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Jonitus
03-25-2006, 06:57 PM
At the request of a couple of our members, I am starting a thread where I will document, step by step, the process I go through when creating a saber for one of my customers.

Before I do that, formal introductions are in order. I am Jon, owner and head sabersmith of Judge Sabersmith...

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/jonscard_mod.jpg

I build custom lightsabers for my customers, from mild to wild. I would like to say I am in business, but businesses tend to turn a profit, and I make very, very, very little off of the sabers I create. It is more of a hobby for me, and customers finance my hobby. I think off of my last saber I built, my net profit was $25 or some such amount.

I have digressed.

I am in the process of building two sabers for a customer right now. One is an approximation of Anakin's saber from ROTS and the other is an approximation of Obi-Wan's from ROTS. This tutorial will document the creation of Anakin's.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex001.jpg
Here's the sketch I made that I will use as reference when building. It's not 100% accurate, but this saber is an "approximation", not a replica...I don't want to infringe on copyrights.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex003.jpg
A ruler laid out by the drawing shows approximately 272mm for the total length of the saber.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex002.jpg
A 1.5" 20 gauge sink tube has been clamped in the vise. I am using jaw protectors which securely grip the tubing without nicking or scratching the chrome.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex004.jpg
Transferring the length measurement from the drawing to the tube.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex005.jpg
This is the template I am using for this project. I am not going to drill all the holes you see, but this template is easy to locate and gives me enough flexibility to decide where...and what I want to drill out for different versions of Graflex-based saber creations.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex006.jpg
Lining up the forward-most part of the template with the mark on the tubing, I draw around the tube with a permanent marker.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex007.jpg
Like so...

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex008.jpg
My weapon of choice is a Dremel with a heavy-duty cut-off wheel.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex009.jpg
Here's the secret to working with a Dremel. Take your time when cutting. You CANNOT cut tight curves with the cut-off wheels. You'll break your wheels or cause the wheel to bind then jump out of the cut and scratch your saber...take your time. We can clean this up...I'll show you how.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex010.jpg
Keep taking straight cuts around the tubing. Take your time.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex011.jpg
It's rough, I know. But, we have cut the waste piece out and have not scratched our saber, nor have we broken a cut-off wheel. Keep the cut-off wheel handy, we're not done yet.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex012.jpg
At low speed, the cut-off whell can act as a nice grinder. Use the flat face of the wheel and steadily approache your drawn line. This is as far as I dare go towards final shape with the cut-off wheel. Now, it takes something a bit more delicate.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex013.jpg
Your standard, 80-grit sanding drum for the Dremel. Use this at medium speed to clean up and smooth your cuts.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex014.jpg
Like so. Notice I have not crossed my drawn line. The remainder of the sanding and filing will be done by hand, with a series of jeweler's files and varying grits of sandpaper on sanding blocks or wrapped around tubing. That part is for the next update to this thread.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex015.jpg
Let's cut some holes, shall we? You can see my hammer, center-punch, 1/8" drill bit and both of my step bits.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex016.jpg
You MUST centerpunch all holes that you are going to drill...especially on tubing. Secured tightly in the vise, give the center-punch a good whack and make your dimple.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex017.jpg
An 1/8" hole being drilled to allow for the first step-bit to do its work.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex019.jpg
The first step bit is used to the third notch, which equates to 3/8"...and allows the second, larger step bit, to do its work.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex020.jpg
The larger step bit is chucked up and used to drill the holes to 1/2". Repeat for all the holes needed (red button, glass eye, both recharge port holes).

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex021.jpg
Four holes, all 1/2" diameter. Very minimal cleanup needed on the inside of the tube. Looks good so far.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex022.jpg
Here's how it matches up with my drawing. Not bad, not bad at all...especially considering I did the drawing from memory and the holes were drilled from a template from an actual Graflex.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex023.jpg
One more shot for the road. It has possibilities...definite possibilities.

Next update will include fine tuning the cuts, cleaning up the inside of the saber tube, drilling the tube and the LED holder for screws and maybe some decorative elements. Enjoy!

