I first came across this forum and FX site and asked why I kept being sent here they don't contain anything useful and then I discovered the forums on both sites and everything changed

I saw TCSS does not ship 7.4v Li-ion 2600mAh 18650 Battery Pack's overseas This is where the trouble begins, where oh where can they be purchased?
I saw side by side packs, I see side by side PCB's but not inline so it looks like project standstill or project prop this has become lol

Funny story really, two weeks ago I saw an advert for Vader Vault on a social site, was intrigued so took a look...... at first I thought OMG this is insane who would spend so much on a saber how could they cost so much and were fans being taken advantage of, I was so fascinated all I have done since in my spare time was researched
I was amazed by some of the artists in the business making internal structures hiding electronics to make the Saber look authentic internally .......... There are some truly imaginative talented smiths out there!

Then I discovered TCSS and Plecter Labs and saw hobby potential, a challenging project etc, a chance to be creative and learn new skills
I have watched hours and hours of videos, read countless forums and documents
I understand a lot now which formerly confused, I am gradually getting my head round the more advanced wiring of the different boards and satellite boards, power extenders and resisters etc and am getting to the point where I will start planning parts and electronics on paper, work out what goes where and the cost etc
I am in no rush, I intend on going for an advanced set-up for my first project, I will plan properly, build up supplies and tools and blank PCB's etc to practice soldering such small connections (my current experience is on a much bigger scale stain glass projects)

I now look at a lot of these newob posts and see how many havent done their homework and can answer many of their questions already

I am still looking to get my head round the colour mixing CoF vs dedicated LED, which LED to buy and where from, I see plenty of threads regarding the different blade types and who's are brightest, I even saw a project where a guy took the brightest LED blade and improved on it by drilling the LEDs and adding more to the chain (blades you can see in daylight)
I like the idea of RGBW LED using CF v7 with Cex, I need to work out what needs resisters or extra Pex, I may dabble at a Crystal Chamber and incorporating battery and card holder into a framework, accent LED's and PLI, explore the different features and different wiring features
I don't know why but spending all this money on something I create/construct is acceptable but spending all this money to purchase a saber seems madness lol goo figure

If anyone has advice, tips, do's and do NOTS!, advice of where parts can be purchased in Europe or UK all help would be greatly appreciated
Yes I read many good forums, have book marked so many things even Ohms law and online calculators
Even when I have everything planned out or even purchased there will be much practice with kitchen pipe and tools soldering of boards etc (this too expensive to rush and mess up lol)