used the metal brush on a dremel and "swept" the inside of the excess cement and crap. It also ended up with a nice frosty look to it.

As I said before, I changed the switches to accomodate the left hand, because the right will be holding it higher up.

And... Lastly... I have some pictures of the Lux V, in all it's glory. sucker's bright.

k, here's the pics:

Full album here:
http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03408.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03407.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03409.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03410.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03411.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03422.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03419.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/DSC03416.jpg

quik vid of the 3-LED bar graph (on random)

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/th_MOV03403.jpg (http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn260/eastern57/MONGREL/?action=view&current=MOV03403.flv)

Thank you for keeping up with me this far!

eastern57 :)

B5813
07-13-2008, 02:22 PM
Looks better with the color lightened up now in my opinion. It turned out really cool.

Novastar
07-13-2008, 02:34 PM
Great work, Eastern... :) I like the rust color--that's kind of what I did to both the "dark" and "light" Flange IIIs, only not as detailed!

Out of curiousity:

how long is the saber?
battery solution?
Seems to be an Ultra-style/Gelu blade? If not, what is it...
Finally, did you ever get what you wanted from your resonance chamber (the right length you wanted?)

Looks nice!

eastern57
07-13-2008, 02:46 PM
Looks better with the color lightened up now in my opinion. It turned out really cool.

Thanks. Now that I think of it... other than the center section, it doesn't really resemble your's and Helmet's all that much... I'm sure it's way longer too (13.5")...



Great work, Eastern... :) I like the rust color--that's kind of what I did to both the "dark" and "light" Flange IIIs, only not as detailed!

Out of curiousity:

how long is the saber?
battery solution?
Seems to be an Ultra-style/Gelu blade? If not, what is it...
Finally, did you ever get what you wanted from your resonance chamber (the right length you wanted?)

Looks nice!

LOL! Dang it, Novastar - you always step in when I'm typing a message :mad: ;)

Thanks too. It's 13.5" (pretty long)... The 18650's work beautifully, they're ultrafires, very powerful and easy to work with - they're awesome!

Yes, it's an ultrablade, good eyes!

And the resonance chamber is perfect too. The long body behind it and the holes around the clamp add more body and sound distribution - it's very loud!

People like the Zen sound font in this one - although it seems to scare some...

:)

Darth Vane
07-04-2009, 07:46 AM
i think the acient saber font fits this one. it just looks like it would go better with it.

eastern57
07-06-2009, 10:29 AM
It did have ancient saber on it, and it fit really well. ;)