Update 3/29/06

Well, a couple of plans fell through this evening, so I decided to work on the saber project a bit more before I go out of town this weekend.

In this update, we're going to clean up our cuts, make everything nice and even, cut our pipe and do some test fit of parts.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex024.jpg
Here is our tube as we left it the last time. Looking good, but still some final shaping to do. We're in for a long stretch.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex025.jpg
Instead of having this saber be one continuous piece, I am going to have it in 2/3 separate sections. The bottom will be permanently affixed to the midband and that sub-assembly will be fastened to the top section. I decided to split the saber so the batteries are easily changed without having to remove the sound module from the saber and risk messing something up. It will all make sense when we get to that part...much later.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex026.jpg
I am using my trusty pipe/tubing cutter to cut the tube. I have placed tape around the tube to protect the delicate chrome finish, since the guide wheels on the cutter tend to scratch the finish if it is not protected. A word of advice: When using a tubing cutter on thin-wall tubing such as sink tubes...GO SLOWLY! Do not try cutting in one rotation of the tool. I will tighten the tool until the cutter is contacting the tubing, then slowly rotate the tool around the tubing to make sure the cutter tracks straight, then a 1/8 turn of the tightening wheel, then another rotation, rinse, repeat.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex027.jpg
By going slowly, I have cut the tubing without distorting it's shape, without scratching the chrome. It took me about 5 minutes to cut this tubing...DO NOT GET IN A BIG HURRY! I now have two separate pieces to my Graflex approximation. Both pieces are within 1mm of length of an actual Graflex.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex028.jpg
Hard to see, but there are small ridges around all the holes I drilled and around the emitter cut I made. Let's see if we can clean these up, shall we?


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex029.jpg
My wepaon of choice for this saber is 100-grit sandpaper wrapped around a 3/8" diameter tube. I can follow contours and get all the nasties sanded off.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex031.jpg
I work slowly and check my work periodically.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex032.jpg
Here, I am making sure I am removing the ridge left by drilling holes in the tubing. The inside of the tube must be PERFECTLY smooth in order to proceed with the project.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex033.jpg
Still sanding. Notice how smooth everything is becoming? I use 100-grit, 150-grit then 320-grit wet-or-dry sandpaper when sanding.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex034.jpg
Tube is done! You will notice I have one of Tim's MHS LED/Blade Holders and MHS to 1.5" sink tube adapters also. I had Tim cut the adapter and LED holder to 1.440" diameter, which is the nominal ID of a 20 gauge sinktube.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex035.jpg
It fits like a glove. Not difficult to insert at all, but not "sloppy" either.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex036.jpg
The actual section of the LED/Blade Holder that stick away from the emitter will be polished to resemble the chrome finish of the tube.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex037.jpg
Here's the saber thusfar. The midband will be made out of 1.25" 160psi PVC. I will most likely use chrome or stainless steel button-head screws to fasten the midband to the sections, and the same fastener to secure the MHS to 1.5" sinktube adapter to my tube. The midband will be covered in aluminum "bumper repair" tape that will be burnished and polished. That stuff is for another update, however.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex01.jpg
Heres the top half of the saber and a reproduction Graflex button. This update, we'll be looking at some of the cosmetic details.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex02.jpg
The button will not fit the hole adequately, at least, not without milling a flat spot in the MHS parts. I am trying to keep the cost down, so I am going to build an adapter out of suitable plastic - in this case, a marker.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex04.jpg
A piece was cut from the marker and the button was installed. Now we need to shape it to fit the contour of the 1.5" sink tube.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex05.jpg
Like so...

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex06.jpg
Looking pretty good so far.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex07.jpg
The surround for the "glass-eye" is made from the cap of the marker I used for the button surround. This also needs shaped to contour.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex09.jpg
Here is is installed. I am contemplating part of an acrylic half-ball for the eye, or perhaps a plastic bumper of some sort that will serve as a lens.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex10.jpg
Both pieces installed. Looks good so far.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex15.jpg
For the "ears" of the saber, I am using some sheet styrene and a piece of styrene I-beam to serve as the basis.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex17.jpg
Mocked up, it is beginning to look like a set of "ears". There will be tons of work to do on this part, but you get the basic idea.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex19.jpg
Comparison shot. It's fairly close...as least, as close as I can get and still use Tim's awesome parts.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex20.jpg
Another comparison shot.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex22.jpg
The money shot for this update. Note the balsa wood in the "ears" piece? It is only there to brace the ears as the glue dries...it is not a permanent fixture.


