Luke ROTJ Expand/Reveal Saber...Update 2/23

Update: 2/21

I'm going into the shop on Friday to chat about some questions the machinist has for me and that I have for him. This is a very complex piece that assembles and works mechanically in a very specific way. Tollrances on this are very, very tight. Did I mention there are ALOT of parts that make up this piece? ALOT!

My goals on this project are this:
1. When the saber is collapesed I want it to look like the hero prop. Not untill it opens does one realize there is more than meets the eye.
2. When it expands, it will do so to the limits as shown on the original prop/video. It's easy enough to just make the saber come appart, it's another to limit the distance the parts will travel. Entirely different. This also means thinking ahead on how the piece will be finally assembled.
3. No painting here. Aluminum parts will be aluminum, copper will be copper, brass will be brass. Black areas will be anodized black, copper will get a clear coating to prevent oxidation. The overall finish of the aluminum body parts will be a brushed finish. Basically, the only thing I will have to do when the parts arrive is to assemble. No extra handling. Period!
4. There will be no glueing of parts. Everything is mechanically screwed together. Nothing chinsy. If I'm going "balls-out" on doing such an elaborate piece, it sure as hell isn't going to fall apart. That's for damn sure.
5. My biggest goal is that you will nickname this piece "The Messiah" because when you or anyone else get this piece in your hands, you'll say "JESUS CHRIST!"
6. Display cases and plaques. It's something I'm considering. If I do, they will be just as unique as the saber itself.

Pricing, payments and leadtime: That's still being worked out and it's going to be a while so please be paitient. Paypal will be involved. I'm not going to sugar coat it, this is going to be a very pricy prop. As I said, this is a very complex piece with alot of high tollorance parts and extra finishing steps to assure quality.

I will post more info as it comes up. Thank you.



Update: 2/23

The shop guy is great. He says he may want to get one when they're done. I have a few things to tweak on the specs. He's got his estimator on the ball. I'm sure I'll have more info on this by next week.

one of the coolest undertakings ive seen since bein a member... and ive seen alot!

if it really comes out as good as you think... this will be the holy grail SW replica! (imho)

Yea it is a sweet project to undertake, I can;t wait to see it come out. The vid was pretty cool, thanks for posting the link.

5. My biggest goal is that you will nickname this piece "The Messiah" because when you or anyone else get this piece in your hands, you'll say "JESUS CHRIST!"[/b]

Have I mentioned that I really like this guy?? NOICE!!

-Ss

Cant wait to see how this project turns out!

Bump for those keeping their fingers crossed on price.

What exactly is this prop and what will it do?

It expands in your hands.

See this video, at about the last minute http://youtube.com/watch?v=m1gcakiY0qk

I am watching this thread closely, but somewhat troubled about the eventual cost of the piece. Fingers crossed.

I don't even imagine it'll be possible for me to buy one, but I'm very excited to just see it, anyway!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hedjii72 &#064; Feb 25 2007, 09&#58;57 PM) [snapback]1426638[/snapback]</div>

I am watching this thread closely, but somewhat troubled about the eventual cost of the piece. Fingers crossed.
[/b]

It&#39;s at times like this I am reminded of a quote from Henry Royce (of rolls Royce)... "The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten".

If it comes out as well as I think it will, I will try to get one for sure&#33;

I&#39;m in&#33;

Interested - of course&#33;

I will watch this thread with great interest.

Alot of people have been asking about pricing while acknowledging that I&#39;m in the middle of getting this priced out. I have no pricing yet. And if I do make an educated guess people are going to hold me to it. So I&#39;m not going to speculate. When pricing is solid, I will post it.

Some people have asked about putting an LED behind the crystal. I have to consider a few things to do this. One, is where to place everything. Engineering this prop took ALOT of time and there&#39;s not alot of room for it. Two, does the prop that we see have one? No. Does the extra cost to do this justify it. Probably not. But I will look into it.

I&#39;d like to reitterate my position that I do not think this was a prop that was originally made for the movie. The biggest tell-tail sign is that the crystal showing on the prop is green. In the trailers is was obvious the color was originally intended to be blue.

I just think this prop kicks-ass, it&#39;s a huge challenge to build and I want one in my collection. So that&#39;s why I&#39;m taking on this project. If I can spread the joy by making it available to everyone who wants one, well then it looks like we have a win-win situation.

The shop needs more time. They are after all a working machine shop. When I have more info I&#39;ll be posting.

Thanks&#33;&#33;&#33;&#33;&#33;

Markus

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ThermalShock &#064; Mar 12 2007, 02&#58;42 PM) [snapback]1438195[/snapback]</div>

...

I&#39;d like to reitterate my position that I do not think this was a prop that was originally made for the movie. The biggest tell-tail sign is that the crystal showing on the prop is green. In the trailers is was obvious the color was originally intended to be blue.
...

[/b]

Great idea for a prop &#33; I just saw the expanding saber today for the first time, maybe I have seen it before in a documentary, but must have totally forgotten about it.

And I am sure that your theory is right, since they changed the saber blade colour from blue to green because of the very present and very blue desert sky in the background

Although I won´t own that prop myself, I might have an idea where I could probably catch a glimpse of it once it´s been done and delivered

Michael

[/quote]

Although I won´t own that prop myself, I might have an idea where I could probably catch a glimpse of it once it´s been done and delivered

Michael
[/quote]

Pah...don´t count on me, buddy

Markus

Sounds like a very ambitious undertaking but I would definitely be interested if it turns out as well as I&#39;m hoping. Any updates or pics to share with us yet?

yes closely watching and praying it will be in my price range..

I can&#39;t wait to hear more. this may be the "holy grail" of props&#33;&#33;&#33;

Bump!

Very eager to hear some news or see some progress pics...can't wait!!

What exactly is this?

The links posted earlier in this thread don't work anymore, at least not for me.