The Graflex Legacy Builds - Office Set Up!
- Thread starter JaxAndTheMoon
- Start date
JaxAndTheMoon
Sr Member
Re: The Graflex Legacy Builds
So I have now acquired a few Graflexs, both original and replica alike, and I have decided to merge this thread into a Graflex build thread that will encompass all of these builds that will follow in the next few months. For now, I will be posting minor updates until I can get my hands on more parts for my ESB build, and soon I will have my Parks 2.0 as well, so hopefully I actually can get my hands on those sooner than later.
To start off, I have an original Parks replica that I will refer to as the 1.0 version, which is the one that we all know for the past decade or so that it's been around, and the 2.0 which is the newest, most electronic/builder friendly version. To start off, I ordered a Graflex Adapter from the Graflex Shop, since TCCS was and has been out of stock for who knows how long, and I took apart my Parks 1.0 and installed it.
View attachment DSC_0192.jpg
Excuse the small pictures, Photobucket is down so I have to manually insert them into the posts here, so just click on them for Hi Res shots. The blade adapter was great, and it fit perfectly. I put the flash bulb connector back together so that I wouldn't lose any pieces and proceeded to grind down the glass eye. The glass eye had the spring and extended sleeve of metal on it, so I used a dremel to smooth it down and fit into the adapter. It fits perfectly and I didn't need any glue or anything to hold the eye in place, the tight tolerances allow it to hold itself.
View attachment DSC_0203.jpgView attachment DSC_0204.jpg
Now, I had been looking for a blade plug for a long time, and I could only find ones on Etsy made by KRSabers that had already been sold that resembled the Graflex bulb connector. Being a big fan of designing and making my own things, I talked to my friend and we collaborated on the design with similar interests, and have produced some simple yet gratifying results... Well, at least for us, since this is a personal project! Other opinions may vary!
Using the same simple design, he machined simple pieces off of the original specs of an original flash bulb connector. This is what we have so far
View attachment DSC_0202.jpg
We both like brass so that's what he made first, but he'll be turning more aluminum ones tonight or tomorrow, so expect to see more! We're doing both 1 inch blade plugs and 7/8's, since I needed one of each for the Graflex Adapter in the 1.0, and the 2.0 has a 7/8 inch blade holder apparently. Let me know what you guys think!
- - - Updated - - -
Thanks guys, I appreciate it!
So I have now acquired a few Graflexs, both original and replica alike, and I have decided to merge this thread into a Graflex build thread that will encompass all of these builds that will follow in the next few months. For now, I will be posting minor updates until I can get my hands on more parts for my ESB build, and soon I will have my Parks 2.0 as well, so hopefully I actually can get my hands on those sooner than later.
To start off, I have an original Parks replica that I will refer to as the 1.0 version, which is the one that we all know for the past decade or so that it's been around, and the 2.0 which is the newest, most electronic/builder friendly version. To start off, I ordered a Graflex Adapter from the Graflex Shop, since TCCS was and has been out of stock for who knows how long, and I took apart my Parks 1.0 and installed it.
View attachment DSC_0192.jpg
Excuse the small pictures, Photobucket is down so I have to manually insert them into the posts here, so just click on them for Hi Res shots. The blade adapter was great, and it fit perfectly. I put the flash bulb connector back together so that I wouldn't lose any pieces and proceeded to grind down the glass eye. The glass eye had the spring and extended sleeve of metal on it, so I used a dremel to smooth it down and fit into the adapter. It fits perfectly and I didn't need any glue or anything to hold the eye in place, the tight tolerances allow it to hold itself.
View attachment DSC_0203.jpgView attachment DSC_0204.jpg
Now, I had been looking for a blade plug for a long time, and I could only find ones on Etsy made by KRSabers that had already been sold that resembled the Graflex bulb connector. Being a big fan of designing and making my own things, I talked to my friend and we collaborated on the design with similar interests, and have produced some simple yet gratifying results... Well, at least for us, since this is a personal project! Other opinions may vary!
Using the same simple design, he machined simple pieces off of the original specs of an original flash bulb connector. This is what we have so far
View attachment DSC_0202.jpgWe both like brass so that's what he made first, but he'll be turning more aluminum ones tonight or tomorrow, so expect to see more! We're doing both 1 inch blade plugs and 7/8's, since I needed one of each for the Graflex Adapter in the 1.0, and the 2.0 has a 7/8 inch blade holder apparently. Let me know what you guys think!
