So how would a guy get into building lightsabers in the OT style? I know I’ll need some flashgun handles and such, but what else should I be keeping my eyes peeled for in my scavenger hunts?
That is gorgeous!Finished what turned out to be a Prequelized take on Leia's TROS saber. It started with a Minicam Jr., and sort of escalated from there.
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Full parts list, from top down:
Emitter:
Hard drive spindle....cap? (The disk with holes that screws on the end to hold the platter in place.)
Hard drive motor base
18-8 stainless machined washer
3D printed "brass" rings
Hard drive motor spindle
Another HD spindle cap
Leitz flash top
Body:
Minicam Jr (for the body core)
Bell & Howell 16mm projector lens
Roman's Props blanking cap replica (aka Prequel saber red button)
1/4-20 brass knurled nut (bottom half only)
Two 1-1/8 bicycle headset spacers
Eight 102mm G-gauge brass train track
Pommel:
Another 1-1/8 bicycle headset spacer
Bicycle headset crown race
Unimark 2x telephoto lens, off an Eumig C3R 8mm camera
Copper TCSS Covertec wheel
Another 1/4-20 brass knurled nut (bottom half only)
Bicycle headset stem cap
1/4-20 brass knurled nut (top half only)
Finished what turned out to be a Prequelized take on Leia's TROS saber. It started with a Minicam Jr., and sort of escalated from there.
Finished what turned out to be a Prequelized take on Leia's TROS saber. It started with a Minicam Jr., and sort of escalated from there.
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View attachment 1372962
Full parts list, from top down:
Emitter:
Hard drive spindle....cap? (The disk with holes that screws on the end to hold the platter in place.)
Hard drive motor base
18-8 stainless machined washer
3D printed "brass" rings
Hard drive motor spindle
Another HD spindle cap
Leitz flash top
Body:
Minicam Jr (for the body core)
Bell & Howell 16mm projector lens
Roman's Props blanking cap replica (aka Prequel saber red button)
1/4-20 brass knurled nut (bottom half only)
Two 1-1/8 bicycle headset spacers
Eight 102mm G-gauge brass train track
Pommel:
Another 1-1/8 bicycle headset spacer
Bicycle headset crown race
Unimark 2x telephoto lens, off an Eumig C3R 8mm camera
Copper TCSS Covertec wheel
Another 1/4-20 brass knurled nut (bottom half only)
Bicycle headset stem cap
1/4-20 brass knurled nut (top half only)
I'm really happy with this one; probably in my top 5 I've ever done. It's got a great feel in-hand, with a nice heft from the brass grips, and the diameter changes keep it comfortable to grip.
Finished what turned out to be a Prequelized take on Leia's TROS saber. It started with a Minicam Jr., and sort of escalated from there.
What is the most economical lathe you would recommend for something like stainless or titanium?Aircraft-grade aluminum (like 6061) is my main material. I also use brass for some of the knobs and other accent pieces. Those are both pretty easy to cut, even dry. I have some stainless steel stock but honestly I've never tried to cut it. I'm sure its tough as hell.
I have a Sherline 4400 lathe (picture below)...I also have the milling column, which converts it to a milling machine, and the knurling attachment. The biggest problem is that its powered by an electric motor, so its not terribly powerful. You can't take off a lot of metal in a single pass, so it takes a while - probably 15 hours on average - to make a saber. But I typically make everything on a saber, including the knobs/thumbscrews and the Covertec. The only things I don't make are the LEDs and any screws I may use (like the one that holds on the Covertec).
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