Next update, we begin the fun, fun, fun of electronics and getting this sucker wired up!

xwingband
03-25-2006, 07:19 PM
Nice. Good stuff. I'll index this tommorow. I need to do the Misc. topics anyway...

<center>Read the FAQ (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/sabers/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=552) or x-wing won't be happy. :(
Before posting did you check the Thread Index (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/sabers/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=577)?

Want to roleplay in the SW universe? Visit:
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Powered Convoy
03-26-2006, 05:28 PM
Really cool! I look forward to the future updates. Thanks for sharing this.

Randy

bushidobaggins
03-26-2006, 05:36 PM
I agree, nice work. It's always cool to have talented people share some methods with us.

curtainguy
03-26-2006, 06:13 PM
any chance you could post your source of the template?

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/curtainguy04/vader.jpghttp://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/curtainguy04/maul_saber3_small.jpghttp://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/curtainguy04/dooku.jpghttp://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/curtainguy04/sidious.jpg

Jonitus
03-26-2006, 09:11 PM
Template can be found at:

http://www.elvistrooper.com/dvrotj/temp.htm

...how will you know the light unless you have seen the dark? How will you know the good unless you have flirted with the evil?

naashar
03-27-2006, 12:24 PM
Jon-Jon McClaine, now; Snake vs. The Crane Style...
<div align="right">-Method Man</div id="right">

Jon, you helpful b@$t@rd!!! Thanks so much for posting a step-by-step for what has to be my most favoritest hilt. The template, too! Your place in the heavens is assured...

Thanks again.

You don't need to see any identification.

GrimaOllak
03-27-2006, 12:56 PM
Jon, I agree, this is MOST appreciated. It's some of the most useful info I've ever come across on a saber site. And I'm with naashar on this one, as this is my favorite hilt design as well. I've been itching to build a graflex-y saber, and this helps more than you can know. I can't wait to see your next installment!

I demand this be stickied! *sees xwing's glare directed at him* Uhh... did I say demand? I mean, I politely request it be stickied.... please?? [:D]

Jonitus
03-27-2006, 01:02 PM
I thank you for the kind words. I am happy to be of whatever assistance I can. I ask that you be patient with this tutorial. Between two full time jobs and a new girlfriend, I have little time for saber building. The next update to this tutorial will be along next week sometime.

...how will you know the light unless you have seen the dark? How will you know the good unless you have flirted with the evil?

xwingband
03-27-2006, 04:10 PM
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by GrimaOllak
I demand this be stickied! *sees xwing's glare directed at him* Uhh... did I say demand? I mean, I politely request it be stickied.... please?? [:D]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

I only have that power in the General Q&A, and gallery. Sorry...[:I]

<center>Read the FAQ (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/sabers/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=552) or x-wing won't be happy. :(
Before posting did you check the Thread Index (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/sabers/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=577)?

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b394/reelbigporter/bannerxwing.gif</center>

naashar
03-27-2006, 04:26 PM
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by xwingband

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by GrimaOllak
I demand this be stickied! *sees xwing's glare directed at him* Uhh... did I say demand? I mean, I politely request it be stickied.... please?? [:D]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

I only have that power in the General Q&A, and gallery. Sorry...[:I]

<center>Read the FAQ (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/sabers/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=552) or x-wing won't be happy. :(
Before posting did you check the Thread Index (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/sabers/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=577)?

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b394/reelbigporter/bannerxwing.gif</center>
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

"Only", he says...sheesh.

Don't you hate when the Omnisciently[^]Omnipotent are humbly so?

Jokes, X-Wing..luv ya like a play cousin. [:D] You have been more than welcoming of me, and patiently at that.