- - - Updated - - -
Thanks guys, I appreciate it!
JaxAndTheMoon
Sr Member
Re: The Graflex Legacy Builds (ANH, ESB, TFA, Blade Plugs and MORE!)
I'll be doing it all through here on a project run forum as soon as my premium membership renews. I'll be posting updates pictures later as well!
I'll be doing it all through here on a project run forum as soon as my premium membership renews. I'll be posting updates pictures later as well!
JaxAndTheMoon
Sr Member
Re: The Graflex Legacy Builds (ANH, ESB, TFA, Blade Plugs and MORE!)
For those that haven't been through the project run forums, I've opened one up for the blade plugs. All information that you will need for prices will be listed there!
Update on pictures for the builds will continue both here and on the other thread as well, so here's more pictures!
For those that haven't been through the project run forums, I've opened one up for the blade plugs. All information that you will need for prices will be listed there!
Update on pictures for the builds will continue both here and on the other thread as well, so here's more pictures!
Re: The Graflex Legacy Builds (ANH, ESB, TFA, Blade Plugs and MORE!)
I'm in for one definitely!
I'm in for one definitely!
JaxAndTheMoon
Sr Member
Re: The Graflex Legacy Builds (ANH, ESB, TFA, Blade Plugs and MORE!)
Make sure you comment on the interest thread so that I don't forget to add your name to the list!
Make sure you comment on the interest thread so that I don't forget to add your name to the list!
Barking Dragon
Well-Known Member
Re: The Graflex Legacy Builds (ANH, ESB, TFA, Blade Plugs and MORE!)
Hey there,
I'm still very new to the Sabers side of props and this is prob a dumb question but from reading your posts, is Parks Sabers the member Korbanth here?
Regards dan
Hey there,
I'm still very new to the Sabers side of props and this is prob a dumb question but from reading your posts, is Parks Sabers the member Korbanth here?
Regards dan
Barking Dragon
Well-Known Member
Re: The Graflex Legacy Builds (ANH, ESB, TFA, Blade Plugs and MORE!)
Ah, gotcha
thanks for clearing that up.
Ah, gotcha
thanks for clearing that up.
JaxAndTheMoon
Sr Member
Re: The Graflex Legacy Builds (ANH, ESB, TFA, Blade Plugs and MORE!)
Alright so I haven't update my personal build threads in a while, so here we go!
So I purchased this Graflex 1.0 (The original Parks replica) in the Junkyard from dr_slurpee about a month and a half ago, and it's sat on the back burner over the holidays while I worked on some small things and my vintage Graflex ANH build. The Parks 1.0 was a great piece, and it's definitely worth the money!
There it is with a clamp card, Mylar tape on the clamp, and a Graflex Shop Blade Adapter. I proceeded to take out the flash bulb connector and replace it with the GBA.
In the mean time, I purchased the Graflex 2.0 as well, and received mine on Monday like many others. It's really a great looking piece with a super simple build concept.
I like the grips he made for it, they're pretty nice. They're similar to Roy's, but some minor differences are there. They have that slightly more obvious plastic look to them, but it's still a great looking piece for 195 bucks.
The only thing I have to say is definitely not up to my liking is the Glass Eye that is included. It's a metal replica, using the illusion of rounded metal to emulate the appearance of having a glassy look to it. Luckily I had an extra replica glass eye that was threaded the same from TCCS.
From left to right:
-Vintage Graflex Glass Eye with spring
-Parks Graflex 1.0 Glass Eye without spring and dremeled down thread
- Graflex 2.0 "Glass Eye"
-TCCS/TGS Replica Glass Eye
It's kind of hard to tell, but the TCCS eye does have glass (or plastic or clear resin?... not really sure) on it, so it looks a bit more authentic when actually installed. So I put it in to see how I like it.
Pretty good! I like it, but I just really can't get over the glass eye on it... and the red buttons! I want my buttons to match on an ESB, so the only two red buttons that I had that matched were from the 2.0. So I proceeded to take off the mylar tape from my 1.0, and prepped the two red buttons for the 2.0. I unscrewed the small retention screw that held the clamp in place on the 2.0 and put everything together! That picture will come later!
