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Thread: PVC alternative to MHS

  1. #1

    Lightbulb PVC alternative to MHS

    Okay, so I have a 1.5" Sinktube and i made a custom emitter out of pvc but can't get pvc pieces to work with the sink tube. Is common pvc pieces that can replace MHS parts (Blade holder) that i can get at Lowes?
    I also need something to hold a led module provided at TCSS inside it as well.
    Thanks

  2. #2

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    Quote Originally Posted by KLG2000 View Post
    Okay, so I have a 1.5" Sinktube and i made a custom emitter out of pvc but can't get pvc pieces to work with the sink tube. Is common pvc pieces that can replace MHS parts (Blade holder) that i can get at Lowes?
    I also need something to hold a led module provided at TCSS inside it as well.
    Thanks
    Indeed, PVC pipe can be used in saber construction, and I have used 1 1/2" OD pipe (which has about a 1" internal diameter) for a blade holder in my latest build. See my build log post on my PVC saber Threnody here: https://binarysunsetdesign.wordpress.com/2016/05/24/saber-update-the-final-steps/

    As far as the LED module goes, I used the 1" ID heatsink module to hold a tri-Rebel, and it fits great in the 1" ID PVC blade holder. However, PVC is a great insulator, which isn't great for properly dissipating all the heat these LEDs generate.

    Just as a note of caution, if you use a tri-Rebel or tri-Cree, you may risk overheating the LEDs if the saber is on for a long time, which can cause thermal runaway of the LEDs, where they start drawing more and more current, and possibly overly discharge the lithium ion battery, and possibly cause said battery to catch on fire or explode. BUT! If you're careful and monitor the temperature, or are just using a single blade LED, it should be fine.

    With some brass wood inserts (these: http://www.lowes.com/pd/The-Hillman-...k-Nuts/3012569) screwed into the PVC blade holder, I secured the assembled LED heatsink module with some #8-32 set screws (here: http://www.lowes.com/pd/The-Hillman-...Screws/4262995) that thread into the brass inserts and friction-hold the heatsink in place. See this photo of my setup: https://binarysunsetdesign.wordpress.com/2016/05/24/saber-update-the-final-steps/#jp-carousel-382.

    Using the same brass insert and set screw method (or with one of the fancy #8-32 thumbscrews sold here at TCSS), you can make yourself a nice blade retention screw (like with this knurled thumbscrew I used in this photo, seen on the far top left of the saber shroud: https://binarysunsetdesign.wordpress.com/portfolio/threnody-1-0/#jp-carousel-401)

    To attach a sink tube body to a PVC blade holder, you could use a similar brass insert and machine screw method to make a strong connection, with say three or four screws. There are endless creative ways of making a PVC + sinktube saber, so play around and find what works for your design and materials. Hope this helps!
    BinarySunsetDesign.wordpress.com

    "Only in silence the word, only in dark the light, only in dying life; bright the hawk's flight on the empty sky." -A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

  3. #3

    Default Helpful Info

    Helpful info , But what would you use as a link between the blade holder to the sink tube. I can't seem to find anything that fits nicely inside the sink tube.

  4. #4

  5. #5

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    To snug it up you are going to have get some thin walled PVC (the really thin stuff...most hardware stores have it) and cut it down into strips and use it as a shim.

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