Another Noob Hope Luke Lightsaber

SeattleMaddog

Active Member

• Sep 16, 2014

• #1

After a few months of gathering parts and spending way more money than I will ever admit to my wife (especially on the Exactra), I am ready to build my screen accurate replica of Luke's ANH Lightsaber. I am drawing a lot of inspiration and information from VFX Freak and his build thread A Noob Hope Graflex Lightsaber Build.



I bought the Graflex flash and Exactra EX-20 calculator off eBay, I got them for good prices relative to the market but this is an expensive project for a newbie like me. Gino supplied me the t-track for the grip but I ran into my first problem when I started looking for a d-ring.

I tried using d-rings from dog collars but they were too thick (about 3.5mm vice 2.5mm needed for this prop). I ordered some d-rings from a dealer on eBay but their measurements were inaccurate, so I started looking around town again. Finally a local artisan pointed me to the shoe repair place I walk past almost every day, and he sold me two perfect examples for a dollar.

I fashioned strap from a cheap metal tray bought at the Dollar Shop using Sym-Cha's template, and after three attempts produced a version I am happy to attach to my Graflex. Here are the photos:



My plan is to complete the lightsaber over the next week, and I will post updates here as the build progresses. VFX Freak did such a good job documenting his build I will only address the challenges I encounter as I follow his lead.

Wish me luck.

 

Luke the Belter

Well-Known Member

• Sep 16, 2014

• #2

SeattleMaddog said:

After a few months of gathering parts and spending way more money than I will ever admit to my wife (especially on the Exactra), I am ready to build my screen accurate replica of Luke's ANH Lightsaber.

Click to expand...

Haha :lol
I know what you mean.

It's worth the money :wacko or something like that will help you.

Back to topic
The D-ring clip is well done. I like the Sym-Cha's template and used it myself.
As he mentioned in his template-thread: When you drill the rivet hole in your Graflex put something like a broomstick in the bottom piece. So you have something to absorb the pressure from drilling.

I think you have noticed it yourself, but...
May I mention that your really nice Graflex has the "wrong" red button type?

Have fun with your build and keep us up to date with updates

 

SeattleMaddog

Active Member

• Sep 16, 2014

• #3

Luke the Belter said:

I think you have noticed it yourself, but...
May I mention that your really nice Graflex has the "wrong" red button type?

Click to expand...

Oh crap, I completely missed that little problem with the button. I have an extra set of grips, so I think I'll press on and replace it latter. Definitely a padawan mistake.

Thanks Luke.

 

Last edited: Sep 16, 2014

Sym-Cha

Master Member

• Sep 16, 2014

• #4

Wow that's great progress SeattleMaddog ...

just an off topic question : How does one post links of other folks directing to the members list and the same for posted threads in a current thread . . . or where can I find info on how to do so? It's been bugging me since last week that I don't know how to do it :confused

Chaim

 

NeoRutty

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Sep 16, 2014

• #5

Get er done!

I'm not kidding... I've had the parts for a ANH Luke for almost 2 years now... still haven't put it together.

But in 4 days I'm heading to Seattle... using my friends shop there, I'll drill a D-ring hole and join ya in finishing one off.

 

SeattleMaddog

Active Member

• Sep 16, 2014

• #6

Sym-Cha said:

Wow that's great progress SeattleMaddog ...

just an off topic question : How does one post links of other folks directing to the members list and the same for posted threads in a current thread . . . or where can I find info on how to do so? It's been bugging me since last week that I don't know how to do it :confused

Chaim

Click to expand...

I just right clicked on your avatar and copied the link to your profile then inserted the hyperlink into the text. For each post in a thread there is a number in the top right corner (looks like this: #4), right click and copy the link and insert into your post.

Maddog

 

SeattleMaddog

Active Member

• Sep 16, 2014

• #7

NeoRutty said:

Get er done!

I'm not kidding... I've had the parts for a ANH Luke for almost 2 years now... still haven't put it together.

But in 4 days I'm heading to Seattle... using my friends shop there, I'll drill a D-ring hole and join ya in finishing one off.

Click to expand...

Sounds like a plan although I am no longer resident in Seattle, I moved back to Australia years ago. Post your photos when it is done.

