"Barba-kinda" - My Take on the Barbican Lightsaber

[DexAntares]

I just purchased an 89sabers DV3 empty with plans to convert it into a reasonable approximation of a working Barbican style Vader lightsaber and I'm looking for custom parts to add to the design. I can do some 3D printing myself but I was hoping some of you guys might be able to help me find compatible parts, if any exist. I'm especially interested in the shroud d-ring assembly. If anybody can help me out I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

[DexAntares]

6 new photos · Saturday, May 10 ð¸

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So I got the 89sabers DV3 today. I immediately sanded off the Prequel era shininess to make it closer to the OT grungy aesthetic. I'm also printing an ANH Graflex grip guide to attach the grips with. This project is going to involve some compromises so it won't be a 100% replica of the Barbican, hence the title. I've got someone on Etsy who may be able to craft some custom parts for me. For now the saber will sit empty and mostly unadorned, save for the grips and control box switch.

 

[eethan]

I need to check what I have, but might still have some of the greeblies from my run.

 

[Benjo]

6 new photos · Saturday, May 10 ð¸

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So I got the 89sabers DV3 today. I immediately sanded off the Prequel era shininess to make it closer to the OT grungy aesthetic. I'm also printing an ANH Graflex grip guide to attach the grips with. This project is going to involve some compromises so it won't be a 100% replica of the Barbican, hence the title. I've got someone on Etsy who may be able to craft some custom parts for me. For now the saber will sit empty and mostly unadorned, save for the grips and control box switch.

The barbican base tube has a bigger diameter than the Vader ROTS.
Your best bet would be to beat the hell out of your replica in my opinion, to make it look like an OT stunt. The OT style grips, the shroud and the MPP clamp won't fit.

It would be like trying to reproduce the Ranch Graflex out of a skinnyflex.

 

[eethan]

what's the tube diameter on your replica then, so we get a better idea?

 

[DexAntares]

Yeaahhhh, this is definitely gonna be a "close enough" thing. I missed out on the Barbican replica run someone did here a few years ago so this is the next best thing. Like I said, it won't be 100%. I fully acknowledge that. Like I probably won't be adding the cheese head screws to the grips. I'm debating whether or not I want to weather it or keep it more-or-less pristine. As for tube diameter, if I measured the OD correctly (I'm terrible with such things) It should be 1.4".

 

[eethan]

yeah, the Barbican tube is more around 38.5mm, so a tiny bit more than 1.5". Like I said, I have parts leftover from my run last year, but they are made for a larger tube.

 

[DexAntares]

yeah, the Barbican tube is more around 38.5mm, so a tiny bit more than 1.5". Like I said, I have parts leftover from my run last year, but they are made for a larger tube.

It's alright. I met someone on Etsy who not only has parts but is enthusiastic about helping me with the project. He's probably going to need to custom make some parts for me. I'm cool with that. My biggest concerns are getting the d-ring box and mystery greeblie box right. He has the cap greeblies, and I can modify them myself to make them fit. He may even have a circuit card for my control box. I do appreciate the offer though, and if things fall through for whatever reason I'll reach out to you, see if I can adapt some parts from your run.

 

[eethan]

I actually don't think anything needs to be adapted, it's not that much of a difference. i'll let you know what I have left tomorrow

 

[DexAntares]

I actually don't think anything needs to be adapted, it's not that much of a difference. i'll let you know what I have left tomorrow

Much appreciated. Also I got the grips on. Looks way more formidable with them. I can't wait to get the proper greeblies on there.

 

[eethan]

you can get the accurate clamp card from the run on Slothfurnace website. Not sure how it will fit on that version, but in any case, it's readily available if you need it.

 

[DexAntares]

you can get the accurate clamp card from the run on Slothfurnace website. Not sure how it will fit on that version, but in any case, it's readily available if you need it.

Excellent. I've always wanted some of his work. I'll see if my Etsy contact comes through with the circuit card he mentioned, keep Slothfurnace in mind as a backup.

 

[eethan]

Excellent. I've always wanted some of his work. I'll see if my Etsy contact comes through with the circuit card he mentioned, keep Slothfurnace in mind as a backup.

Hi,
I checked and I have indeed most of the greeblies from the run, pm me if you want them

 

[DexAntares]

Thanks for providing the pics of your parts eethan. I was able to model and print approximate versions of the box and cap greeblies. They're held on by tension until I can find the right brass screw for the box. I also need to study pics of the brass piece that goes in the topmost part of th box greeblie, then try to model and print one of those.

 

[DexAntares]

Fired up my printer again to make the brass detail inside the greeblie box. Again, it's never gonna be 100% but I'm satisfied so far.

 

[DexAntares]

Just got word from my contact on Etsy. He's completed the custom d-ring block for my Barbican build. I sent him the block greeblie and he used it to size up a custom piece. He's sending it to me tomorrow. I should have it by this weekend. This will complete the overall build, minus the electronics of course. I'm very excited~ Had such a big smile on my face when he showed it to me.

 

[DexAntares]

And it's complete! Well, except for an install, which comes later. I managed to get the custom D-ring block on there, and I even tightened the ring itself. I'm super happy with this. May try to go for a more accurate circuit card later, but I probably won't change the faux lever on the side.