Andymac84
Sr Member
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
Love that collection and amount of passion!
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Love that collection and amount of passion!
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Edraven99's Collection Tread - Long Overdue Updates
- Thread starter Edraven99
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Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
That's the debate... though I think I might be leaning towards just using my real clamp. I'm not removing the "MPP" tag on it so my build is never going to be 100% accurate anyways. But that said... I *might* have a cheat... I have to test and see....
That's the debate... though I think I might be leaning towards just using my real clamp. I'm not removing the "MPP" tag on it so my build is never going to be 100% accurate anyways. But that said... I *might* have a cheat... I have to test and see....
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
A bit of a change in gears (this will happen a lot since I can't just focus on one thing at a time it seems lol)
I started to work a little bit on the T-tracks for my Luke ESB build...
Before I start getting into more of the details, a bit of a word of encouragement to my fellow prop builder noobs out there that might be daunted, like I was, in tackling the Luke ESB. I'm a desk-jockey by profession and I've lived in condos for most of my adult life so the last time I really had to pick up and use tools in any meaningful fashion was in my metal and woodworking classes eons ago in high school.
Needless to say I was freaked out about screwing up this build more so than the other two - there aren't really anything that needs to be cut or drilled in an Obi or Vader build and what little that does need to be done is fairly straight forward. But for a Luke ESB, there's notches, drilling, riveting, and even more drilling involved before everything can be said and done.
All I can say is just go for it. You might take a bit longer to get there than some of the pros on here, but so long as you take a bit of care, you will get there. Of course I actually haven't started drilling anything yet so I could still live to eat those words lol....
Ok, on to the build.
After first cutting the T-tracks to the proper lengths and cleaning up the ends, I used information from both Gino's instructions and Roy's tutorial to first carefully measure out where the the notches are supposed to be with a pencil. I then used some thin painter's tape to mask off the area so I knew where I was going to cut.
This not only provided me with a visual guide, but help protect the flat area of the track later on. I then very carefully used my exacto saw and mitre box and cut along the edges of the notch on both sides all the way to the base of the track. Again, masking off the base of the track really helped in the couple of instances that I was a little too aggressive in my sawing as only the tape got scuffed up slightly as opposed to the track itself. The benefit of sawing the notch edges was that it gave me a nice clean edge along the notch sides to work with before I needed to start clearing out the excess material.
I them used my dremel with a grinding wheel to carefully cut out the excess material. This was easier than I was expecting it to be since the wheel more or less melts most of the excess plastic away. I got as close to the edges as I dared and as close to the base of the track as I could, and then used an exacto knife to clean up the base corners. I then used a file and some sandpaper to smooth out and clean up the base. The time I took to mask off the base once again came in handy as only the tape was scuffed and not the track itself during this process. And voila... notched out T-tracks:
I unfortunately haven't had time to do much else, but I'll leave you all with a discussion point. I know that there are a few of you out there that are doing their own Graflex ESB builds and the ongoing debate amongst everyone has been screws vs. rivets for the T-tracks.
Well I'm about to throw more fuel into the fire for the rivets camp.
Thanks to Chaim, we know that the screws from an Exactra calculator seem to fit the bill for the size of whatever was used to hold the T-tracks on and were probably what was used. But a lot of people like the look of rivets as it give a more "outworldly" look as opposed to an everyday Philips head screw.
Now for most ESB builds I've seen on the site, most people who have gone the route of rivets seem to use the standard 1/8" rivets for their build. But, if Chaim's dimensions are correct, they would seem to be a little too big for this purpose.
Well... here's what using a 3/32" rivet would look like:
The track on the top has the 3/32" rivet and the track on the bottom has the 1/8" rivet as a reference.
The size looks about right to me... what do you guys think?
A bit of a change in gears (this will happen a lot since I can't just focus on one thing at a time it seems lol)
I started to work a little bit on the T-tracks for my Luke ESB build...
Before I start getting into more of the details, a bit of a word of encouragement to my fellow prop builder noobs out there that might be daunted, like I was, in tackling the Luke ESB. I'm a desk-jockey by profession and I've lived in condos for most of my adult life so the last time I really had to pick up and use tools in any meaningful fashion was in my metal and woodworking classes eons ago in high school.
Needless to say I was freaked out about screwing up this build more so than the other two - there aren't really anything that needs to be cut or drilled in an Obi or Vader build and what little that does need to be done is fairly straight forward. But for a Luke ESB, there's notches, drilling, riveting, and even more drilling involved before everything can be said and done.
