Lightsaber Trigger

**dbluephoenix** · 09-10-2010, 01:39 PM

I've been playing with the idea of using a blaster/gun style trigger as the activation switch for a couple lightsaber designs I have, the main reason being there isn't really a good place for an activation button or clamp box. But I'm having trouble designing/picturing it in a way that doesn't look like it's just half a gun slapped on a stick. Any ideas?

**Tenric Starkindler** · 09-10-2010, 02:42 PM

instead of a trigger you might want to try a rocker switch? Same basic concept.

**dbluephoenix** · 09-10-2010, 02:56 PM

Well the idea is sort of a gunslinger like jedi. The saber itself is more sculpted than machined. Plus the goal was to be able to do gun-like tricks and spins, so it needs a trigger guard too.

**Tahm** · 09-10-2010, 03:13 PM

I had played with this idea a few months ago and I looked to Final Fantasy VIII's gun-blade for inspiration. (I would recommend a longer handle than what would normally be on a pistol) but actually fabricating one would be difficult to do unless you have a lot of expensive gizmos, and a lot of creativity. I'll post pics of the gun-blade when I'm not using my phone.

As for parts you might want to disassemble an airsoft gun. But I imagine it would still be difficult to get them working as a way to actually activate the lightsaber.

**xl97** · 09-10-2010, 03:14 PM

you can use any trigger you see fit.. mount a button/switch behind it using a plunger/stem to activate it..

much like many do here when making blaster props..

**jjshumpert** · 09-10-2010, 03:37 PM

xwing had a plan along those lines years ago, dont know if he ever got it done, but the plan was to free form it out of fiberglass, just an idea

**ARKM** · 09-11-2010, 06:28 PM

I too have thought about making gunslinger-ish sabers with a trigger and guard. However if and when I do this, I will just used a curved piece of pipe/tubing and machine my own guard and trigger myself.

If you decide to go with curved pipe/tubing, you could use a pipe bender to bend aluminum tubing. You can get them for under $150... or you could have the pipe bent at a muffler shop... or you could buy a Rainbow vacuum lower wand off of ebay and use that. Jonitus/JudgeSabersmith made an awesome curved hilt form a Rainbow lower wand. Just some suggestions.

**dbluephoenix** · 09-16-2010, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by xl97

you can use any trigger you see fit.. mount a button/switch behind it using a plunger/stem to activate it..

much like many do here when making blaster props..

That's a great idea for making it activate. I hadn't planned on actually adding electronics to it, because I couldn't picture an activation method, but that works.
As for the curve, I'm trying to keep it straight because i have an idea for a sculpted grip style that works better on a straight tube. But I think it might be a good idea for it's dark counterpart, I haven't thought that far about the "evil twin" version yet.