Potential Saber Build

[Thaxos]

Just tossing this in here so if anyone wants to give advice or just take a look at it, they can.
To save money, I will probably just be buying the parts for the hilt, no LED or blade or sound board, etc.
http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/WerdaTracyn.png

[$tarkiller]

Hloy Long saber batman! What is that? about 13 inches?

[Thaxos]

Actually it's 14"... Gah, the store only has the one choke piece in stock still!

[Rhyen Skytracker]

I like my sabers about 13 to 14 inches long. It is easier to fight with.

[Jay-gon Jinn]

The only potential problems you may have is the switch and Covertec Button locations. They are both in the middle of the attachment threads for the pieces. While you can drill through them, it's not a good idea because you can damage the threads and then not be able to disassemble it if and/or when you decide to add electronics.

[Thaxos]

I hear what you're saying... It was mainly to see what it would look like. I'm wondering, what do people prefer, covertec or D-rings?
Also, how would I go about putting a D-ring on this saber?

[Sairon]

Covertech, and d-rings attach by screws.

[$tarkiller]

there are 2 holes on the d-ring mount, and you drill that into the pommel, with the D-ring attached. Personally, I prefer CT clips, because They don't have the clank and the clatter when you swing the saber. To Jay gon's post, I noticed that, but forgot to mention it when I gave the feedback. Good catch, tho Jay!

[Jay-gon Jinn]

Well, I hate to see anyone buy parts and then find out the hard way that what they want to do won't work....

[Thaxos]

Well, I hate to see anyone buy parts and then find out the hard way that what they want to do won't work....

I appreciate it, thanks for the heads up.

[Mat Katarn]

thaxos, here's a nifty way to add a d-ring to that kind of a pommel. take a drill to one of the protruding studs. once you've got your hole, all you need a naked d-ring from custom strapworks (google that sucka), a good set of plyers, and some elbow grease.

what i do with all my sabers is counter-weight them with squashed lead fishing weights in the pommel or close to it. this would allow you to shorten your saber and still give you a lot of usability. 14" is really long, bro. but that's your call. rock on

[Thaxos]

thaxos, here's a nifty way to add a d-ring to that kind of a pommel. take a drill to one of the protruding studs. once you've got your hole, all you need a naked d-ring from custom strapworks (google that sucka), a good set of plyers, and some elbow grease.

what i do with all my sabers is counter-weight them with squashed lead fishing weights in the pommel or close to it. this would allow you to shorten your saber and still give you a lot of usability. 14" is really long, bro. but that's your call. rock on

D-ring idea sounds like a great idea, I think I'll go with that. I love the look of a D-ring on a saber. As well, I'll have to find some tubes or something to see what length I prefer... It's just I like the look of the grips made by those v-notched pieces.

[Darth_DevilGuy]

just remember, that is not the easiest thing to do, you either need a drill press, or a bench vice and some serious skills with a hand drill, otherwise you have a better than average chance of just putting a useless hole in a great pommel.

[Thaxos]

just remember, that is not the easiest thing to do, you either need a drill press, or a bench vice and some serious skills with a hand drill, otherwise you have a better than average chance of just putting a useless hole in a great pommel.

I'm plenty skilled with my hands, a drill and I've got a bench vice. But yeah, definitely would only do it when completely ready.

[Thaxos]

Have some cash to toss around now, thinking more seriously about this.
What do you guys think of this build, the only thing is that I won't be using that blade holder, rather I'll be using Style 16 of the blade holders.
Any potential flaws?
http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/saberdesign2.jpg
I'm not planning on any lighting or sound. Just the saber itself for now.
Switch placement and those extra finishing touches, any comments in regards to this is very appreciated.
Probably going to use O-rings on the ribbed section just like in my initial concept.

[bigbret50]

this is just my opinion. will take a few extra $ to either have tim powder coat or some extra work to paint.

http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq232/bigbret50/Thaxos.png

Not sure about the switch preference you might want to use the lower profile gaurded switches but I am not a hudge fan of them personally. Depens if you are dueling, want for show or just playing around. Also the control boxes we were talking about would give this more of an OT look.

[Thaxos]

The powder coating looks very nice, I think I would want a lower profile switch... This is probably just for show but possibly later for costuming. My parents probably won't understand the reasoning for buying any of this so I'm trying to not go all out, but do it in steps.
If anyone knows when the new blade holder Style 16 will be implemented in the MHS Builder, I'd like to know.
Also, covertec vs D-ring
What's everyone's opinion? I am kinda preferring the D-ring look, but lets hear your feedback.