All I can say is just go for it. You might take a bit longer to get there than some of the pros on here, but so long as you take a bit of care, you will get there. Of course I actually haven't started drilling anything yet so I could still live to eat those words lol....
Ok, on to the build.
After first cutting the T-tracks to the proper lengths and cleaning up the ends, I used information from both Gino's instructions and Roy's tutorial to first carefully measure out where the the notches are supposed to be with a pencil. I then used some thin painter's tape to mask off the area so I knew where I was going to cut.
This not only provided me with a visual guide, but help protect the flat area of the track later on. I then very carefully used my exacto saw and mitre box and cut along the edges of the notch on both sides all the way to the base of the track. Again, masking off the base of the track really helped in the couple of instances that I was a little too aggressive in my sawing as only the tape got scuffed up slightly as opposed to the track itself. The benefit of sawing the notch edges was that it gave me a nice clean edge along the notch sides to work with before I needed to start clearing out the excess material.
I them used my dremel with a grinding wheel to carefully cut out the excess material. This was easier than I was expecting it to be since the wheel more or less melts most of the excess plastic away. I got as close to the edges as I dared and as close to the base of the track as I could, and then used an exacto knife to clean up the base corners. I then used a file and some sandpaper to smooth out and clean up the base. The time I took to mask off the base once again came in handy as only the tape was scuffed and not the track itself during this process. And voila... notched out T-tracks:
I unfortunately haven't had time to do much else, but I'll leave you all with a discussion point. I know that there are a few of you out there that are doing their own Graflex ESB builds and the ongoing debate amongst everyone has been screws vs. rivets for the T-tracks.
Well I'm about to throw more fuel into the fire for the rivets camp.
Thanks to Chaim, we know that the screws from an Exactra calculator seem to fit the bill for the size of whatever was used to hold the T-tracks on and were probably what was used. But a lot of people like the look of rivets as it give a more "outworldly" look as opposed to an everyday Philips head screw.
Now for most ESB builds I've seen on the site, most people who have gone the route of rivets seem to use the standard 1/8" rivets for their build. But, if Chaim's dimensions are correct, they would seem to be a little too big for this purpose.
Well... here's what using a 3/32" rivet would look like:
The track on the top has the 3/32" rivet and the track on the bottom has the 1/8" rivet as a reference.
The size looks about right to me... what do you guys think?
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
I like the LOOK of the lower ones... but I dunno. If matching screws, then yeah the top.
I have Exactra screws for mine... tried to shine them up with tricks I saw online, and now they're super dull.
I too have no tools, as I CURRENTLY live in a condo (moving to a house with GARAGE in 6 months) so I know your pain for dealing with even the smallest of projects.
I'm not even drilling the holes, I'm doing it at my friends place who has a drill press.
Careful drilling into that flash... don't wanna slip. Glue the T-tracks down first to hold as a guide.
I like the LOOK of the lower ones... but I dunno. If matching screws, then yeah the top.
I have Exactra screws for mine... tried to shine them up with tricks I saw online, and now they're super dull.
I too have no tools, as I CURRENTLY live in a condo (moving to a house with GARAGE in 6 months) so I know your pain for dealing with even the smallest of projects.
I'm not even drilling the holes, I'm doing it at my friends place who has a drill press.
Careful drilling into that flash... don't wanna slip. Glue the T-tracks down first to hold as a guide.
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
Very nice and precise work David! Nice idea with the masking tape.
I would definitely go for cross recessed screws:
http://www.therpf.com/showpost.php?p=3494454
Roy
www.wannawanga.com
Very nice and precise work David! Nice idea with the masking tape.