You don't need to see any identification.

LDS_Trooper
03-27-2006, 04:44 PM
Jonitus... (edit Name correction)

You've already saved me a world of error and costly mistake! I was going to try to get the exact shaping with the first cut... I like the way you have shown a rough cut out and then a grind followed by a sanding.

Thanks for the heads up!

"Do you know how to use one of these?"
"Yes. The pointy end goes into the other man."

GeluKhanGharr
03-27-2006, 05:03 PM
Jonitus, you're one organized dude! Great work, and thanks from all of us.

Born of Sith, seduced by the light.
http://www.saloncatalina.com/images/signature.jpg

Powered Convoy
03-28-2006, 11:50 AM
Man I can't wait for him to update with more info and pictures! Awesome.

Randy

Powered Convoy
03-29-2006, 04:00 PM
So that line you made with the marker, will that just wash off?

Randy

Jonitus
03-29-2006, 04:08 PM
By the time I am done with final shaping and sanding, the line will be no more. However, isopropyl rubbing alcohol will remove permanent marker from chrome plating.

...how will you know the light unless you have seen the dark? How will you know the good unless you have flirted with the evil?

DARTHMONKEY1706
03-29-2006, 05:14 PM
hey j when are you going toupgrade this is wow wow wow wow wwowwowowowowoowowowowoow

Jonitus
03-29-2006, 05:22 PM
No updates until sometime next week...at the earliest. Patience...you must learn patience.

DARTHMONKEY1706
03-29-2006, 05:32 PM
thanx i was hoping this could be a weekend project

Jonitus
03-30-2006, 06:48 AM
Update 3/29/06

<font color="red">EDIT- merged into the original post. Will be nice for people wanting to print to have it all in one post.</font id="red">

...how will you know the light unless you have seen the dark? How will you know the good unless you have flirted with the evil?

WeirdoTransvestite
03-30-2006, 07:30 AM
*like a child after storytime*


Awwwwwww. Will you read us more later Mr. Jonitus?

I think this is the first graflex repica I'm very willing to make. The other ones seem overly complex just to get to this stage. I think I still have some of that PVC lying around. How big's the piece? How far down the tube did you cut?

---------------------------------------------------------------------
HK-47: Extrapolation: 98% probability the miniature organic's [Jawa] tribe has been captured by the sand people and he wants us to mount a rescue. Revan: What about the other 2%? HK-47: Explanation: 2% probability that the miniature organic meatbag is just looking for trouble and wants us to blast him, although this may just be wishful thinking on my part, master. -Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15/WeirdoTransvestite/starwars.gif

Jonitus
03-30-2006, 08:27 AM
The PVC band is approximately 2" long. The top section of the saber is 150 mm long. The bottom section (grip section) is a shade over 120 mm long. Each section of the saber goes half-way into the PVC midband. The standard ANH/ESB/ROTJ Graflex grips fit perfectly.

...how will you know the light unless you have seen the dark? How will you know the good unless you have flirted with the evil?

Strydur
03-30-2006, 08:38 AM
I have some of the 160psi pipe that I will add to the site one of these days.
Your way off Jonitus..its 1.45 not 1.44 that makes for a perfect fit sheesh [8D]

Tim
The Custom Saber Shop

Jonitus
03-30-2006, 08:52 AM
...ahh...but what's a hundreth of an inch between colleagues?[:D]

...how will you know the light unless you have seen the dark? How will you know the good unless you have flirted with the evil?

WeirdoTransvestite
03-30-2006, 11:56 AM
Well, for my EL blade holder, the difference between removable for maintenance. And permanent.

Sorry Tim, mine was a little too big, had to "persuade" it to fit.
And I can be pretty persuasive.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
HK-47: Extrapolation: 98% probability the miniature organic's [Jawa] tribe has been captured by the sand people and he wants us to mount a rescue. Revan: What about the other 2%? HK-47: Explanation: 2% probability that the miniature organic meatbag is just looking for trouble and wants us to blast him, although this may just be wishful thinking on my part, master. -Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15/WeirdoTransvestite/starwars.gif

Strydur
03-30-2006, 03:04 PM
Well the pipes vary also. Typically the 1.45 slides just perfectly snug into my sink tubes. But, if you have any slight burrs or anything from screw holes it will make a big difference.