[bigbret50]

What Star Wars time period are you looking at. Original trilogy or New trilogy. If original go with a D ring in the pomel and a box or clamp (with the switch inside eventually. If your not putting electronics in this would be the way to go in my opinion. If you are looking at New trilogy time or during the clone wars Covertech knob and low profil button.

Of course thats just my opinion. You need to do what you like. :)

[Barmic Rin]

I'm quite a fan of that design, less problems than your first, though i'd do the gear in a dark blue instead of black or grey, just to individualise it.
And I agree with the activation box idea, or a switch & stacked thumb screw combo, ala Kit Fisto. Both would work with the design.
But the switch, like the belt clip, depends what era in the timeline you're looking at it being for the best asthetics.

I'll be honest, I think it's a waste that you wanna buy the hilt parts, but not wire it up, it's not that much more, and it means you could use it more actively if you wanna get it to go with a costume. That's just my opinion.

As for blade length, you need to work out a comfortable size for dueling with for your fighting style. My advice is to swing a broom around, varying the positions of your hands until you find a comfortable size. Most people are between 32" & 36".

[Titoshi]

the gear done with gun blue would be sweet. I like d-rings because they seem a little more natural and can be really low profile compared to a covertech clip. Take your time building it and don't worry about the electronics , the nice part is as you get a little more cash here and there, you can easily swap and change parts until you are 100percent ready to wire 'er up. good design, good luck.

[Thaxos]

I'll be honest, I think it's a waste that you wanna buy the hilt parts, but not wire it up, it's not that much more, and it means you could use it more actively if you wanna get it to go with a costume. That's just my opinion.

As for blade length, you need to work out a comfortable size for dueling with for your fighting style. My advice is to swing a broom around, varying the positions of your hands until you find a comfortable size. Most people are between 32" & 36".

Honesty appreciated, however it's more that I'm putting basically all of my money towards school, so I doubt my parents would be too impressed with me spending it on a lightsaber. Clearly worth it in my mind, but I don't think they see it quite the same way.

[Thaxos]

Latest version without powder coating:
http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv4.png
With powder coating(?):
http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv3.png

[Thaxos]

I think I hit the right balance...
http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv5.png
What do you guys think?

[swear000]

mix and match keeps the saber interesting. Why did you change the pommel?

[Thaxos]

mix and match keeps the saber interesting. Why did you change the pommel?

I wanted to see what it looked like, changed my mind though

Final(?) draft
v6
http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv6.png
Still supposed to be Style 16 blade holder by the way...

Final draft (v7):
http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv7.png
Except the blade holder style I want is not in the MHS Builder yet...

[Sairon]

That one looks great (yes style 16 would look great).

[Thaxos]

That one looks great (yes style 16 would look great).

The very last one?

[Thaxos]

That one looks great (yes style 16 would look great).

Also, got any constructive criticism?

[Kal El Rah]

All black with your latest design.

[Thaxos]

All black with your latest design.

If you want to see that, then you'd best start on that tutorial for spray paint so I feel up to trying!

[Thaxos]

If anyone wanted to add some thumbscrews or other details to the concept;http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv7.png
I would love to see it.

[swear000]

well I wasn't sure exactly what you were going for but I made a render just for fun.

[Jedi-Loreen]

Interesting.

You should have turned off the thread hints before you saved it, though. ;)

[DJMoonbass]

Hloy Long saber batman! What is that? about 13 inches?

thats not that long. mines going to be more of a short staff. at a totall of about 18-20"

thaxos. i deffinatley love your idea for that saber. it flows nicely. usually powder coating and small details such as accesories and thumbscrews etc. (this is my opinion as im new to this) gives the saber a personality. like:

yo dawg
check me out!
this is wut
its all about!

[Thaxos]

thats not that long. mines going to be more of a short staff. at a totall of about 18-20"

thaxos. i deffinatley love your idea for that saber. it flows nicely. usually powder coating and small details such as accesories and thumbscrews etc. (this is my opinion as im new to this) gives the saber a personality. like:

yo dawg
check me out!
this is wut
its all about!

he's referring to the original concept, not this last one...
Thanks for the compliment, Kel is going to be putting up a spray paint tutorial soon, so that will help me out since I'm tight on cash.