I would definitely go for cross recessed screws:
http://www.therpf.com/showpost.php?p=3494454
Roy
www.wannawanga.com
Sym-Cha
Master Member
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
What NeoRutty said ... I've been growing up seeing Luke's ESB with 1/8 rivets for so long now ... I just gotten used to them even before I learned that x-screws were used ... still the only evidence comes from the saber held at Skywalker Ranch or the Archives, which has never been confirmed to be seen on screen with that extra large graphic foil on the clamp ... as well as those additional tiny screws on the top-right of the T-track ... so what if all those extra bits to tighten the T-tracks were added or altered later on, after production ... that would indeed leave room for the more out-of-this-world rivets instead of screws. So yeah ... if you prefere those rivets ... go ahead and use the 1/8" or the smaller size, though remember . . . size matters not
Chaim
What NeoRutty said ... I've been growing up seeing Luke's ESB with 1/8 rivets for so long now ... I just gotten used to them even before I learned that x-screws were used ... still the only evidence comes from the saber held at Skywalker Ranch or the Archives, which has never been confirmed to be seen on screen with that extra large graphic foil on the clamp ... as well as those additional tiny screws on the top-right of the T-track ... so what if all those extra bits to tighten the T-tracks were added or altered later on, after production ... that would indeed leave room for the more out-of-this-world rivets instead of screws. So yeah ... if you prefere those rivets ... go ahead and use the 1/8" or the smaller size, though remember . . . size matters not
Chaim
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
I swear, in that ESB screws thread james kenobi (or MAYBE someone else) put up a final blown up shot of that bespin scene. There was a frank X there, and now the picture is missing. Notice how I ask "is that the same bespin scene" and something along the lines of "yep, i see it now"....right before that there used to be a picture and no one believes me now :lol
I swear, in that ESB screws thread james kenobi (or MAYBE someone else) put up a final blown up shot of that bespin scene. There was a frank X there, and now the picture is missing. Notice how I ask "is that the same bespin scene" and something along the lines of "yep, i see it now"....right before that there used to be a picture and no one believes me now :lol
What NeoRutty said ... I've been growing up seeing Luke's ESB with 1/8 rivets for so long now ... I just gotten used to them even before I learned that x-screws were used ... still the only evidence comes from the saber held at Skywalker Ranch or the Archives, which has never been confirmed to be seen on screen with that extra large graphic foil on the clamp ... as well as those additional tiny screws on the top-right of the T-track ... so what if all those extra bits to tighten the T-tracks were added or altered later on, after production ... that would indeed leave room for the more out-of-this-world rivets instead of screws. So yeah ... if you prefere those rivets ... go ahead and use the 1/8" or the smaller size, though remember . . . size matters not
Chaim
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
I took some screen grabs of the best saber shots from ESB (1080p bluray) myself to check. I enhanced and enlarged the saber:
I can't make any crosses visible, but I did change the screws back to black on my Luke ESB
Roy
I took some screen grabs of the best saber shots from ESB (1080p bluray) myself to check. I enhanced and enlarged the saber:
I can't make any crosses visible, but I did change the screws back to black on my Luke ESB
Roy
Sym-Cha
Master Member
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
If only we could blow up this picture of 'lonely' Luke :
Or this one :
... however it feels like this debate about rivets vs. screws keeps popping up once in a while ... so here's that particular thread :
http://www.therpf.com/f79/lightsaber-screws-119376/?highlight=rivets+vs+screws
and as scottjua mentioned last : 'I'm still debating this in my head... I've been over and over the blu ray screen shots tonight too, and no conclusive thought yet... ' so there you have it. Let's finish this debate as I said for once and for all ... please :confused
Chaim
If only we could blow up this picture of 'lonely' Luke :
Or this one :
... however it feels like this debate about rivets vs. screws keeps popping up once in a while ... so here's that particular thread :
http://www.therpf.com/f79/lightsaber-screws-119376/?highlight=rivets+vs+screws
and as scottjua mentioned last : 'I'm still debating this in my head... I've been over and over the blu ray screen shots tonight too, and no conclusive thought yet... ' so there you have it. Let's finish this debate as I said for once and for all ... please :confused
Chaim
HeartBlade
Sr Member
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
Cool Obi and Luke parts. Im not a huge fan of the Luke but its always cool to see a real parts build.
So what is the story behind the emitter? Is it a replica or the real thing? Also, how do you plan to put the obi together? It needs some things inside to keep it together.
Cant wait to see the completed Luke soon.
Cool Obi and Luke parts. Im not a huge fan of the Luke but its always cool to see a real parts build.
So what is the story behind the emitter? Is it a replica or the real thing? Also, how do you plan to put the obi together? It needs some things inside to keep it together.
Cant wait to see the completed Luke soon.
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
Ok... follow me on this... and someone please correct me if my eyes are playing tricks on me....
Based on Roy's example evidence and Chaim's Exactra screw reference picture, it looks to me like the heads on the screws that were/are used are pretty much the same width as the T-track "fin":
But if you look at Roy's screen grab, is it me or the screw/rivet head a noticeably few millimeters wider than the fin?
Almost, dare I say, the same amount of "overhang" as a 1/8" rivet head??
Ok... follow me on this... and someone please correct me if my eyes are playing tricks on me....
