Graflex clamps. How were (are) they made?

Russ and I are looking into producing replica Graflex clamps.
I remember years and years ago, there was a thread showing a clamp making press (IIRC). A sheet of metal was laid into the press and a lever was pulled downward, curling the sheet metal around a former, pressing the sheet into a clamp with the word Graflex and the two rows of four lines either side.
I can't remember how the tabs and slot were produced.

Does anyone have any info on this device - or how current replica clamps are produced?

Tetmatek is the guy you seek howard.

Thread with great pics of the process here
http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php...ghlight=clamps

A thousand thanks, scarf man!

Think nothing of it mate.
I'd love to see a great replica clamp made for all my Obi saber brothers.

Would you consider some without the GRAFLEX logo, a la the MR sabers?

Howard said:

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That's EXACTLY what I have in mind.
Imagine a chromed clamp with just the two rows of four lines upon it, for an AFBB version.
Oh, and obviously the tab holes and slot.

I know I'd snap a few up in a jiffy! The logo really does bother me.

Me too.
There are two schools of thought.

1. It's a replica prop. So the logo should be there - although there's evidence the prop builder tried to cover it.

2. It's a replica Lightsaber, so the logo shouldn't be there.

It would be cool if both could be offered - but at this stage, all this is purely in the research stage.

I'd be down for either, but I must admit I lean more towards 100% accuracy in my replica props.
If both could be offered that would be killer.

Even though "Graflex" didn't exist in the "Star Wars universe" I still need one that says Graflex for my Obi. I'll cover it like they did for the movie. To me it's not a replica lightsaber unless it matches the movie, and says Graflex!

I know they used tape for Lukes ESB but what was Obis Graflex logo hidden with?

Mylar tape. Just not the textured kind like on the ESB Graflex. I've seen people use it to cover up the Graflex logo on their Luke ANH sabers as well as Obis.

Thanks. See...I keep learning stuff!

Chingon said:

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Mylar tape. Just not the textured kind like on the ESB Graflex. I've seen people use it to cover up the Graflex logo on their Luke ANH sabers as well as Obis.

I believe some are of the opinion that the entire body of the clamp was completely covered in tape of some sort, instead of just the GRAFLEX between the engraved lines. From the looks of the Chronicles photos and the apparent wear, I'd say mylar was unlikely. Metal HVAC tape is the likely culprit.

Honestly I'd take one of each, but for a "prop" replica it definitely has to have the nomenclature.

Actually, as I recall there is no clear evidence that the 'Graflex' was covered in ANH. The 'tape' argument is a plausible idea but I don't think it's proved.

The new HD screen caps don't really clear this up. There is a Death Star corridor cap which LOOKS like there might be tape over the clamp, but the resolution is so low this could be an artifact of lighting and resolution. In all caps there is always some sort of smudge in the area of the lettering.

I'm not saying the lettering was there, but I don't think we can conclude it wasn't, either.

As to manufacturing processes, I'd track down Biskit and ask him. The linked process was impressive but did not lead to the same level of quality as the originals unfortunately.

The ESB didn't have tape either...or at least that's what I have heard.

The embossed tape is clearly shown in several shots of at least ONE of the Luke ESB sabers. Also, see Parts of Star Wars for a great shot of the prop with the tape.

ItsThatGuy said:

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The ESB didn't have tape either...or at least that's what I have heard.

Research is progressing - it looks as though Russ *may* be able to produce clamps at some point in the future - with the G R A F L E X logo, and without.
When we're in a position to say for sure, I'll start a new thread.

I'd love one for an ESB, maybe. I hate mylar tape and I hate the logo. While I want an accurate prop dimentionally, I'd rather have something that feels more "in universe."

Onigiri said:

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The embossed tape is clearly shown in several shots of at least ONE of the Luke ESB sabers. Also, see Parts of Star Wars for a great shot of the prop with the tape.

Yup. Narrow untextured on the Hoth version, textured tape at dagobah (with no top button). The textured one is rarely seen on film but prominent in reference material, so that's what many fans are familiar with.

Howard said:

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Research is progressing - it looks as though Russ *may* be able to produce clamps at some point in the future - with the G R A F L E X logo, and without.
When we're in a position to say for sure, I'll start a new thread.

Top Banana
Russ is fast becoming a one stop shop for OWK parts, just the bubble strip left to go

If it didn't say 'Graflex', what would it say?

defstartrooper said:

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Top Banana
Russ is fast becoming a one stop shop for OWK parts, just the bubble strip left to go

I asked Hydin if he could have some made out of crystal - but no go.