Tim
The Custom Saber Shop

WeirdoTransvestite
03-30-2006, 03:07 PM
Hmm, didn't know that. I'll have to be more careful then.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
HK-47: Extrapolation: 98% probability the miniature organic's [Jawa] tribe has been captured by the sand people and he wants us to mount a rescue. Revan: What about the other 2%? HK-47: Explanation: 2% probability that the miniature organic meatbag is just looking for trouble and wants us to blast him, although this may just be wishful thinking on my part, master. -Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15/WeirdoTransvestite/starwars.gif

Powered Convoy
03-31-2006, 05:25 PM
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Jonitus
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/sixmilliondollarman/Anakin_Graflex036.jpg
The actual section of the LED/Blade Holder that stick away from the emitter will be polished to resemble the chrome finish of the tube.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

Jonitus, how the polishing to get a chromed finish accomplished? Excellent tutorial, I've put it to good use already! Thanks again.

Randy

sithlord7768
04-03-2006, 12:39 AM
very cool tutorial...makes me want to make one myself

John "JD"
SL/TK-7768
http://www.501neg.com/photos/albums/userpics/10199/signature2.jpg
...now you see that evil will always triumph...because good is dumb!

WeirdoTransvestite
04-08-2006, 02:20 PM
So, anything new thusfar Jonitus?

---------------------------------------------------------------------
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15/WeirdoTransvestite/LaughingManROTATE.gif
Connor, Murphy: And shepherds we shall be, for thee my Lord for thee, Power hath descended forth from thy hand, that our feet may swiftly carry out thy command, we shall flow a river forth to thee, and teeming with souls shall it ever be. In nomine patris, et filii...
[they **** their guns]
Connor, Murphy: ...et spiritus sancti.
[fires] -Boondock Saints

Jonitus
04-09-2006, 03:09 PM
Nothing noteworthy was done this weekend. Too many "life problems" to deal with to worry about building a "lightsaber" this weekend. I'll get to it...

...how will you know the light unless you have seen the dark? How will you know the good unless you have flirted with the evil?

WeirdoTransvestite
04-10-2006, 06:40 PM
Pshhh, Lifeproblems. It's not like I have a life to begin with, why would I have problems?

---------------------------------------------------------------------
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15/WeirdoTransvestite/LaughingManROTATE.gif
Connor, Murphy: And shepherds we shall be, for thee my Lord for thee, Power hath descended forth from thy hand, that our feet may swiftly carry out thy command, we shall flow a river forth to thee, and teeming with souls shall it ever be. In nomine patris, et filii...
[they **** their guns]
Connor, Murphy: ...et spiritus sancti.
[fires] -Boondock Saints

Jonitus
04-12-2006, 06:25 AM
I will have a minor update sometime this evening. I have secured the MHS to sinkpipe adapter to the tube and have constructed the button, glass eye and "ears" for the saber. Look for additions to the first post in this thread sometime tonight.

...how will you know the light unless you have seen the dark? How will you know the good unless you have flirted with the evil?

GrimaOllak
04-12-2006, 10:07 AM
*on the edge of his seat*

Can't wait! I'm in the process of building mine, but all I've done so far is start on the activation box, which is proving to be a royal pain in the posterior. I decided to take a break from it until I see what you post. [;)]

Tenric Starkindler
04-12-2006, 02:51 PM
so far so Awesome!!
I have a few Graflex tutorials from other sources...but yours is the best so far.......

Reality often interferes with what would otherwise be an idyllic delusion.

DARTHMONKEY1706
04-13-2006, 05:20 AM
JONITUS WHERE CAN I GET A BUTTON LIKE YOURS

Jonitus
04-13-2006, 05:29 AM
I got the button off eBay. Here's an auction selling them:

http://cgi.ebay.com/GRAFLEX-3-CELL-RED-BUTTON-LIGHTSABER-MPP_W0QQitemZ6620974184QQcategoryZ99971QQssPageNam eZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

...how will you know the light unless you have seen the dark? How will you know the good unless you have flirted with the evil?