[Thaxos]

Saber v8
(Unless something drastic changes my mind
((like an MHS Claw for the blade holder)) this is most likely the final design.
Thanks to everyone who gave advice and offered alternative ideas.

http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv8.png

[JediMasterDak]

It's a great design, but I'm not sure about the gear....

[Thaxos]

It's a great design, but I'm not sure about the gear....

Feel free to replicate, tweak and post the image here!

[JediMasterDak]

I think this looks awesome!:):):):)

[Thaxos]

Interesting changes... Now you've got me thinking again!

[JediMasterDak]

It also looks great like this.

[Thaxos]

I prefer the MHS gear piece... Too plain in my opinion otherwise.

[JediMasterDak]

Its your saber:p:p:p:p

[Kal El Rah]

Gear is fine and I do prefer no control box.

[Thaxos]

Alright, I think I have the design finalized.
Thank you very much to everyone who helped, gave input, offered their thoughts and all else!

[JediMasterDak]

My pleasure!:p

[Thaxos]

Just wish there was an MHS claw system for me to purchase...

[Sairon]

I might have missed this but a red blade would look great on your saber, or a white p4 with a yellow lee filter. Also mabye make the pommel red.

[Thaxos]

I might have missed this but a red blade would look great on your saber, or a white p4 with a yellow lee filter. Also maybe make the pommel red.

I was considering a red blade, I'm not so enthusiastic about yellow however...
I'm not getting the pieces powder coated, I'll be spray painting them when I get the time... Kal's going to write up a tutorial for it.
Not quite what could be done with powder coating, but I think I can achieve the desired look.

[Thaxos]

As some of you might have seen, the MHS 3v2 style pommel is back in stock.
I'm stuck, pommel style 3 or pommel style 4??
Which do you prefer and why?
http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/SaberDilemma.png
The length can always be evened out with that female extension piece... Just did it quick

[swear000]

well normally I would go for 3 since it is similar to the Obi-Wan style. For you, I would go with style 4 because you are venturing into new territory with a new saber design.

[Thaxos]

http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv9.png
I think I'm re-settled on version 9 now.... Comments are still appreciated. Who knows, you might jog my mind and that'll make it flip to another thought or idea.

[Sethski]

You're ideas caught my imagination, so I had a play and have attached my take on the saber plans. they're nearly all elements what's gone before, but keeping it black/copper/silver, with a low profile set screw, button in the gear and silver/alu covertec clip.

I appreciate that placing the button on the gear piece may be awkward, but I think if it was inset in the gear piece, rather than sitting on top of it, it would integrate well.

I'm looking forward to seeing this, and I think you're right to play around with ideas until it feels 100% right - good luck when you do decide ;)

[Thaxos]

Great to hear your input, it's very appreciated.

[Swordlord]

http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv9.png
I think I'm re-settled on version 9 now.... Comments are still appreciated. Who knows, you might jog my mind and that'll make it flip to another thought or idea.
#9 is pretty sweet!

[Thaxos]

#9 is pretty sweet!

Why thank you, I'm settled on it for now... Might change though! Considering I've gone through 9 revisions hehehe...
Also, 16 days until I'm purchasing!

[Darth Cipher]

just a question...where is the switch going to go? otherwise pretty sweet hilt

[Thaxos]

just a question...where is the switch going to go? otherwise pretty sweet hilt

Thank you...
The switch, either I'll buy one and end up most likely mounting it in the MHS gear part, or I'll end up building a touch switch this weekend and probably hide it somewhere along the hilt... :D
So basically, the switch would be going in the MHS Gear piece, unless it's a touch switch.

[Sairon]

Unless that switch is tiny it will never fit in the mhs gear section due to the threads, so you would have to put it somewhere else.

[Thaxos]

Unless that switch is tiny it will never fit in the mhs gear section due to the threads, so you would have to put it somewhere else.

Hmm... From the pictures, I thought I had room. Perhaps someone who owns this piece could tell me how much room there is between the threads?

[JediTom]

The Heat Sink from the LED will fill in most of the grip section, about 3/8" past the threads. That is why you would have trouble getting a switch in there.

[Thaxos]

The Heat Sink from the LED will fill in most of the grip section, about 3/8" past the threads. That is why you would have trouble getting a switch in there.

Ahh, got it. Thanks
Looks like I had better build that touch switch tomorrow when I pick up those components.

[Thaxos]

Thanks to Arkai for the render of the style 16 blade holder!
http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv10.png
Quick use of MS Paint and there it is!
Wish the style 16 was in the MHS builder already...