Now, like I said, I like the grips, and since I had extras, I decided that I would mod them to create some grips for my new TFA version that I would make from my Graflex 1.0. So I got out the blueprints from Roy! His new TFA one's are great, and I love drafts and designs, so honestly, blue prints really look awesome to me!! Roy does great work and supplies a lot of my parts for my sabers, including my ESB Vader, which is a personal favorite of mine.
Anyways back to the grips. I measured and cut and filed down everything by hand. It took some time, but it came out pretty well.
Again, those blueprints!!! I applied them using the adhesive strips that were already on the grips.
Here they are applied. Soon I will get some screws to put through these babies, but that's for another time. Also I will not be adding any reflective tape to hide the "GRAFLEX" letters on the clamp. I have some, but to me it just looks cheap to try and cover it. I like the lettering on it anyways More pictures will come tomorrow.
Alright so I haven't update my personal build threads in a while, so here we go!
So I purchased this Graflex 1.0 (The original Parks replica) in the Junkyard from dr_slurpee about a month and a half ago, and it's sat on the back burner over the holidays while I worked on some small things and my vintage Graflex ANH build. The Parks 1.0 was a great piece, and it's definitely worth the money!
There it is with a clamp card, Mylar tape on the clamp, and a Graflex Shop Blade Adapter. I proceeded to take out the flash bulb connector and replace it with the GBA.
In the mean time, I purchased the Graflex 2.0 as well, and received mine on Monday like many others. It's really a great looking piece with a super simple build concept.
I like the grips he made for it, they're pretty nice. They're similar to Roy's, but some minor differences are there. They have that slightly more obvious plastic look to them, but it's still a great looking piece for 195 bucks.
The only thing I have to say is definitely not up to my liking is the Glass Eye that is included. It's a metal replica, using the illusion of rounded metal to emulate the appearance of having a glassy look to it. Luckily I had an extra replica glass eye that was threaded the same from TCCS.
From left to right:
-Vintage Graflex Glass Eye with spring
-Parks Graflex 1.0 Glass Eye without spring and dremeled down thread
- Graflex 2.0 "Glass Eye"
-TCCS/TGS Replica Glass Eye
It's kind of hard to tell, but the TCCS eye does have glass (or plastic or clear resin?... not really sure) on it, so it looks a bit more authentic when actually installed. So I put it in to see how I like it.
Pretty good! I like it, but I just really can't get over the glass eye on it... and the red buttons! I want my buttons to match on an ESB, so the only two red buttons that I had that matched were from the 2.0. So I proceeded to take off the mylar tape from my 1.0, and prepped the two red buttons for the 2.0. I unscrewed the small retention screw that held the clamp in place on the 2.0 and put everything together! That picture will come later!
Now, like I said, I like the grips, and since I had extras, I decided that I would mod them to create some grips for my new TFA version that I would make from my Graflex 1.0. So I got out the blueprints from Roy! His new TFA one's are great, and I love drafts and designs, so honestly, blue prints really look awesome to me!! Roy does great work and supplies a lot of my parts for my sabers, including my ESB Vader, which is a personal favorite of mine.
Anyways back to the grips. I measured and cut and filed down everything by hand. It took some time, but it came out pretty well.
Again, those blueprints!!! I applied them using the adhesive strips that were already on the grips.
Here they are applied. Soon I will get some screws to put through these babies, but that's for another time. Also I will not be adding any reflective tape to hide the "GRAFLEX" letters on the clamp. I have some, but to me it just looks cheap to try and cover it. I like the lettering on it anyways
More pictures will come tomorrow.
JaxAndTheMoon
Sr Member
Re: The Graflex Legacy Builds (ANH, ESB, TFA, Blade Plugs and MORE!)
Now we have some nicer pictures of my growing collection of Graflex style sabers...
Like I said, the glass eye on the Parks 1.0 is so close to replicating the original look, I just couldn't go for any other option.
In the background you can see a couple of other projects that I've been working on lately. So I decided to show it off how my desk is currently handling itself...
I tore a page from matty matt's book and spent a lot of time hand filing that Denix, but that is another build for another time...
I'm trying to figure out if I want rivets or screws for my grips right now, and I need to acquire another Kobold D ring, so it'll be some time before I update this for a final finish on that saber. Plus I'm looking into doing my final Graflex design as well!
Now we have some nicer pictures of my growing collection of Graflex style sabers...
Like I said, the glass eye on the Parks 1.0 is so close to replicating the original look, I just couldn't go for any other option.