DARTHMONKEY1706
04-13-2006, 01:49 PM
YA KNOW WHERE THEY can be gotten cheaper?

xwingband
04-13-2006, 01:58 PM
ebay is the only source I know of for replica graflex buttons currently. $10 isn't that bad of those replicas. You could always get a similar one as a replacement but if you want a "correct" looking graflex you need to put out the money for them.[:(]

<center>Read the FAQ (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/sabers/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=552) or x-wing won't be happy. :(
Before posting did you check the Thread Index (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/sabers/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=577)?

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b394/reelbigporter/bannerxwing.gif</center>

Tenric Starkindler
04-13-2006, 02:35 PM
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by DARTHMONKEY1706

JONITUS WHERE CAN I GET A BUTTON LIKE YOURS
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

SHHHh.COrbin was working on some to supply on his site. check there.


also: the tutorial I got from one of the links on TIm's page has a graflex replica button that works....


Reality often interferes with what would otherwise be an idyllic delusion.

DARTHMONKEY1706
04-13-2006, 07:41 PM
corbin
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Tenric Starkindler

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by DARTHMONKEY1706

JONITUS WHERE CAN I GET A BUTTON LIKE YOURS
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

SHHHh.COrbin was working on some to supply on his site. check there.


also: the tutorial I got from one of the links on TIm's page has a graflex replica button that works....


Reality often interferes with what would otherwise be an idyllic delusion.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

the_steve
04-14-2006, 08:54 PM
I showed my dad this thread and he came up with a good idea. Check this out. It would work great for the prongs on the emitter shroud if you bent them outward more and grinded them down to a more round finish.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062220&cp=&origkw=9 volt battery holder&kw=9 volt battery holder&parentPage=search

LAN-ED-TUL
04-15-2006, 10:52 PM
nah, that wouldnt be thick enough. have you ever seen how thick those ears are? theyre thicker than that batt holder is, for certain.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/LAN-ED-TUL/me.jpg
The Brotherhood Of The Sith

You dont know the POWER, of the dark side...

Derthh_Mawlz
04-16-2006, 02:46 PM
Go to your local dollar store, there are plenty of $1.00 kitchen utensils that can be cut and shaped with your dremel to make the fins.

LAN-ED-TUL
04-16-2006, 04:47 PM
i used a piece of stainless steel i got from ace hardware and made the pattern using the now defunct graflica sites patterns.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/LAN-ED-TUL/me.jpg
The Brotherhood Of The Sith

You dont know the POWER, of the dark side...

xwingband
04-16-2006, 05:15 PM
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by LAN-ED-TUL

i used a piece of stainless steel i got from ace hardware and made the pattern using the now defunct graflica sites patterns.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/LAN-ED-TUL/me.jpg
The Brotherhood Of The Sith

You dont know the POWER, of the dark side...
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

They're still out there I believe... I have the pdf on my harddrive.

<center>Read the FAQ (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/sabers/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=552) or x-wing won't be happy. :(
Before posting did you check the Thread Index (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/sabers/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=577)?

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b394/reelbigporter/bannerxwing.gif</center>

LAN-ED-TUL
04-16-2006, 05:31 PM
maybe it was a different place then. i know that after i got those patterns a short time after that that site went down. i thought it was graflica.
edit: i just checked and i guess it come back on again. its there. and the patterns are there. so cool for anyone wishin to get graflex patterns
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/LAN-ED-TUL/me.jpg
The Brotherhood Of The Sith

You dont know the POWER, of the dark side...

04-18-2006, 11:02 AM
very cool and helpful tut , thanks.

LDS_Trooper
04-26-2006, 12:00 PM
Did you forget about us? I know, I know, you're probably VERY busy.. but uhh.. how soon before we see another update? [:D]

"Do you know how to use that thing?"
"Yes. The pointy end goes into the other man."

Jonitus
04-26-2006, 12:32 PM
Updates to come as soon as I have money with which to buy more parts. Remember...I don't make hardly anything off these sabers...so my work progresses as I have funds available. Perhaps an update the weekend of May 6th and 7th.