[Thaxos]

MS Paint job!
http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv11.png
What do you guys think? These are the part I'm going to order, see previous post for the same render without the paint.
What do you guys think of the paint scheme, any ideas or changes you think of, I would love to hear.
Copper Time?
http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv12.png

[JediMasterDak]

Dude, that copper one looks SWEET!

What about this

[Thaxos]

Dude, that copper one looks SWEET!

What about this

I like the dark theme better, however I will definitely be doing something with that fluted section. Probably a sheath and some dremel work on it. That will come later though.

[Thaxos]

Since blade holder style 16 sold out, I'm now considering this:
(previous design shown for comparison)
http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv1112.png

[Kal El Rah]

Thax, I prefer the top 1.

Nice renders.:cool:

[Thaxos]

Thanks, a combination of the Builder and MS Paint

[Obi-Ben]

I think it's too long now. Why not wait till it comes back in stock if that's what you really want?

[Thaxos]

I think it's too long now. Why not wait till it comes back in stock if that's what you really want?

Well, basically it's option B if by the time I order, it's not in stock. I like the look of both!

[Sairon]

Option two with a black style 4 pommel.

[Thaxos]

Option two with a black style 4 pommel.

Meh, I find the pommel end too plain and visually light without the big heavy 3v2 pommel

[Thaxos]

The saber concept is resurrected from the dead!
http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv18.png
Think I should wait for blade holder 16 or order now?
This would be ordered with a white P4 driven by a 1000mah buckpuck.
Didn't bother with the black and copper/brass theme this time. It definitely will, once Kal gets the tutorial up!

[JediMasterDak]

Beautiful!:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
I think you should go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:o:):o:)

[Thaxos]

Blade holder 8 or 16?

[bigbret50]

imo 16.

[Thaxos]

Gear in middle?
http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn414/Thaxos/Sabers/Saberv9001.png

[JediMasterDak]

Double male!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:):):):):):):):)

bh16

[Thaxos]

Double male!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:):):):):):):):)

bh16

How double male, Dak?

Anyways, this is my order that I will most likely place. Just want someone to double check it.
No blade, switch or battery holder
ORDER CONTENTS
SKU Item Price Qty Total
MHSRibGroov MHS ribbed extension v-grooved
$17.99 1 $17.99
MPS3v2 MPS Pommel style 3 v2
$18.00 1 $18.00
Cclip MPS Clip
$0.79 1 $0.79
Buck1000N BuckPuck 1000mA 4-wire
$14.99 1 $14.99
Coll5 Luxeon Collimator Lens 5 deg viewing angle
$4.00 1 $4.00
P4W Seoul P4 (White)
$8.00 1 $8.00
mbutton Machined button for Covertec clip
$2.50 1 $2.50
Colordiscs 11 Colored Discs
$1.00 1 $1.00
Holder Luxeon III/V Lens Holder
$2.00 1 $2.00
MHSGear MHS Gear
$22.50 1 $22.50
Sledholder8 Screw on LED blade holder style 8
$23.35 1 $23.35
8-32box 8-32 x 3/8" socket head
$0.16 1 $0.16
8-32red 8-32 x 3/8" Red Acetal thumb screw
$1.75 1 $1.75
MPSI4 MPS Insert style 4
$2.70 1 $2.70
DF4F 4" Fluted double female threaded connector
$16.50 1 $16.50

Anything I'm forgetting beyond the blade, switch and battery holder?

[Jedi-Loreen]

I'm not reading through all that extra stuff.

Just list the parts. Not the part numbers, not the pricing, that doesn't make any difference to us right now.

[JediMasterDak]

Double male with slots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:):):):):):):):):)
NO GEAR! *closes box with big red button*

[Thaxos]

I'm not reading through all that extra stuff.

Just list the parts. Not the part numbers, not the pricing, that doesn't make any difference to us right now.

Sorry

ORDER CONTENTS
MHS ribbed extension v-grooved
MPS Pommel style 3 v2
MPS Clip
BuckPuck 1000mA 4-wire
Luxeon Collimator Lens 5 deg viewing angle
Seoul P4 (White)
Machined button for Covertec clip
Colordiscs 11 Colored Discs
Holder Luxeon III/V Lens Holder
MHS Gear
Screw on LED blade holder style 8
8-32 x 3/8" socket head
8-32 x 3/8" Red Acetal thumb screw
MPS Insert style 4
4" Fluted double female threaded connector