View Poll Results: SCREWS: You prefer to use...

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  • Flat head screws

    1 2.70%
  • Phillips head screws

    5 13.51%
  • Star head screws

    2 5.41%
  • Hex head screws

    21 56.76%
  • Screws? What th...??? I just use glue!

    3 8.11%
  • The MHS and a blade screw you one-eyed freak!

    5 13.51%
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Thread: Tools & Parts -- a list of the ones you can't do without

  1. #1
    Council Member Novastar's Avatar
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    Default Tools & Parts -- a list of the ones you can't do without

    I'm curious as to what tools MOST saber builders out there use.

    Granted, wouldn't it be nice if EVERYONE had their own personal machine shop... but since MOST do not... let's see what you do!

    I'm also making a recommendation for us to CUT & PASTE the bottom portion, and add/edit/append/replace/re-organize as needed to create a really great source for everyone to know what to have ready in their "arsenal"!

    Again, let's not say "a CNC machine" please, lol! Think: tools that you can hold in your hand.

    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Major/required items:

    * SOLDERING IRON -- preferably a high-wattage one with a small tip for precise work
    * IRON "STAND" and SPONGE
    * RESIN CORE -- not too thick of a gauge
    * WIRE -- red, green, black
    * STRIPPERS -- not the dancing kind... mine is a multi-tool that includes cutters
    * PLIERS -- or as I call them, the "grippers", lol
    * SCREWDRIVER(S) -- hex, flat, star or phillips, or all--depending on your screw head choice(s)
    * TAP KIT -- for threading holes so that screws... uh... screw in right!
    * HAND DRILL -- hopefully with a quick & easy bit/driver release system. Mine is li-ion, surprise surprise!
    * DRILL BITS -- duh
    * CHEX MIX -- ok, this is probably more for "optional items", but after all this setup you'll need SOME kind of snack. It's fun to heat them up with the soldering iron. Totally kidding. Don't do that, kids.

    Optional/smaller items:

    * MULTIMETER -- this should be up above... but you don't ABSOLUTELY need it to troubleshoot. But it sure makes it easier.
    * TEST BATTERIES -- just a pair that you don't care about, maybe all ready for you to check things out circuit-wise
    * WIRE COVERS (HEATSHRINK)
    * ELECTRICAL TAPE
    * CLAMP -- even something simple to hold wires in place, or act as a heatsink when soldering
    * HEX WRENCH -- the multi-tool kind. I hate loose wrenches... they drive me *NUTS*
    * HANDSAW -- for cutting sinktube or other metal
    * SHEARS -- also good for cutting metal
    * SLEDGEHAMMER -- totally kidding

    Polytube stuff:

    * POLYTUBE CUTTER -- I love the one from TCSS, heheh
    * GLUE -- your choice. Tips won't stay on anyhow
    * MIRROR MATERIAL -- unless you bought a pre-made blade
    * TIP -- see above
    * CLEAR PACKING TAPE -- yes I cover my tips with this... I am a huge nerd. Either that or I'm sick of losing 13 tips in 6 rehearsals.

    Decorative materials:

    * RUBBER GRIP -- whatever types you like!
    * RUBBER GASKETS / GROMMETS / GREEBLIES -- grip!
    * 20ma LEDS -- for the "looks" if you like
    * PLASTIC "WINDOWS" -- to cover purposeful "see through" areas
    * NUTS, BOLTS, SCREWS -- varying ones that you enjoy using possibly to hold the hilt together... and for decor
    * PAINT TYPES -- I like spray paints, but whatever you like is fine
    * BRANDY -- Ok, this is not so much decorative as it should be under "Major/required items".

    Amusing precautionary notes:

    * Don't drink and saber -- that leads to the dark side
    * REFRAIN... from "resting" your soldering iron... on your batteries
    * Wafting the lead fumes toward your significant other while creating a saber is a good way to set it so you'll never build one again...
    ~~ GREYTALE NOVASTAR (Writer, Director, Choreographer, Sound Designer, Actor, Saber Designer, Vocal Artist)
    ~~ Balance of Power, EP I: "Into The Lion's Den"
    ~~ Balance of Power, EP II: "Ashes of The Phoenix"
    ~~ The Crystal Focus Sound CD Compendiums... are HERE! ~~
    ~~ Nova & Caine's Staged Combat System... comin' SOON!
    ~~ Crystal Focus Wiring Guide

  2. #2

    Default

    Steel rule
    Digital Caliper
    Engineer's square
    Tungsten Scribe
    Center punch

  3. #3

  4. #4

    Default

    chex mix
    chanel no. 5
    thermal detonator
    door knob parts

    okay everything is a joke except for the last one which i have on my hilt currently.

    Super Bowl XLII Champs.

  5. #5
    Sith Acolyte DACOTA's Avatar
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    Default

    *Heat gun-For shrinking your heat shrink.

    Side note:Nova this is perfect, this topic will be really helpful to those who want to know what to get, and now they dont have to bother us with questions of what to get.
    "aaah... general kenobi.... you are a bold one."-general grievous

    http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Qymaen_jai_sheelal

    Proud owner of the first two Darth Maul conversion kits! Thanks Tim!

  6. #6

    Default

    if you can figure out how to take a door knob and door hinges apart there are some amazingly cool looking parts you can add to a lightsaber.

    Super Bowl XLII Champs.

  7. #7

    Default

    Tube cutter, one that can cut sink tubes . Its a major help!
    Blue 4 "Im hit!"


  8. #8
    Sith Lord Do-Clo's Avatar
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    Default

    Nova the hammer is a required tool, it helps fit tight parts together and when you mess up a part you can use the hammer to beat the messed up part flat.

    It is a tool and a stress relief device, don't leave home without it.
    ;

    Do-Clo Custom Sabers
    http://doclocustomsabers.com/
    Replica Prop Artist

  9. #9

    Default

    40W soldering iron with various interchangeable tips
    Rosin-core solder (I prefer lead free)
    Holder or rest for Iron
    Sponge

    Wire strippers - Mine will strip down to 22 gauge. Smaller than that, I risk danger and use my pocket knife

    Heatshrink of various sizes

    A hairdryer for the heatshrink

    Dremel with full arsenal of cutting, grinding and polishing attachments. Bonus if you have the flex-shaft extension

    Drill bits of various sizes

    Tap and die set from 4-40 through 1/4-20

    Tubing cutter that will accommodate 1/5" tubing

    Files. All kinds. Full size, jewelers - flat, half-bastard, round, filet...get them all

    Sandpaper in all grits. Try for wet/dry if you can

    Adhesives. JB Weld, GOOP, Superglue, 5 minute epoxy

    Non-acetone nail polish remover (great for cleaning up excess adhesive and removing marks from tubing)

    Markers (Sharpie)

    Masking tape

    Graph paper (for laying out sleeve designs)

    A good steel ruler

  10. #10

    Default

    Decent Soldering Iron

    Helping Hands - best investment ever for precision electronics work

    Metal Epoxy - this stuff is drillable and tappable after curing. AWESOME.

    Oh. LOTS of Wire.

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