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Post by Olos Nay on Dec 21, 2006 11:34:32 GMT -5
It looks like pretty standard polyethylene (sp?) tube for the inner similar to what CSS uses as a diffuser on their EL blades. Worth trying out if you can order from McMaster Carr as its cheap stuff. Unfortunately with me being in the UK I cant test it out as shipping is a killer to here. It is not polyethylene but polycarbonate. There are places that must supply it within the UK, but seing the result/price Ultra makes, I don't think I'll build my own anymore. |
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Post by Kryy Jacobi on Dec 21, 2006 17:38:34 GMT -5
The ultra FX conversions use the original MR polycarb tube, tip and inner diffuser tube, at least on the maul version. Adding a mirrored tip helps as I did that on a friends Maul. It looks like pretty standard polyethylene (sp?) tube for the inner similar to what CSS uses as a diffuser on their EL blades. Worth trying out if you can order from McMaster Carr as its cheap stuff. Unfortunately with me being in the UK I cant test it out as shipping is a killer to here. Yes, on the Maul they can reuse the spec tube instead of replacing it -- the Maul tube IS a thicker polycarbonate than the other styles. That's why the single Maul conversion is $65 as opposed to $75 as for all of the others. It does not have a mirrored tip -- I think they may have replaced the original tip but I don't know for sure. (They sell tips on their site.) The tip looks pretty much like my Anakin which I'm not converting. Kryy :-) |
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Post by Jeffrek on Dec 21, 2006 21:33:29 GMT -5
Olos, Im not talking about the OUTER tube which of course is the original MR polycarb tube. Im talking about the INNER diffuser tube appearing to be polyethylene or similar on the MR. Custom Sabre shops EL blades use that type of material for the inner diffuser too which was why I suggested trying it to get the same effect as a ultra FX maul.
Kryy the tip on my friends Ultra Fx Maul is the original MR tip. It hasnt been replaced and doesnt come with a mirrored disc to reflect light back down the tube. Adding a mirrored disc to the exisiting tip however does improve things slightly.
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cobalt60
Message Board Member
Posts: 113
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Post by cobalt60 on Dec 22, 2006 19:30:01 GMT -5
the new diffuser in the ultra-blade is made from multiple layers of a clear thin plastic film, similar to plastic sheeting, or plastic 'wrapping paper'.
it causes a sort of "fiber optic" effect, and it glows a LOT more than the old ultrablades with the same LED.
AFAIK the MR diffuser is foam. often with inconsistencies in the density, which cause blotchy patches and dark spots along the length of the blade
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Post by Jeffrek on Dec 22, 2006 20:17:52 GMT -5
The inside of the MR blades are made of several sections. On the outermost its the clear polycarb, inside this is a milky white translucent tube(which looks like polyethelene). After that you have the high density foam core which supports and also helps diffuse the inner flexible circuit board that mounts the multiple leds.  I dont know about Ultra's custom blades but for at least their Maul conversions the blade consists of the original MR outer and inner milky white tube. They have the original mounting holes through both that match up where the pins that secure the blade originally pass though. The pins arent used after the conversion naturally. So far Ive had a go with 3 ultra converted Mauls, 2 of which arrived last week and the blades are all the same. One of them Ive had to totally disassemble as the owner wants everything fitting inside a custom hilt (he originally got a red maul for his Revan costume but has since sold Revan and is going lightside )  The other thing I noticed about the Maul MR tube is that its slightly wider than 1 inch OD. While its not much if you try and fit a 1 inch blade into themaul blade holder it wobbles as its not a good fit. Thats probably another good reason why a different blade tube wasnt fitted, it would mean MUCH more work making a new blade holder for the Mauls too. Something to bear in mind if you later have to replace the blade on a MR maul or Ultra Maul conversion. I cant comment on the other FX conversions or the customs as Ive not as yet seen any in person. Normally for my customs I get parts from Joe (Corbin) and machine up hilts to specification. |
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Post by Kryy Jacobi on Dec 22, 2006 23:50:56 GMT -5
Thanks for the continuing education...  Back when I was a Padawan, they didn't offer Jedi Temple Shop class to girls. I've learned a lot from you guys and I appreciate the patient assistance. Blessings, Kryy |