 

James Kenobi 1138

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Sep 16, 2014

• #8

I hope you didn't pay more than $45 for the calculator. Lightsaber is looking great so far.

 

Jedi Reali

Sr Member

• Sep 16, 2014

• #9

James Kenobi 1138 said:

I hope you didn't pay more than $45 for the calculator.

Click to expand...

I would love to pay $45 for a correct Exactra. (I've never bought an Exactra.) The last three to go on ebay went for $80 to $85. Is there any place to look for these that ISN'T ebay? I tried a garage sale today but no luck.

 

NeoRutty

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Sep 16, 2014

• #10

so far exactras for me have been 85 and 65... I haven't seen one go for 45 yet

 

SeattleMaddog

Active Member

• Sep 16, 2014

• #11

I have not seen an Exactra under $80, and then I have the added advantage of living on the other side of the world from where they are available. Postage adds substantially to my costs for items that were not marketed here.

 

James Kenobi 1138

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Sep 16, 2014

• #12

I bought one here on the RPF a year ago or so simply because the price kept dropping because no one wanted it. I wasn't really needing one but the price got down to $50 or something so I bought it. Before that I grabbed one off eBay for $65 and that bubble strip was the one Rebelscum used to mold for the original RS run.

The first one bought was $125 off eBay and that is crazy high for an outdated piece of technology. I could never pay that high again.

 

Last edited: Sep 16, 2014

SeattleMaddog

Active Member

• Sep 16, 2014

• #13

Postage pushed the cost above $100 off eBay but it was definitely the cheapest price I could find a few months ago.

I have cleaned up the Graflex, it has some flaking chrome but like VFX I prefer the used look although I'm not sure I'll be bashing my grips to enhance the weathering.

I also cut and beveled the t-tracks. Next step is to drill the Graflex base and attach the d-ring but I will leave that until tomorrow.

 

VFX Freak

Sr Member

• Sep 17, 2014

• #14

Looking great, Maddog! My first Exactra ended up costing more than $100 as well, so don't feel too bad.

Good luck with the build and thanks for the kind words!

 

Sym-Cha

Master Member

• Sep 17, 2014

• #15

My Exactra's were almost around $75 + shipping ... some less, some a bit more ... all still intact though
. . . and this http://www.therpf.com/member.php?u=110176 . . . is what shows up when I follow your
instructions ... not a name underscored as you did previously perhaps it's a PC thing or living upside
downunder hahaha ... also I'm on a mac mini :wacko

Chaim

 

Last edited: Sep 17, 2014

SeattleMaddog

Active Member

• Sep 17, 2014

• #16

I pulled the Exactra apart last night and worked on fitting the bubbles. Although followed VFX's advice to cover the bottom, it peeled off in the final stages and I put some scratches on it. Damn! I'm going out to find some plastic polish this afternoon and some scrap wood to help me fit the d-ring.

Now I just need to remember to slow down and stop making preventable mistakes.

 

Curmudgeon

Well-Known Member

• Sep 17, 2014

• #17

That thread was a huge help for me when I built my Luke ANH. Good luck with your build! I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Although I'm still trying to track down an exactra at a reasonable price :rolleyes

 

Luke the Belter

Well-Known Member

• Sep 18, 2014

• #18

SeattleMaddog said:

I pulled the Exactra apart last night and worked on fitting the bubbles. Although followed VFX's advice to cover the bottom, it peeled off in the final stages and I put some scratches on it. Damn! I'm going out to find some plastic polish this afternoon and some scrap wood to help me fit the d-ring.

Now I just need to remember to slow down and stop making preventable mistakes.

View attachment 378068

View attachment 378069

Click to expand...

Sorry to hear that.
You can try to use plastic polish on the scratches.
Should work like magic

 

Sym-Cha

Master Member

• Sep 18, 2014

• #19

Finally with a by-pass action I seem to manage ... thanks SeattleMaddog ... now move along, move along

Chaim

 

SeattleMaddog

Active Member

• Sep 18, 2014

• #20

I finally drilled the Graflex base this afternoon and riveted the d-ring in place. It is a little higher than I expected but I'm happy with the result.







The grips should be attached tonight or first thing on Saturday morning, I will post photographs of the finished lightsaber by late tomorrow.

Very excited to finish this one before I head off to Japan next week.