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View Full Version : Yes, another noobie with big dreams



Cadaverous
07-17-2009, 05:59 PM
I would like info, if this is a good set up and what I maybe missing. I am trying to keep is sorta cheap, but it needs too work also.

Here is what I have:

7 in Fluted with standard style hole...........
Double ended male threaded connector......
Screw on LED blade holder style 10.............
7 in double female threaded connector..........
MPS pommel style 8..............................
Luxeon 3/Seoul P4 Electronics Kit..............
Colored polyc tube (Solid Red).................

If it is wrong, your more than welcome to slap me around for screwing it up. :-P

Jedi-Loreen
07-17-2009, 06:16 PM
Are you really trying to build a 17 in saber? That's pretty long.

I don't see a pommel insert or MPS clip.

Cadaverous
07-17-2009, 06:29 PM
7 in Fluted with standard style hole...........
Double ended male threaded connector......
Screw on LED blade holder style 10.............
7 in double female threaded connector..........
MPS pommel style 8.................<---- Is that the pommel insert? Or is it something else?
Luxeon 3/Seoul P4 Electronics Kit..............
Colored polyc tube (Solid Red).................

On the clips, I am actually lost on those things. I was hoping for a D-ring, but they are out, or do not have. How would those work. (Total noob on this)

Yes, but it is for a "special" costume that I have in mind. Plus, if it is good, I may have some redone to add the sound card and such. big plans for the future, if I can do this.

Jedi-Loreen
07-17-2009, 07:30 PM
You don't seem to be understanding what all the parts are, or what they are for.

Have you read any of these threads yet? You should if you haven't. Click on the links.

All n00bs READ these first (PLEASE)!!!:1. LDM's Basic Saber-build Step-by-Step Tutorial (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?p=108682&posted=1#post108682) 1A. Maul's Saber Dictionary (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=6524) 1B. THREAD INDEX (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=553)

The pommel is what goes at the bottom end of the hilt,
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Assets/ProductImages/Picture_083.jpg

the insert closes up the opening, notice how all the pommels are open at the bottom end?
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Assets/ProductImages/164_6463.jpg

The clip is what holds the insert in the pommel. http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Assets/ProductImages/874.jpg


The Step-by-Step Tutorial or Saber Dictionary should answer your confusion about D-Rings and Covertec clips.

Cadaverous
07-17-2009, 08:02 PM
I was just using the hilt maker, and it did not include all of those things. Yes, I read the "nOOb! So you..." thing. I got it now, here is a full listing:

LED blade holder style 10
8-32x1/4" button head screw
7" Fluted with standard style switch hole
MPS insert style 9
MPS Pommel style 8
MPS clip
Luxeon3/Seoul P4 Ele. Kit (Not sure if a lens of 5° or a 10° viewing angle makes a big differece) I got the 5° one.
Quick connector
LED "Corbin style" show blade 1" OD

Better or worse? I just took each one in turn.

Barmic Rin
07-18-2009, 03:13 AM
That about does it. I only use 5deg lens.

I'm assuming the quick connector is for if u decide to change the colour of the LED at a later date....

Jedi-Loreen
07-18-2009, 09:47 AM
The button head screw is for your blade retention screw? Not sure I've ever seen anyone use one for that, but it'll work.

Barmic Rin
07-18-2009, 11:26 AM
I personally wouldn't use that screw with that blade holder, it would look funny.

I'd use a set screw for that one, the angle of it mkaes the others look weird.

Cadaverous
07-18-2009, 12:12 PM
Thanks, I changed the screw, and now I have too wait till payday. :(

Master Schyler
07-21-2009, 06:37 AM
Waiting is the hardest part. Just keep in mind: DONT RUSH. Take your time, follow the tutorials and you will be just fine!

Dont forget to upload some pictures when its done!

Good Luck!

cardcollector
07-21-2009, 07:59 AM
Yeah, Take your time. Especially the electronics.
make sure you have a good 1 1/2 hours to set aside for wiring if you've never soldered before.;)

Cadaverous
07-24-2009, 11:57 AM
Sometimes I hate driving a truck. No money, lol.

I do have a question, on "tinning", what is the reason on doing that. I have read the directions you all have, but is it really nessary.

I do my own radios and speakers, (Installing), and tinning is not required that I have seen. Is it for a better connection or is it something else.

Nope, I have never used a soldering iron before. (Practice first like the directions say, that I will.) I have an eletronic mind, but enough to burn down the house. :(

Jonitus
07-24-2009, 05:36 PM
Sometimes I hate driving a truck. No money, lol.

