Wow, 3/8"? There's no way it would shrink down 65% or more.
Most hardware stores that I've seen don't usually carry heat shrink. At least not in the sizes that we'd need. I don't remember if my Harbor Freight has heat shrink.
Radio Shack has assortment packages of different sizes. But I've got a great electronics store not far from me that sells many sizes in 4ft lengths. I personally prefer 3/32".
In order to see the Light,
you must sometimes risk the Dark.
TCSS MODERATOR
BLUE 8 Ready to ROCK and ROLL!
Strong work for your first saber!
And yes, building these does take some practice, but you will get better if you keep at it. Sometimes you just have to throw yourself in the deep end (so to speak) and build in order to understand what's required and the amount of jury rigging that sometimes needs to be done.
-C
LOCKHEED
i used to be terrible at soldering bro. terrible. but with practice i got 100% better. it doesnt help that i have shaky hands but ive gotten so good at it that having shacky hands doesnt matter anymore. you have helping hands? also i use a soldering gun not pencil iron. (its a 15 watt from radioshack guys, dont freak ) but the shape of it really helps with holding it steady.
nice first saber man. welcome to the addiction.
Silver Serpent has completed Research: Solder Types!
Silver Serpent has gained skill in Soldering! (+50 points)
After re-watching Erv's soldering tutorial again, I wondered why my solder didn't seem to melt as quickly as his did.
I Googled the different solders available. I learned about acid-core, rosin-core, melting points, etc. Mostly about melting points. Then I looked at my lead-free roll of solder and started swearing again. Another trip to the store, and I finally discovered how much easier soldering is with the right materials
60/40 Tin/Lead solder makes me a much happier person. It melts about 100 degrees F lower than the stuff I'd been using.
Oh, yes DJ. I do have helping hands, with the magnifying glass. It's a HUGE help for me.
Awesome build. Hope the convention goes/went well. Look forward to seeing more stuff.
Got a Question? There's a thread for that...
~Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.~Teddy Roosevelt
SollusVir everywhere else... FXsabers, Youtube, etc...
This saber no longer exists as shown in the photos. I'm just having a hard time finding the wife's camera so I can take pictures of the upgraded version.
I added a 2010 econo sound board, paint in the fluting, and a brushed brass overlay. Still debating on making it rechargeable, since my poor cram-fu makes it unpleasant to open the saber for battery replacement.
Soldering skills have improved a lot, though. I've redone all the electronics in this a couple times for various reasons. Usually to fix the poor soldering on the econo board.
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