Steampunk Sonic Screwdriver

[penwiper]

This was just a quick build, but very satisfying.

The inspiration was the little brass spiral drill. A trip to the local hardware store supplied the rest of what was needed: a bit of brass pipe and an end cap, a lamp finial, and a plate hanger.

I removed the steel spring from the drill, then unscrewed the thing that tightens the end of the drill to hold the bit. (Sorry, I'm sure there's a technical term.) This made a perfect "bullet".

I wrapped a bit of the brasstone spring from the plate hanger around the finial ring to add some interest. The little brass hook-thing that came with the plate hanger to fasten it to the wall was, when suitably bent, perfect for holding the 'bullet'. This whole assembly got glued to one end of the drill.

The other end of the drill was glued to the brass pipe, with the other end of the pipe being closed with the end cap. The construction of the drill allows this to extend and retract, with a bit of rubber from one of those jar-opener-grippers inside to help it 'lock' in place.

The only thing I want to add is a suitable green crystal to the tip of the 'bullet'.

Fun build! It was really enjoyable just wandering the hardware aisles looking for inspiration. Though I did keep being 'helped' by Boy-Scout types who went all chivalrous at the sight of an apparently clueless female!

 

[TheDoctor]

Totally awsome!!!

I actually started to do the same thing at a Home Depot one time, but the employees started getting suspicious, asking what I was trying to 'repair'. It was made even worse when I had a folded up piece of parchment paper with a printout of a technical drawing of the SS. Finally, when the total in my head added up to more than $55, I put it all back and left.

I had a suspicion it could be done, thanks for proving it!

 

[Kadajiroth]

Wow, that's awesome! I love going to hardware stores and searching for items that would be good for props. You've done a fine job on that SS!

 

[mtsbspidey]

oh now that's just cool

 

[IronFist]

Outstanding build. What was the final cost on this?

 

[JBReplicas]

Agreed looks fantastic!!! :thumbsup

 

[penwiper]

Thanks, guys! Yes, the looks you get in the hardware store tend to be kind of odd. I tried not to blow their poor brains by describing it as an "art project", but next time I think I'll just say I'm window shopping and let them make of it what they will.

Total cost on the project was about $20. The drill was $8, and the brass pipe and endcap were something in the region of $8 to $10. (I'd get the receipt, but I've got a very comfy cat on my lap!) A 2-pack of finials was $2, and the plate hanger was $.99.

The hardest part was actually resisting buying all the pieces for a second, different screwdriver, because there are so many nifty plumbing bits out there!

 

[IronFist]

Thanks, guys! Yes, the looks you get in the hardware store tend to be kind of odd. I tried not to blow their poor brains by describing it as an "art project", but next time I think I'll just say I'm window shopping and let them make of it what they will.

"Oh, the window aisle is over there, ma'am." :lol

 

[penwiper]

"Oh, the window aisle is over there, ma'am." :lol

Oh, gosh, you're so right. Accompanied by indulgent shakes of the head at women who look for windows in the plumbing section. I can't win!

 

[wamser_e]

Oh, gosh, you're so right. Accompanied by indulgent shakes of the head at women who look for windows in the plumbing section. I can't win!

Back when I worked in a hardware store(high school) my fave was when any woman would come into the store and state that she needed "a screw". It took all we had to resist bursting out into full blown laughter. :lol

 

[micdavis]

Fantastic.

I envy people that can do this type of stuff.

If I don't have a blueprint, I'm lost.

 

[darthgoat]

That is pretty sweet! Well done!

 

[DoctorWho]

I love it. I might have to try to make one like that. I too have made some hardware store sonic screwdrivers but I really like your brass steam punk style one.

Here are the ones I have made:

http://doctorwhonc.deviantart.com/gallery/

What do you think of mine?

 

[penwiper]

I like those very much! You're making me want to try to cobble together a more traditional SS now.

 

[Zaphod]

Thanks, guys! Yes, the looks you get in the hardware store tend to be kind of odd. I tried not to blow their poor brains by describing it as an "art project", but next time I think I'll just say I'm window shopping and let them make of it what they will.

Total cost on the project was about $20. The drill was $8, and the brass pipe and endcap were something in the region of $8 to $10. (I'd get the receipt, but I've got a very comfy cat on my lap!) A 2-pack of finials was $2, and the plate hanger was $.99.

The hardest part was actually resisting buying all the pieces for a second, different screwdriver, because there are so many nifty plumbing bits out there!

Having the specific names for the parts, from the receipt would be truly helpful.
That way we could just walk in, and ask for those parts.

 

[Zaphod]

Okay...so I went to my local hardware store & Home Depot. I could not find a brass spiral drill. Any ideas as to where to get one?

<EDIT> Okay...nevermind that. Just bought it off of ebay. With shipping...US $6.98

 

[cloudborn]

Very cool!!:thumbsup

 

[Zaphod]

Argh! :angry

Neither my local hardware store nor the Home Despot carry the pipe and an end cap in brass!

 

[shuktuki]

thats a thing of beauty