ANH Graflex Grip Lengths, Spacing, Irregularities, etc.

[Kylash]

So I started cutting up a few of Roys grips for my authentic ANH graflex build. After determining that 93mm would be good for my build, I ended up with grips that were not perfectly measured or cut, and all varied in length around 90mm.

Now, I've seen it mentioned several times that the grips on the original were not perfectly cut or spaced. How do we know this? It would seem hard to tell from most photo reference available. What about length, should they all at least be the same length, or are a few that are shorter than others ok? And as far as spacing, should they be more lined up with the edge of the clamp, or more with the bottom ring, assuming they have irregular lengths? If we somehow now that the lengths were all not perfect as well, I would be fine using them as I have them.

Just trying to determining if I can still use what I ended up with, or if I need to get another set and try getting them more uniform in length.

 

[JoeG]

When it comes to the Luke ANH saber, I think most people like to use this pic as reference

 

[thd9791]

Also, the only surviving graflex belt hanger is the Skywalker Ranch Saber. Those grips all vary by 2-3 mm and some are even put on closer together than the others. The screws aren't even centered. You've got a ton of leeway when replicating old props

 

[Kylash]

When it comes to the Luke ANH saber, I think most people like to use this pic as reference

View attachment 661534

Yeah, and as far as I can tell, its pretty hard to see how even those grips are cut, or even spaced. Sounds like I've got some wiggle room though.

 

[JoeG]

Exactly right. There aren't really any super clear reference photos available. And there are even slight variances between what teh saber looked like during production and in post production photos.

 

[Kylash]

It begins!

 

[LTsmash1200]

Just make sure you leave enough space to push the bottom in and twist to lock it in the clamp.

 

[matty matt]

The grips will be fine. As others have said, nothing was perfect on this stuff. They weren't meant to be seen up close. I know sometimes it's hard to do a "bad" job on purpose. I'm. But of a perfectionist myself. But we must unlearn what we have learned. Lol.

 

[Panaflex]

The grips will be fine. As others have said, nothing was perfect on this stuff. They weren't meant to be seen up close. I know sometimes it's hard to do a "bad" job on purpose. I'm. But of a perfectionist myself. But we must unlearn what we have learned. Lol.

Agreed, I've cut a lot of grips now with different tools. Finally got a perfect system down but I still cut some by hand and they're never uniform.

 

[Kylash]

Man it's pretty crazy how this suddenly FEELS like a lightsaber once you glue a bunch of plastic strips to it, lol. I did get the grips a little high, so it's a bit hard to unlock it, but that was somewhat intentional as I originally planned on making the grips long so it couldn't be unlocked at all since that seems to have been the case on the original.

 

[FastballSpecial]

Wow that looks great!

 

[Solos blaster]

Looks great! I never get tired of lightsaber(especially graflex), builds!

 

[thd9791]

looks excellent! You're right, I keep marveling that these were sort-of accidents. The design aspect is actually quite marvelous, since I've seen so many customs that missed the mark, even my own.

 

[Sym-Cha]

Beautiful ... well done ... can't wait to see it dangling on your belt with a D-ring attached

Chaim