In the background you can see a couple of other projects that I've been working on lately. So I decided to show it off how my desk is currently handling itself...
I tore a page from matty matt's book and spent a lot of time hand filing that Denix, but that is another build for another time...
I'm trying to figure out if I want rivets or screws for my grips right now, and I need to acquire another Kobold D ring, so it'll be some time before I update this for a final finish on that saber. Plus I'm looking into doing my final Graflex design as well!
DeathlyTaco
New Member
JaxAndTheMoon
Sr Member
Re: The Graflex Legacy Builds (ANH, ESB, TFA, Blade Plugs and MORE!)
So with my Graflex's currently on hold due to the fact that I haven't even attempted to try and find any 3mm rivets lately, and with my blade adapter being sent off for testing off my blade plugs, I decided to step in another direction with a piece that I've always loved: Luke's belt(s) from ESB and ROTJ.
Now, I personally love the black belt more, because I personally prefer the look of it. It looks sleek, something that a new Jedi Knight would have on him. Plus, It clashes so well as a stark contrast to the bright silver of the aluminum on the ROTJ V2 saber. So I picked up some stuff and decided to make the belt!
I'll have to shape the belt on the corners a bit, and I've got the leather dye on the way. I will build the pouches at a later time, but for now the goal is to just make the basic belt. Everything else will just slide onto it later on anyways!
So with my Graflex's currently on hold due to the fact that I haven't even attempted to try and find any 3mm rivets lately, and with my blade adapter being sent off for testing off my blade plugs, I decided to step in another direction with a piece that I've always loved: Luke's belt(s) from ESB and ROTJ.
Now, I personally love the black belt more, because I personally prefer the look of it. It looks sleek, something that a new Jedi Knight would have on him. Plus, It clashes so well as a stark contrast to the bright silver of the aluminum on the ROTJ V2 saber. So I picked up some stuff and decided to make the belt!
I'll have to shape the belt on the corners a bit, and I've got the leather dye on the way. I will build the pouches at a later time, but for now the goal is to just make the basic belt. Everything else will just slide onto it later on anyways!
JaxAndTheMoon
Sr Member
Re: The Graflex Legacy Builds (ANH, ESB, TFA, Blade Plugs and MORE!)
So small updates on my builds...
I know that the TFA uses 3mm rivets, but honestly I didn't feel like doing rivets because screws is just easier to do, and for me, more easily accessible.
So I installed them and put everything together
Looks pretty good if you ask me! The blade adapter is gone right now to my friend who is in the process of using it to fit all of our blade plugs so that we know that they'll be good to go when we ship them. Now all I need is a nice Kobold D ring and then it'll be good! Next stop, acquiring another Graflex, replica or real! I'm coming for you, ROTS Graflex.....
So small updates on my builds...
I know that the TFA uses 3mm rivets, but honestly I didn't feel like doing rivets because screws is just easier to do, and for me, more easily accessible.
So I installed them and put everything together
Looks pretty good if you ask me! The blade adapter is gone right now to my friend who is in the process of using it to fit all of our blade plugs so that we know that they'll be good to go when we ship them. Now all I need is a nice Kobold D ring and then it'll be good! Next stop, acquiring another Graflex, replica or real! I'm coming for you, ROTS Graflex.....
JaxAndTheMoon
Sr Member
Re: The Graflex Legacy Builds (ANH, ESB, TFA, Blade Plugs and MORE!)
Alright! Been a little bit since I've updated this one! The Arcann saber has kept me pretty busy, and same with my new shifts and stuff that actually pertains to real life... But that's boring!
I got all of my leather working supplies, so I researched the dyeing process and started working. I'll be doing the ROTJ black Luke belt, but with some slight modifications. So, since it's ROTJ, the dye of choice is black!
While that's drying in my bathroom, I got to work shaping the belt buckle, and hand sanded the finish down to hide the metal working scorch marks that were on the buckle when it arrived.
Currently, the belt is still drying, and I think I'll be leaving it to dry overnight. I may or may not see how it's doing later tonight, but most likely going to be tomorrow. I'll keep this thread updated when I can!
Alright! Been a little bit since I've updated this one! The Arcann saber has kept me pretty busy, and same with my new shifts and stuff that actually pertains to real life... But that's boring!
I got all of my leather working supplies, so I researched the dyeing process and started working. I'll be doing the ROTJ black Luke belt, but with some slight modifications. So, since it's ROTJ, the dye of choice is black!
