Substitution parts for Luke ANH lightsaber...

[acolyte]

Hello all. I've recently got back into prop making and stumbled upon this quite amazing forum. Good to be posting here!

I'm attempting some custom builds of Luke's ANH saber. I've done quite a bit of research and have come up with the idea of doing several different kinds of sabers built around this particular one. I already have some graflex 3-cells on the way for converting; however, I'm even more interested in building an accurate replica from scratch. So let me explain where this leaves me and what I'm asking...

1. I'm going to do the trusty old conversion of a Graflex 3-cell to the ANH saber using a conversion kit as a starter. This is just to get my feet wet and because let's face it who doesn't want this saber sitting around at home? :cool
2. I'm already in talks with some people here on the forums and some machine shops to find a way to custom manufacture all the pieces so that I can basically build my own professional replicas of the 3-cells ready for conversion into sabers.
3. And last, but not least, the two ideas above lead me to look for a way to recreate an accurate 3-cell saber using the cheapest parts available without having to order anything online. We're talking radio shack and Lowe's here.

So with the 3rd option in mind, does anyone have any suggestions for cheap parts around town that might be available as approximate substitutes for parts making up a Graflex 3-cell / lightsaber? I'm looking for replacement suggestions for the infamous red gnurled button, the glass eye, the brass pins, the black insert where you would typically mount a saber blade, and of course the bubble strip to go on the clamp. The sky's the limit, any suggestions welcome!

When I get a solid list together I'm hoping to release a tutorial on how to build a dirt cheap saber like the one that can be found at Ant's Graflex Replica

 

[Sym-Cha]

Hello there,

Did you find/read these threads already :

http://www.therpf.com/f9/garden-rake-t-track-e11-94709/

http://www.therpf.com/f9/what-good-t-track-substitute-fett-blaster-71775/

or

T-track/blaster fins Tutorial (if anyone's interested)

For you über screen accurate ANH graflex conversion get Rebelscums Bubble Strip and Gino's Grips and
my template+instructions to recreate my D-ring assembly. Use the search button to find all of the above

-Chaim

 

[acolyte]

I'm well aware that you can source most of these items online. My question had to do with cheap substitution parts which might be available locally for an individual looking to build a graflex 3-cell replica from scratch. I guess I'm a little less interested in parts for the saber as I am parts for the original graflex before conversion. Thanks though.

 

[Son of Skywalker]

So are you looking for found parts to be used instead of making them by hand?
Or an even cheaper solution to Ant's build?

 

[acolyte]

Yeah I think the idea here is to find a way to utilize what we have around us locally to attempt a reconstruction. For example, I know that the brass pins are available online; however, I've also heard people suggest using a 2 prong DIN plug for a close substitution. Those are available from any Radio Shack. So I'm interested in more ideas like these. I love ANTs website, I would just like to add upon and expand on the idea that a good solid replica for this can be achieved for those people with smaller budgets and limited resources. Plus I think it will be a fun challenge. Thanks for the replies thus far.

 

[Tan Djarka]

I've made the pins from brass L-hooks (sort of like hardware cups hooks). I just cut them off to the appropriate length. The "red button" assembly can be made using part of a PL-259 RF connector, although Radio Shack no longer carries the correct style (diamond knurling instead of straight). The calculator bubble strip can be made from a piece of plexiglass and clear rubber bumpers or cabachons (they're like those acrylic jewels, only without facets). The grips can be made from sections of a leaf rake. For the rest of the saber you just have to fabricate everything by hand.

 

[Sym-Cha]

Hi again,

Okay . . . so perhaps your thread title should read:

" Substitution parts for a vintage graflex " then

MTFBWY,

-Chaim

 

[acolyte]

Thanks Tan Djarka, I'll have to look into these. A little fabrication with sheet metal is cool, but some things, especially the clamp and the emitter, can get a little complicated. If anyone has any material substitutions or metal working tips I'd love to hear them. I'll credit you in the tutorial after it's finished!

 

[Tan Djarka]

A little fabrication with sheet metal is cool, but some things, especially the clamp and the emitter, can get a little complicated.

I haven't done too well with the ears/emitter loop yet, but I've got the clamp down to virtual science. Instead of a heavier, harder to work aluminum sheet, I use roof flashing. Not the roll type as it's much too thin, but the type that comes pre-cut in small rectangles. It's not terribly expensive so should you screw up, it's not a big loss.

For the bends, I heard some use the edge of a metal ruler. Another option is a seaming tool for HVAC and gutter sheet metal work, though they are fairly expensive (unless you plan on making alot of clamps, it would be cheaper to get a second hand replica clamp). I just use a pair of needlenose pliers with a long and straight enough edge to make the proper bend.

The sidebars are made from 1/4" square plastic (from Evergreen styrene modelling supplies), and the lever/bolt assembly from 6/32 x 1" flat head machine screws and a togge bolt lever.

 

[acolyte]

Interesting, especially about the clamps. I'm actually in talks with a member here Tetmatek to secure his clamp building tools, so hopefully soon I can pick up where he left off. Maybe soon I'll have some cheap clamps available for the community. Awesome suggestions, please keep them coming!

 

[darth kenobi]

I was wondering what I could use in place of the graflex eye. i was thinking of a door peep hole. would that be a good substitute