I do have a question, on "tinning", what is the reason on doing that. I have read the directions you all have, but is it really nessary.

I do my own radios and speakers, (Installing), and tinning is not required that I have seen. Is it for a better connection or is it something else.

Nope, I have never used a soldering iron before. (Practice first like the directions say, that I will.) I have an eletronic mind, but enough to burn down the house. :(


We tin our pads or wires to make the solder flow easier and to ensure we don't have to put heat on a joint or connection for very long. A lot of the stuff we deal with in this hobby is very sensitive to heat, so the less time we throw heat to it, the better.

Check out the following YouTube videos for some good tutorials:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOdnGUMi7lQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpb4NfiGLMk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR9r_lGYGoQ

goldsaberwarrior
07-25-2009, 10:33 PM
Just take your time when you put it together man. It's always fun to put your first saber together and knowing that you put it together yourself when you get done with it is a great feeling. Even more of a satisfaction when you actualy get to see and/or hear it for the first time when it turns on.

Do what I did if you have to and print off a diagram of the board just to make sure you know where everything is if you think it helps you. Never can be too careful when messing with this stuff.

You'll get it man and if you need help the forums will still be here. Look forward to the pics.

Matt Thorn
07-25-2009, 11:48 PM
I wonder if you initially chose the button-head screw ("rivet") because you wanted something unobtrusive. Most people choose either 1) a convenient thumbscrew that looks good with their design, or 2) a black or silver "set screw" that will be nearly invisible. It depends on what you want. Button-head screws are rarely chosen because 1) they have no cosmetic value or convenience and 2) because they are not as unobtrusive as a set-screw. Just FYI. ;)

What people do use button-head screws for are to fix a sinktube-shroud to an MHS piece (a main body or extension).

Oh, and more general advice, or rather a word of caution: There is always less room inside your hilt than you think there is, and every part takes up more space inside the hilt than you think it should. Common Newtonian physics do not apply to the interior of a lightsaber's hilt. :p

$tarkiller
07-28-2009, 10:30 AM
personally, I like the idea of the thumbscrew idea because I dont want to carry around an allen wrench all day.

Sairon
07-28-2009, 10:36 AM
Just find a way to stick it inside your hilt, cut the wrench down a bit so it fits.

Cadaverous
07-29-2009, 03:54 PM
Thanks guys and gals, I went ahead and traded in the nut/bolt for the right one. I may decide later to put that in for something different, but for now, I will deal with the allen wrench.

If I read that right, it is just to hold the blade in right? If it is, is it possilbe to use some....oh what is it called that...Plumbers Tape, that holds screws in better.

One stupid question, what do you subjest, (ms, too tired) on a belt clip? It must be able too hold a 17-19 in hilt.

When I do get it finished, I will have pics. Though wife has been in the hospital and need to save the extra cash for bills. :-( So it maybe a while.
>:(

Jedi-Loreen
07-29-2009, 05:45 PM
17-19" hilt? Wow, that's long. :shock:

I suggest that you do not use a D-ring, or it may be hanging down to your knee, since those are usually attached to, or near, the pommel, then there's the added length of the hook it will hang from.

I suggest a Covertec clip. You can locate the button for it farther above the pommel if you choose. I would wait till you have the hilt together before attaching it, so you can determine where you want, after you decide how high, or low you want your hilt to hang from your belt.

I don't remember hearing of anyone using plumber's tape on their blade retention screw. It will stay in fine when it's pressed against the blade.

Though if you decide to carry it hanging from your belt after having a blade in it, make sure you screw the screw in as far as you can, don't leave it where it was when you loosened it to remove the blade from the saber. Without the friction/tension of the blade in it, it will be loose. I've lost a few screws that way and that can be annoying, when you're a costumer, like I am.

Alcfalath
07-30-2009, 08:39 PM
Heya, hope your wife is ok :). Hospital visits are never that fun or cheap.

On the saber note, how about making up the saber in the MHS builder, then saving it though the builder function as a JPG, and showing us here by uploading it to photobucket. It will be a slightly longer hilt than normal, but then if you are after a claymore/shortstaff saber then that would work nicely. :)

Also, J-Lo is right about the tape. You wont need any to help the screw keep the blade in place. Dont worry, you aren't the first person to wonder if there is a better idea, nor the last, but its a tried, tested and surefire way of keeping it nice and snug in the holder. If you arent sure just yet, a thumbscrew is what you will be wanting, and can be upgraded/changed later.