Based on Roy's example evidence and Chaim's Exactra screw reference picture, it looks to me like the heads on the screws that were/are used are pretty much the same width as the T-track "fin":
 |  |
But if you look at Roy's screen grab, is it me or the screw/rivet head a noticeably few millimeters wider than the fin?
 |
Almost, dare I say, the same amount of "overhang" as a 1/8" rivet head??
 |
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
Thanks! Yep... the emitter is real - both of them (though obviously one of them is an uncorrected male balance pipe)
Thanks! Yep... the emitter is real - both of them (though obviously one of them is an uncorrected male balance pipe)
HeartBlade
Sr Member
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
Ah, envious of your real female balance pipe. Were you on the engine buy? Looking forward to the build. Hope the question of rivets vs screws dont keep you too occupied (lol yes Im biased).
Regarding the Luke, Im sure that they made multiple versions of the saber, both stunt and hero. I wouldnt be surprised if the ESB is very different from the ANH (and probably slighly easier to reference since it appears much more prominently in ESB. Luke only turns it on in tatooine and trains with the droid on the falcon in ANH).
Ah, envious of your real female balance pipe. Were you on the engine buy? Looking forward to the build. Hope the question of rivets vs screws dont keep you too occupied (lol yes Im biased).
Regarding the Luke, Im sure that they made multiple versions of the saber, both stunt and hero. I wouldnt be surprised if the ESB is very different from the ANH (and probably slighly easier to reference since it appears much more prominently in ESB. Luke only turns it on in tatooine and trains with the droid on the falcon in ANH).
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
Heh... don't worry... I should be getting to the Obi soon enough... my big problem with it right now are my sink knobs.... one's stuck so I can't disassemble it and flip the cubes, and my other one is a bath knob variant and it looks like I'll have to take a hacksaw to it to make it work
And yup... there are a lot of differences between the ANH and ESB versions of Luke's lightsaber... the screws/rivets on the T-tracks is one of them... we're just trying to figure out what was used
Heh... don't worry... I should be getting to the Obi soon enough... my big problem with it right now are my sink knobs.... one's stuck so I can't disassemble it and flip the cubes, and my other one is a bath knob variant and it looks like I'll have to take a hacksaw to it to make it work
And yup... there are a lot of differences between the ANH and ESB versions of Luke's lightsaber... the screws/rivets on the T-tracks is one of them... we're just trying to figure out what was used
HeartBlade
Sr Member
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
No rush no rush. Just a little ribbing. Take your time with the sabers. Any good product takes time and love and research. I love learning more about how these props and the various builds anyway so will keep a close eye on the thread. Sorry if Im derailing btw.
Heh... don't worry... I should be getting to the Obi soon enough... my big problem with it right now are my sink knobs.... one's stuck so I can't disassemble it and flip the cubes, and my other one is a bath knob variant and it looks like I'll have to take a hacksaw to it to make it work
And yup... there are a lot of differences between the ANH and ESB versions of Luke's lightsaber... the screws/rivets on the T-tracks is one of them... we're just trying to figure out what was used
No rush no rush. Just a little ribbing. Take your time with the sabers. Any good product takes time and love and research. I love learning more about how these props and the various builds anyway so will keep a close eye on the thread. Sorry if Im derailing btw.
Sym-Cha
Master Member
Re: Edraven99's Real Parts Lightsaber Build Thread
As far as those AS handwheels ... I never understood why the cubes were flipped in the first place ... putting together the OB1 props it makes little sense and compared to the later ROTS OB1 saber all cubes were 'flipped' back to the original position as on the vintage handwheels. So were those OB1 ANH cubes flipped and all other vintage parts cobbled back together after production in need for several publicity shots when STAR WARS turned to be a blockbuster and huge success? One of my AS handwheels is also quite stuck and I was adviced to use some WD-40 as well as the square metal part of a seperated regular doorhandle to use as a tool ... perhaps this might give you some ideas to loosen all the 4 parts?
Chaim
As far as those AS handwheels ... I never understood why the cubes were flipped in the first place ... putting together the OB1 props it makes little sense and compared to the later ROTS OB1 saber all cubes were 'flipped' back to the original position as on the vintage handwheels. So were those OB1 ANH cubes flipped and all other vintage parts cobbled back together after production in need for several publicity shots when STAR WARS turned to be a blockbuster and huge success? One of my AS handwheels is also quite stuck and I was adviced to use some WD-40 as well as the square metal part of a seperated regular doorhandle to use as a tool ... perhaps this might give you some ideas to loosen all the 4 parts?
Chaim
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