Post by admin on Aug 12, 2003 9:05:01 GMT -5
This tutorial will give suggestions and tips on how one goes about creating their own Hardware Saber. This will be a collection of information from many sources, many of which can be found under the LINKS page on The Jedi Assembly website.
A Jedi MUST create their own Lightsaber in order to finish their training and fully accept the mantle of Knighthood. Most Jedi choose to model their saber after their Master’s and some even will honor their fallen Master by wielding their Master’s saber.
The Star Wars Encyclopedia states that a Lightsaber “can be built in a few days if there is an emergency, or take up to a month or more to construct and fine-tune.” Some sabers are simple in design and others might take awhile to find all the parts and construct.
The Star Wars Encyclopedia describes a Lightsaber as “seemingly simple in design. A Lightsaber has a handle about 24-30 centimeters long.” Some sabers have different control knobs that can determine length and amplitude. Knobs and control pads are essential to the overall look of your saber and it is up to you as how best to decorate your saber with these add-ons.
In preparing for the construction of your hardware saber, one must decide just how much you are prepared to spend on your project. You must expect to pay between $15-$50 dollars on your saber, unless you plan on adding a lot of glitz.
Now there are several places to begin your search for parts for your saber. Places like Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or your local hardware store to name a few. Prices will vary slightly for each part, place to place.
The basic Lightsaber has a Base Tube, Foregrip, Control Collar, Pommel, Hindgrip, Belt Ring, and Emitter Body/Head. It is up to the designer on which parts to keep or not have on their project.
Most sabers start with at least a 1-¼”x12” slipjoint extension tube. This can either be made from chrome or PVC pipe. I also recommend purchasing a 1 1/8” wooden dowel to place inside the extension tube to simulate interior weight and to give something for other parts to be drilled into. The extension tube should be cut off to a length that the user will be most comfortable with.
Grips for your saber can be added using several types of hardware. One might use Slipjoint polywashers that can be coated with Plastidip or even screen door spline. I have even known Jedi to wrap their sabers in Leather. Personal preference is key.
The pommel can be completed using several ways. The 2 best are to either use faucet handles or a smooth capped end. If you use a faucet handle, you will have to drill into the wooden dowel inside your extension tube to further secure your faucet pommel. Your belt ring can then be attached to your pommel. Belt rings can be made from coat wire hangers to any doodad that you see fit to use.
The emitter head can be made from a swivel aerator. This aerator is what is used at the end of some sink sprayers to wash dishes. The aerator can be disassembled and parts can be added or taken away for personal preference. One can either spray paint the aerator or leave it as is.
Once again, this is for your saber and no one else’s. You must decide how you want your saber to look. I encourage you to visit as many websites that you can regarding saber construction. There are many fine prop building and Jedi costuming groups on the Internet that can be used for reference.
I hope that you have enjoyed this Hardware Saber building tutorial. May the Force be with you!
A Jedi MUST create their own Lightsaber in order to finish their training and fully accept the mantle of Knighthood. Most Jedi choose to model their saber after their Master’s and some even will honor their fallen Master by wielding their Master’s saber.
The Star Wars Encyclopedia states that a Lightsaber “can be built in a few days if there is an emergency, or take up to a month or more to construct and fine-tune.” Some sabers are simple in design and others might take awhile to find all the parts and construct.
The Star Wars Encyclopedia describes a Lightsaber as “seemingly simple in design. A Lightsaber has a handle about 24-30 centimeters long.” Some sabers have different control knobs that can determine length and amplitude. Knobs and control pads are essential to the overall look of your saber and it is up to you as how best to decorate your saber with these add-ons.
In preparing for the construction of your hardware saber, one must decide just how much you are prepared to spend on your project. You must expect to pay between $15-$50 dollars on your saber, unless you plan on adding a lot of glitz.
Now there are several places to begin your search for parts for your saber. Places like Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or your local hardware store to name a few. Prices will vary slightly for each part, place to place.
The basic Lightsaber has a Base Tube, Foregrip, Control Collar, Pommel, Hindgrip, Belt Ring, and Emitter Body/Head. It is up to the designer on which parts to keep or not have on their project.
Most sabers start with at least a 1-¼”x12” slipjoint extension tube. This can either be made from chrome or PVC pipe. I also recommend purchasing a 1 1/8” wooden dowel to place inside the extension tube to simulate interior weight and to give something for other parts to be drilled into. The extension tube should be cut off to a length that the user will be most comfortable with.
Grips for your saber can be added using several types of hardware. One might use Slipjoint polywashers that can be coated with Plastidip or even screen door spline. I have even known Jedi to wrap their sabers in Leather. Personal preference is key.
The pommel can be completed using several ways. The 2 best are to either use faucet handles or a smooth capped end. If you use a faucet handle, you will have to drill into the wooden dowel inside your extension tube to further secure your faucet pommel. Your belt ring can then be attached to your pommel. Belt rings can be made from coat wire hangers to any doodad that you see fit to use.
The emitter head can be made from a swivel aerator. This aerator is what is used at the end of some sink sprayers to wash dishes. The aerator can be disassembled and parts can be added or taken away for personal preference. One can either spray paint the aerator or leave it as is.
Once again, this is for your saber and no one else’s. You must decide how you want your saber to look. I encourage you to visit as many websites that you can regarding saber construction. There are many fine prop building and Jedi costuming groups on the Internet that can be used for reference.
I hope that you have enjoyed this Hardware Saber building tutorial. May the Force be with you!
