First saber with sound

[cvsickle]

Hi,

I've been playing around with sabers for about 6 months or so. I modified some of the less-than-desired-quality sabers from you know who before I finally came to my senses and started building my own. I have recently finished my first saber with sound, just in time for halloween. It wasn't easy. Or cheap. I had many problems along the way, which I owe many thanks to the people of this forum for, but plenty of patience and determination (also design changes. Many, many design changes) got me through to the end.

I haven't named it yet, so feel free to make suggestions

Specs:
PCv3 (7.4v)
CEx
2x 12mm AV Green momentaries
Tri Cree RGrB
28mm premium speaker
Recharge and RICE ports
MHS body
MHS chassis

Pics:

Had to get creative with wiring to get around the V5 speaker holder to the style 13 pommel insert.
IMG_20141010_192932182_zpseuzglxvn.jpg
IMG_20141010_193027626_zpsd4xnhinn.jpg

Spent way too much time on the chassis.
IMG_20141010_204136149_zpssixyp9jb.jpg
IMG_20141011_160218850_HDR_zps2frmtf1f.jpg

I was trying to use some JQ tactile switches, but there ended up not being enough room in the 6" extension I was using for the tactile switch ring. I bought activation box 1 to compensate, but by poor machining looked like crap with the switches installed.
IMG_20141020_220554309_zpskboz0v4j.jpg

[cvsickle]

I instead opted for the 12mm AV switches, given the easy install with the nut, but I had to dremel-fu some room in both the box and the extension to fit them.
IMG_20141027_215852267_HDR_zpsg3fpt2yr.jpg

Here's all the pieces pre-assembly.
IMG_20141027_215840429_zpsietbowmp.jpg

Some finished pics:
IMG_20141030_190528223_zpsobsaha3m.jpg
IMG_20141028_181804503_zpskypixgal.jpg

[cvsickle]

More finished pics:
IMG_20141028_175012_zpspysrubkl.jpg
IMG_20141028_174820143_zps9kpahvte.jpg
IMG_20141028_174632835_HDR_zpswuqf0lmp.jpg
IMG_20141101_202414623_HDR_zpsq9hgjmyf.jpg

I've learned a ton and I'm looking forward to pushing the bar even further on my next saber. Thanks for being such a helpful and fun community. Let me know what you guys think! I strive on constructive criticism.

[setelf3of5]

Nice looking build. Very creative!

[Silver Serpent]

That's a fine looking saber you have there. A little color would really make it pop.

Good job on your build!

[cvsickle]

Thanks. I agree about the color. That's what I was trying to do with the black leather in that final picture. Any suggestions on how to add more color?

[Silver Serpent]

Enamel spray paint is one of the easier methods. Just mask off the areas you don't want painted, and have fun.

http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com...aking-Tutorial is a great tutorial on painting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaJQ...m8K8zVjaG7CaGQ is a really good video on using paint to create a weathered appearance.

[bigkevin61]

Creative work with the speaker and chassis assembly. The layout you used wil be the same I will be using, and it is nice to see that completed and working!
Did you wire the rice port in the pommel as well as the recharge port?

[cvsickle]

Yes the rice port is in the pommel. The only issue so far with my chassis is that it's too close to the center. I had to crank the sensitivity way up on the PC.

[unclescary]

Thanks for putting pictured up.