While that's drying in my bathroom, I got to work shaping the belt buckle, and hand sanded the finish down to hide the metal working scorch marks that were on the buckle when it arrived.
Currently, the belt is still drying, and I think I'll be leaving it to dry overnight. I may or may not see how it's doing later tonight, but most likely going to be tomorrow. I'll keep this thread updated when I can!
VanOaksProps
Sr Member
Re: The Graflex Legacy Builds (ANH, ESB, TFA, Blade Plugs and MORE!)
Dumb question alert: Does the blade plug hold the clamp in place? Mine has a bit of play in it and I'm looking for a solution to keep it from moving around.
Dumb question alert: Does the blade plug hold the clamp in place? Mine has a bit of play in it and I'm looking for a solution to keep it from moving around.
JaxAndTheMoon
Sr Member
Re: The Graflex Legacy Builds (ANH, ESB, TFA, Blade Plugs and MORE!)
Alright, big update today!
After it finally dried, I began buffing it out with some cloth to remove the residue, and then started applying a nice coat of oil, since the leather was so dry from being dyed. I let it really sink in for a little bit and then proceeded to put another coat of oil on to make the leather super nice and supple.
While that was drying I continued prepping my belt buckle and the belt clip that I got from Roy (Thanks Roy!!)
Like any good prop, you need your good quality tools. In case anyone was wondering what I'm working with, this is what I've been using for my leather pieces.
Full Throttle is where it's at!
Anyways, continuing on! After the protective finish was applied and everything dried and buffed out, I secured the belt buckle and the belt clip onto the material, and did one final buff to really make that leather smooth. The smell of buffed and finished leather is amazing, I can't lie!
In the end, the simple product is complete!
As most of you that follow my threads know, I love my DSLR. So what kind of build would this be if I didn't try it on!
First up, of course, is my Luke V2!
Then the pride of most people's collections these days, the ANH Graflex (as seen above in this thread!)
My Heiland converted Vader ESB
Finally, my Roman's Obi Wan ANH
Excuse the stupid cammies I'm wearing, I'm on my lunch and couldn't resist updating this thread with pictures!
I had a lot of fun with this build, and I will definitely be taking a crack at future leather working products in the future! Thanks for following along. Hopefully soon I will be posting my new ROTS Graflex build whenever I can snag up an extra Graflex replica or real, but preferably replica...
Thanks guys!
While it's not designed to, it could. It depends on what you use as your retention screw: If you use your glass eye as the retention screw, then probably not, but if you use the red button, then yes you would have some room to slide it up and down. You could use the 2.25 inch one to possibly add some length to let your graflex eye hold it in place and still have it stick out a bit
Alright, big update today!
After it finally dried, I began buffing it out with some cloth to remove the residue, and then started applying a nice coat of oil, since the leather was so dry from being dyed. I let it really sink in for a little bit and then proceeded to put another coat of oil on to make the leather super nice and supple.
While that was drying I continued prepping my belt buckle and the belt clip that I got from Roy (Thanks Roy!!)
Like any good prop, you need your good quality tools. In case anyone was wondering what I'm working with, this is what I've been using for my leather pieces.
Full Throttle is where it's at!
Anyways, continuing on! After the protective finish was applied and everything dried and buffed out, I secured the belt buckle and the belt clip onto the material, and did one final buff to really make that leather smooth. The smell of buffed and finished leather is amazing, I can't lie!
In the end, the simple product is complete!
As most of you that follow my threads know, I love my DSLR. So what kind of build would this be if I didn't try it on!
First up, of course, is my Luke V2!
Then the pride of most people's collections these days, the ANH Graflex (as seen above in this thread!)
My Heiland converted Vader ESB
Finally, my Roman's Obi Wan ANH
Excuse the stupid cammies I'm wearing, I'm on my lunch and couldn't resist updating this thread with pictures!
I had a lot of fun with this build, and I will definitely be taking a crack at future leather working products in the future! Thanks for following along. Hopefully soon I will be posting my new ROTS Graflex build whenever I can snag up an extra Graflex replica or real, but preferably replica...
Thanks guys!
While it's not designed to, it could. It depends on what you use as your retention screw: If you use your glass eye as the retention screw, then probably not, but if you use the red button, then yes you would have some room to slide it up and down. You could use the 2.25 inch one to possibly add some length to let your graflex eye hold it in place and still have it stick out a bit