...how will you know the light unless you have seen the dark? How will you know the good unless you have flirted with the evil?

LDS_Trooper
04-26-2006, 05:44 PM
Very cool... Might have to capture this Tutorial when its all done and make it into a .pdf... with your permission of course and then we could make it available for noobs like me to download and print if we wish.[8D]

"Do you know how to use that thing?"
"Yes. The pointy end goes into the other man."

Tenric Starkindler
04-26-2006, 06:05 PM
sounds like a great idea.......pretty please.

Reality often interferes with what would otherwise be an idyllic delusion.

Jonitus
04-27-2006, 07:08 AM
I don't mind if it is printed out as a document. When I am done with this project, I could also just import everything into a Word document, format it all pretty-like and turn it into a .pdf. I could then upload it to my persoanl webspace and let you all have at it.



...how will you know the light unless you have seen the dark? How will you know the good unless you have flirted with the evil?

Madcow
05-10-2006, 09:49 PM
Great work!
So I'll ask the master...

I've managed to make really nice rubber graflex style grips, but I'm not happy with any of the ways I've tried to stick them! The best adhesive I've found is regular household contact cement.

One of you guys has to know of something better.

MC


http://rpetkau.photosite.com/~photos/tn/88_348.ts1141004694072.jpg
You want to go home and re-think your life

james3
05-10-2006, 09:56 PM
MC I swear by 3M plastic adhesive. It is really nice stuff the trick seems to be finding it easily. I get it from my local security distributer. Haven't found it at a big store yet but you may have better luck up there.

<center>http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/Dadof3/James3sig.jpg</center>

Do-Clo
05-11-2006, 06:51 AM
You can also go by your local auto parts store and pick up a roll of double sided tape that is used for puting trim on cars. That stuff will stick and is waterproof. I haved used it many times.

Do-Clo
Sith Lord
Brotherhood of the Sith
Give yourself to the Dark Side!!!

LAN-ED-TUL
05-19-2006, 11:40 PM
that 3m tape i get extra rolls of when i got my grip by the foot off another place,(before tim started carrying it) works really well. i have had to pull off grips and reapply some new tape and restickem. worked just fine. bad thing was the rolls were 5 bucks. but you got quite a bit on there.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/LAN-ED-TUL/LANSIG.jpg

Lan-Ed-Tul
The Brotherhood Of The Sith

You dont know the POWER, of the dark side...

Powered Convoy
06-14-2006, 07:19 PM
Any updates? :)

Randy

Madcow
06-14-2006, 08:06 PM
I ended up getting a small roll of the auto trim 2 way tape and it works great.

Cons:
- It cost $16
- The tape is a layer of foam that makes the grips stand out too much for me.

Where can I get this 3M 2 sided thin tape?

MC



http://rpetkau.photosite.com/~photos/tn/88_348.ts1141004694072.jpg
You want to go home and re-think your life

987654321a
06-22-2006, 10:53 AM
any updates so far?

I DONT KNOW WHAT WE'RE YELLING ABOUT!!....LOUD NOISES!!!
www.starwarscustoms.bravehost.com http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/1309/sithlord6jk.png

MaliceMcGuire
05-31-2008, 08:39 AM
can you guys point me to the best instruction on makin your own graflex replica from scratch?

Er Dan Gill
05-31-2008, 08:47 AM
Best tutorial I have seen is right here (http://members.aol.com/ctlawmore/g2/g2.htm).

MaliceMcGuire
05-31-2008, 09:03 AM
WOOT! ty very much

but still to many shortcuts .. not a real replica, more a prop

Tradeliphine
08-30-2008, 07:35 AM
any chance anyone can find/fix the images please?

Hasid Lafre
08-30-2008, 06:49 PM
Holy necrothread batman!

ghost_a*
01-18-2011, 02:56 PM
any chance anyone can find/fix the images please?

any chance at all?

thanks guys.

cardcollector
01-18-2011, 05:35 PM
You do realize this thread is over four years old right? And...
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd279/9inelives/NECROKITTEN.jpg
you just killed a kitten. :(