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Post by Olos Nay on Dec 23, 2006 0:34:08 GMT -5
Olos, Im not talking about the OUTER tube which of course is the original MR polycarb tube. Im talking about the INNER diffuser tube appearing to be polyethylene or similar on the MR. Sorry, my bad. But I am not certain what is it they use in the MR blades as I don't own one and never openned any. I'd guess polyethylene too. On another hand, I do own a new Ultrasaber blade (well, 3 to be exact) and as Cobalt mentionned it, they use some reflective film - in wide quantity. Quick estimation would be a few feet wide rolled in the blade, held together with what seams to be hot glue. The result is very professionnal looking, and the blade is very bright, with uniform brightness trough the blade. I should take pictures to compare to my former blades. But their "MR conversion blades" aren't the same so I can't say. As far as polycarbonate tubes goes, I noticed that most 1 inch; polycarbonate tubes seams to be a little wider then 1 inch off spec or wider tolerance, don't ask me... I couldn't get my blades in the graflexshop MPP socket I got, their bore is just over one inch. The ultrasabers heavy duty blades have a 2 inch machined smaller to fit those type of sockets. I too take components from Corbin - tried the new ultrablades with them and am happy about the result. Can't talk about conversions, never made any... but I like the combo: corbindriver & ultrablade. All I need now is to add sound. Back when I was a Padawan, they didn't offer Jedi Temple Shop class to girls. I've learned a lot from you guys and I appreciate the patient assistance. No prob. I wish I had the knowledge I have now "before" I made my first saber... I'd have made a few different choices. I guess the others are like me and like to share what they learned trough the years of sabermaking. |
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Post by Xana on Dec 29, 2006 17:29:45 GMT -5
I received and Ultrasabers saber for Christmas. I love it! The filters (which I think are bingo chips:P) are very cool. I can change the blade color to red or purple or any color I want. I especially like the crystal pack on the bottom of the hilt. It looks very cool.
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Post by Leda EmBorr on Dec 29, 2006 22:23:44 GMT -5
Awwwww... you got the bingo chip saber??  Wow... Cool!! Now I'm jealous...  ;D |
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Post by Olos Nay on Dec 31, 2006 5:57:08 GMT -5
Xana: is yours well balanced. the one I tried was aweful for balance. Which suck considering the saber was great for most any other aspects.
I know I would have added some heavy pommel counterweight.
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JediKai
Message Board Member
TJA Savior
Posts: 5,560
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Post by JediKai on Jan 1, 2007 18:27:57 GMT -5
So, Xana, which one did you get. Ultrasabers only shows one hilt style, so I'm confused.
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Post by Xana on Jan 3, 2007 0:05:49 GMT -5
So, Xana, which one did you get. Ultrasabers only shows one hilt style, so I'm confused. It looks something like this one with a crystal pack at the bottom. www.ultrasabers.com/proddetail.php?prod=CUST-S3These are the "crystals" www.ultrasabers.com/products.php?cat=10 The crystal pack adds a couple of inches to it. This is the old site. A new on is being designed. I'll take a picture of my saber in the next couple of days and put it on the main site. I'll post here when I do. |
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Post by Xana on Jan 3, 2007 0:06:55 GMT -5
Xana: is yours well balanced. the one I tried was aweful for balance. Which **** considering the saber was great for most any other aspects. I know I would have added some heavy pommel counterweight. Not sure. I'll have to swing it around some more and see. I'm not much of a duelist. But it's lightweight and perfect to wear on my costume which is was my main concern. Awwwww... you got the bingo chip saber?? Wow... Cool!! Now I'm jealous... ;D Tell ya what...... I'll share some bingo chips with you. How's that? lol! Actually I do want to buy more bingo chips just so I have more purple and red. Ya know, just in case........ bingo chips can get lost real easy.  |
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Post by Xana on Jan 6, 2007 23:11:37 GMT -5
well, thanks to my B/F, here are the pics.    Hope these help in letting you know what I got. It does seem to be balanced with the crystal pack in the oppisite end. |
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Post by Olos Nay on Jan 7, 2007 3:05:06 GMT -5
That saber looks awesome.
I like how the cryustal lights up.
and... did I mention I like Ultrablades?
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Wow... Cool!! 
;D