That being said also, unless you have a 'drill and tap' set to make the threaded holes for the screws, you will want to add to your cart some items in the 'Services' tab on the shop front, such as Drill and Tap (for the screw hole and possibly a covertec knob if you go that way).

Hopefully this can help, and good luck with everything :) Make sure to upload a pic for us too :)

Matt Thorn
07-30-2009, 09:05 PM
Wow. I see what you mean by "big dreams." That is long. I just put it together on the MHS SaberBuilder, and looks more like some kind of pole weapon than a sword. Well, at least it gives you plenty of room for bells and whistles inside the hilt. ;)

Hope your wife gets well soon. And I hope the bills aren't too bad. (Here in Japan, where we have--gasp--socialized medicine, we don't have to worry much about medical bills.)

Cadaverous
08-04-2009, 06:54 PM
If I did this right, here it is. It is based on my character: Darth Cadaverous, he was exiled after the Hundred Year War, and went out on his own, never to be seen or heard of.

Remember, the sith did not have light sabers for many years, and they built one off of Jedi tech. I made his longer because of that.

And yes, it will give me quite enough room to put in other electronics later. I had seen "crystals" being sold on the "store" site, and hoping down the road, I maybe able to put one in. :p

Thanks for your concerns, she gets better then down hill again, so I take it day by day.

Matt Thorn
08-04-2009, 07:16 PM
Interesting. I would think it would require a different fighting style. You definitely wouldn't use it one-handed, and for maximum leverage you would place your hands as far from each as practical. I imagine it could be handled something like a Japanese naginata (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naginata) or Chinese guandao (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guan_Dao). Darth Maul's two-bladed saber could be seen as an outgrowth (literally) of a (hypothetical) long-hilted lightsaber like yours.

Too bad Tim is currently out of Sith-colored Luxeon IIIs! The Luxeon website says more red and red-orange will be available on (if I recall correctly) August 18.

Darth_DevilGuy
08-13-2009, 10:23 AM
maybe more like a nodachi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nodachi)? a naginata or a guandao is more like a pike, at least in design, in execution they're used more like a poleaxe though a bit more refined in style.

Matt Thorn
08-13-2009, 10:44 AM
maybe more like a nodachi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nodachi)? a naginata or a guandao is more like a pike, at least in design, in execution they're used more like a poleaxe though a bit more refined in style.
For that matter, you could say it's more like a nagamaki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagamaki).

Sairon
08-13-2009, 04:45 PM
You could use it with one hand, it's not too hard. Anyways take progress pics.

(if we get realy technical it's a piece of metal and plastic with light) sorry I love katana and their kin but I couldn't help myself:D

galen marek
08-14-2009, 01:04 PM
For that matter, you could say it's more like a nagamaki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagamaki).

Naw i would say it would be used more like a mitsubishi or a hanzo;)

Count Malik
08-19-2009, 11:47 PM
You could use it with one hand, it's not too hard. Anyways take progress pics.

(if we get realy technical it's a piece of metal and plastic with light) sorry I love katana and their kin but I couldn't help myself:D

YES!!!! We likey progress pics.!!!lol

Cadaverous
08-22-2009, 07:48 AM
Noooo! I was going to get the parts this week, but there were some problems with some of the parts...I can wait.

I do have a question though. I have been looking at another site for one part and it is a "Stock Darth Maul Coupler" (What they call it). I can send a link if you want, but PM me for it, please. I was wondering, if it would fit too your hilts? (Threads and such, or do you carry this type of product?)

It is another dream project after this one,(That is if it does not blow me up. lol)

Also, I may just redo it for now, new parts list coming soon:

EDIT: Are all the hilts out of Stock? I can not find one that is not.

Sairon
08-22-2009, 07:52 AM
I think I know whjere you are talking about, Just email them and ask the outer diameter of the coupler, and then see if it is close to the same size as MHS which is 1.45 inches in diameter. then if it is the right size use a sinktube and screews to connect the two together.

Matt Thorn
08-22-2009, 08:05 AM
I have been looking at another site for one part and it is a "Stock Darth Maul Coupler" (What they call it). I can send a link if you want, but PM me for it, please. I was wondering, if it would fit too your hilts? (Threads and such, or do you carry this type of product?)
Sorry, it won't fit. The threaded portion of the standard Darth Maul coupler is too narrow for MHS. Besides, Tim's "Double ended male threaded connector" (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Double-ended-male-threaded-connector-P127.aspx)is much lighter and slicker than the Maul coupler, which weighs a ton, and is, IMO, ugly. Be patient. It'll be back in stock soon. (Just don't ask "How soon?")