n00b! So you want to build a MHS saber huh?

[Lord Dottore Matto]

Okay, so when a person is new to all of this, it can seem very overwhelming so in case you want to know how to build a basic glowstick I'm gonna SPELL it out right here!

If you follow this tutorial, you WILL end up with a BASIC working LED MHS lightsaber!

Step 1:

Choose a LED blade holder from this link--->http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Bl...lders-C32.aspx

It comes with the blade holder and heatsink module. You can use a thermal pad to attach the LED to the heatsink. http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/St...-pad-P483.aspx

Step 2:

Buy this blade retention screw--->http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/8-...rew--P111.aspx

It can be cut later if it is too long for your particular blade holder.

Step 3:

Choose a Hilt (style 1 thru 4) from this link--->http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Ce...tions-C33.aspx

These have pre-drilled switch holes and female threads at both ends. It is the "handle of your saber". Don't get bogged down with chokes or extentions or any of that crap! We are going SIMPLE here!

Step 4:

Choose a pommel, one insert and one clip from these links--->http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Pommels-C34.aspx
--->https://www.thecustomsabershop.com/P...erts-C157.aspx

This will be the "end cap" assembly of your saber. Just pick the ones that you like (one of each).

Step 5:

Choose this Modular wiring kit.

First off, the LED module (and pick the color LED you want)---> https://www.thecustomsabershop.com/C...dule-P998.aspx

Secondly, you need a battery and either a latching switch or a momentary switch with a pololu converter board (good if you decide to upgrade later on).

Battery holders: https://www.thecustomsabershop.com/2...ctor-P722.aspx

Switches: https://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Switches-C94.aspx

This kit has ALL of the BASIC electronics that you need! Don't get all crazy with extras! Build this one first and you can add sound or a driver to it when you know enough to do so!

Step 6:

Buy a 36" blade, this is the best one for a beginner--->http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/LE...-OD--P227.aspx

It is bright and YES, you can battle with it!

Step 7:

Tools you MUST have to build your very own sabers in the future include:

1. Soldering Iron (Here is a link to a nice basic kit with EVERYTHING you will need!)--->http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062758

2. Heatshrink (1 foot is more than enough)--->http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/18...ubing-P32.aspx

Tools you MUST have to do this project include

3. PPE (personal protective eyewear), goggles, etc. You don't want to burn your eyeballs out with flying solder do you!

4. Drill and tap set--->http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/8-...l-set-P52.aspx

Used to drill and tap the hole for the blade set screw. BTW, you need a hand drill too!

5. Tap handle--->http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Tap-handle-P54.aspx

Used to hold the tap while you tap the hole that you drilled for the blade retention screw.

Step 8:

Order all the "stuff" from steps 1-7

Step 9:

Don't visit the forum again until you get all of your stuff in the mail, you'll just confuse yourself!

Step 10:

Follow the basic MHS assembly tutorial--->http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com...read.php?t=326

With the MWS (modular wiring system) parts, you can just plug them together. This tutorial is still a good one if you want to actually solder the wires together.

Drill and tap your blade retention screw hole and add the screw!--->http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com...ead.php?t=5724

Step 11:

take a few digital pictures and upload them to--->http://www.photobucket.com

and then post them here for all of us to see!

Step 12:

Read, Read, Read and in no time you will be building more advanced sabers!