Lowbudget Sonic Screwdriver help

[IronCostumer]

Hey guys, I've been a lurker here for a long time, appreciating the awesome stuff you guys do. Lately I've been getting into Doctor Who and really want my own SS. I think buying one would be boring and unfulfilling. So I want to attempt to make one. I like the Tennant version, so that's what I'm going for. And because I'm only 14, and better at costume making, I have a low budget and limited abilities. So I was wondering if some of you could give me ideas and help on what I could use to make mine. The biggest problem I'm going to have is the electronics. I want it to both light up and make the sound fx. I have no plan or idea at all on how to accomplish this. For the actual screwdriver itself, I was thinking a combination of PVC tubes and bic pens, at least that's what I think would work from the pics I've seen. For the grip and ridges on the outside, I think I'll use air dry clay. Any ideas, pics, links, anything that you think would help really, would be greatly appreciated.

 

[protokev DMD]

i would suggest on your budget to try to get ahold of one of the toy ones and mod it if needed

 

[d_jedi1]

I agree, either the Character Options one or the Wesco "torch" will work
Here they are with minor re-paints

 

[Risu]

I agree, repainting the CO toy or torch is the best way to go. I'm going that route right now, just waiting on the correct crackle paint to arrive via boat from England. There are other ways to repaint it though without the crackle stuff.

 

[DarthMarmalade]

I want to see what you come up with using Bic pens, pvc tubes, and clay. The toys have been used as props on the show, so you can't get much more screen-accurate than that, but I'm all for creativity and innovation -- and we know The Doctor has had more than one sonic screwdriver over the years.

My impression is that polymer clay would be stronger than air-dry. Fimo or Sculpey; they do need heat to harden them, but I'm told that a hair dryer will work for that.

And this is a project you don't have to do all at once. You could sculpt an inert prop, and worry about lights and sounds later. Or you could work out the electronics and get them all working, and then make the outside. Good luck!

 

[IronCostumer]

If I was to buy the toy, which one is more accurate, because I see they are different sizes. I still think I want to build one myself, but my brother wants to buy, and he wants as accurate for as cheap as possible.

edit: also, is there a toy that doesn't use button cells batteries, but still looks the same or very close aesthetically?

 

[d_jedi1]

Of the two I showed, the larger one has an extending neck as well as lights and sound.. the smaller "torch" is just a blue flashlight, nothing more. It doesn't extend and has NO sound. As far as more accurate.. I don't know. I'm the wrong person to answer that one

 

[Primrodo]

The toys have been used as props on the show, so you can't get much more screen-accurate than that,

BIIIG internet rumour I am afraid, never happened.

 

[Risu]

Neither one is the right size, but the CO toy is closer to the Tennant sonic than the torch is to the Eccleston. The extending neck and sound give it the win hands down in my book.

EDIT: Those are some beautiful pics Primrodo.

 

[IronCostumer]

So which size is the best one to buy for a Tennant version? in that pic, biggest, medium, or smallest? And can I have a link for the US?

 

[protokev DMD]

well medium one, but thats 400 american...which i doubt is in your budget.

 

[d_jedi1]

Well the medium is EXACTLY like the Tennant but it isn't low-budget in any way.
The large is probably your best bet.
http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=UT01635

https://www.jrstoyworld.com/product_info.php?products_id=1156

it used to be about $15.00 on TRU and Amazon but it's not on TRU now and Amazon only seems to have it for fifty bones through secondary vendors..

 

[IronCostumer]

Thanks for the info guys. I think I'm gonna eyeball the dimensions and see what I can come up with. It won't be exact, but I think I'll be proud of it in the end. Need to go buy some PVC for the main barrel. I've got some parts from pens, I don't have any idea what to do for the black cap, and how to do the different sizings of the main barrel. I have a little idea about how to do the top part, using bottle caps. NO idea what to do for the blue piece, or how to put in lights, a non button cell battery, and sounds. If someone could give me some ideas on what I can use to do that, maybe how to salvage parts from household objects, it would really help.

 

[Risu]

Why exactly is it so important that it's not a button cell battery?

 

[IronCostumer]

Why exactly is it so important that it's not a button cell battery?

Button cell batteries can get expensive, so using maybe a AAA would be easier and cheaper.

 

[Contec]

Button cell batteries can get expensive, so using maybe a AAA would be easier and cheaper.

You can save loads of money on buttonbatteries if you do this batterie hack... and it works:thumbsup
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/773138/12_volt_battery_hack_youll_be_surprised/

 

[IronCostumer]

You can save loads of money on buttonbatteries if you do this batterie hack... and it works:thumbsup
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/773138/12_volt_battery_hack_youll_be_surprised/

Thanks, this could help. I went to radio-shack in search of an LED to use. I found a high power blue LED, but the people there had no idea what I needed to power it or if I needed any resistors. If anyone on here can help me that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JBReplicas]

I have 2 of the Character Options toy sonics, I now have the MFX version so I don't need them anymore, PM me your address and I will send you one for free, it is Christmas after all :thumbsup

 

[IronCostumer]

PM sent.

 

[JBReplicas]

PM replied :thumbsup