Graflex 2.5 set screw questions

[z0civic]

I have a couple questions regarding the Graflex 2.5 kit when it comes to set screws:

Question 1: Is this hole for a chassis set screw? I ordered some 8-32 x 1/8" set screws from TCSS and tried one in the hole, but it was having some difficulty so I stopped pretty early on - I didn't want to damage anything permanently before I knew. Is this the right sized screw or is some resistance expected?


Question 2: It looks like this little channel is for running wires through, is that correct? I have it shown here with the 3D printed chassis I'm using for my Neopixel build. If so, that'd be great because I would love to run the wires on the outside rather than trying to fit the larger AWG wires required for Neopixel through the chassis.


Question 3: Are these channels supposed to be lined up, or does it not matter?


Question 4: Is there a video or tutorial that shows installing a Neopixel hilt-side adapter into a kit? I saw Tim's video on wiring the PCB with the little resistor and setting up the blade, but I didn't see anything about actually putting the hilt side together. I know, I know, I'm probably being dumb here because you'd think "just put it in, get a set screw on it, a hole for the wires and run them along that wire channel from Question 2..." just this is my first build and I'm trying to be careful and "measure twice, cut once" so to speak.

I apologize if these are answered already somewhere else. I did try to use the search function and read the tutorial stuff, but I didn't find these same questions. If they are already answered, please be so kind as to point me in the direction.

[scott]

Fun, but challenging first build for sure (I did the same one for my second build!)

I believe that I did use an 8/32 set screw, and I used that hole to secure the chassis to the top inner part of the hilt, as you are looking to do. If the hole is somehow tapped smaller, it would likely be a 6/32...could also just be the angle or some burrs from the tapping job.

Those channels are for wires, but I think primarily if you are using the slide switch or red button...I used the clamp card so didn’t need those.

The neo hilt side is pretty straight forward but it’s a great idea to watch a video...I watched while I was doing it for my first several builds, but haven’t seen a video on that specific part. I have seen a Dmitry shtok video on soldering they pins to the board properly...I bet Tom T or Shamino have the tutorial you are looking for. Or maybe Rob from TCSS.

[scott]

Quick search...Rob/TCSS look to have a video for blade wiring. Tom T will probably see this as well but I know I was looking for quick answers when I was doing the first builds. He did a recent video of the hilt side adapter...this should help, and he explains things well. https://youtu.be/lnW3cXzc2p8

[z0civic]

Thank you scott! I will check that out!

[scott]

2 more quick tips. Grab a tap kit...I think I got my first one (for saber building) from TCSS. They can be used to clean up a poor initial tap. For this application, you really need a secure hold, not perfect for lots of in and out.

Second, next time you order from TCSS, grab lots of grub screws in different threads and lengths. They are cheep and always great to ensure you have all the options on hand (ditto for resistors.)

[hutch009]

Hey This youtube series goes into detail on how to build a Graflex including explaining all the sizes of setscrews and detailing the mods you need to make to the hilt itself. This series came out before the Neopixel craze but in combination with Tom T's video you should be fine.

The Let's Make a Graflex series https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K67v...YrOJA_fYW4Do59