T-TRACK GRIP discussion

[GINO]

There is an old thread on this that had been archived here on the rpf.
At the time, we had an accurate drafting for the T-track used on all the lightsabers and blasters all ready to go. All we needed was to find someone who wanted to head up the project. The project was to create a cross section drafting that an extruder could use to produce an accurate extrusion die for black abs (like the originals).
About 2.5 years ago, my hard drive crashed and the drawings were on it. I still have great reference for someone else to easily draw up some plans.

I think its high time that we had access to some accurate t-track to upgrade all our sabers and blasters with. Whoever wants to head up this project should be able to do well for themselves beyone the project costs.

Off the top of my head, I think $45 per set of saber grips and $60 per set of blaster grips is a good price point. For those who would gripe about that price, just think about how much you spent on the accurate saber or blaster. Doesn't it DESERVE some accurate t-track?
If there was a set of accurate t-track on ebay right now for $45, I'd pounce on it in a second.

Anyway, who's interested in buying some, who's interested in making a drawing, and who's interested in heading up the project and reaping the project profits?

 

[franz bolo]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

There was a member here, Saberfreak??? that had some real T-Track.

Why reinvent the wheel?

FB

 

[GINO]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

Because his t-track doesn't match the original stuff.
It is the closest that has been found though.

 

[Darth Lars]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

I posted in the archived thread:

Here is my interpretation. I don't have any fancy CAD program so I made a pencil drawing, which I scanned and cleaned up a bit. All measurements are in millimeters, and should not be considered more accurate than +/-0.5 mm

I did not define the edges of the base too much as they vary a great deal. The fin could shrink a bit more in the middle. I agree now that the top should be circular, or at least close to it. Please criticize!

(image)

I expect the T-track to shrink a little bit when it cools after it has been extruded, so maybe the edges should be a little less rounded.

 

[laszlo]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

I was excited about this project, but I thought the inaccurate curved bottom seemed odd considering the lengths being taken to make it "accurate" T-track.

 

[GINO]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

The curve at the bottom IS accurate.

 

[GINO]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

I think I might be able to head up the project once we have a finalized drawing.
I've been in contact with a couple of extruders and am in the process of getting quotes right now.

 

[TheRealMcFly]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

Thank you Gino for bringing this back.

How wonderful would it be to have accurate profile track in black? There is a small plastics shop nearby.... if I can help in any way let me know what questions I should be asking. Such as what type of plastic is this stuff anyway?

 

[SingleSeat]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

Looks identical in cross-section to the ROTJ Fett blaster t-track, but I'm no saber guy.

 

[GINO]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

No prob. I just hope there is enough interest to justify the cost of the minimum run.
I already have samples of different black extruded materials on their way to me so I can assess them.

 

[TheRealMcFly]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

Thank you Gino for bringing this back.

How wonderful would it be to have accurate profile track in black? There is a small plastics shop nearby.... if I can help in any way let me know what questions I should be asking. Such as what type of plastic is this stuff anyway?

EDIT: Should Gino's suppplier not work out... it might be nice to have an extra quote. I'm sorry I'm just excited to finish my all original parts ESB Graflex I guess.

 

[GINO]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

I'll take any quotes. I'm already getting several on my end, but if you have a place to recommend, I'd be glad to talk with them and get their quote as well.

 

[GINO]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

Right now, the thing we need most is a drafting that matches the profiles in the pics I posted.

Also, please post in this thread if you feel you would want in on the project and how much.
Not in an official sign up capacity, but just to see if there is enough people interested to warrant it happening. We tried to get this off the ground once and it crashed and burned. Lets hope this time we can make it happen.

 

[Darth Lars]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

Such as what type of plastic is this stuff anyway?

It is a type of polystyrene. Probably a blend with butadiene. Maybe ABS. That family of plastics, anyway.

Also. I think one needs to be careful about designing the shape to take plastic shrinkage into account.

There was a member here, Saberfreak??? that had some real T-Track.

Why reinvent the wheel?

Saberfreak's track was of the right material, but wrong color, not wide enough, not high enough, had no "glue channel" and the fin did not taper, but was (still is) readily available and better than what was available before.
It also ended the debate about what the T-track was, and how it was bent into the holes on the E-11 blaster. Rubber T-track did not look right on the blaster, but Saberfreaks tracks that had been bent using heat looked practically spot-on.

Looks identical in cross-section to the ROTJ Fett blaster t-track, but I'm no saber guy.

Same thing. Some T-track that was used in ROTJ was resin-cast off the real thing.

 

[GINO]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

I agree with all of that. :thumbsup

 

[TheRealMcFly]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

I can pass along the contact info if you'd like, but if you are already getting a few quotes thats good enough for me. I know we are in good hands.

I'm in for some track. Whatever it takes to make this happen.

 

[GINO]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

Cool. Send it along. I don't mind getting more estimates. Email or pm. :thumbsup

 

[dcarty]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

I'm really glad to see this started up again. I was toying around with the idea before the last project was kicked around and when it died I didn't pursue it any further either. I've got 2 blasters and 4 sabers that are screaming for this stuff!

Dave

 

[Lan-Ed-Tul]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

ehh, i just use the grip t track stuff from either blast-tech, or TCSS.

looks good enough for me, ans with the 3m adhesive tape, on it already, they stay stuck pretty well.

 

[GINO]

Re: T-TRACK GRIP PROJECT resurrected

You could. That is what I have on my sabers right now as well as probably most people. I think they are great.

However...
The grip profile of those makers are inaccurate and they are made out of the wrong materials.
The interest in accurate t-track is for people who want to take their sabers and blasters to a new level of accuracy that has so far not been able to be achieved anywhere.
I can't see researching and spending big bucks on a blaster or saber replica, and then skimping on an area such as the grips. That is, if accurate t-track is to be made available.

Doesn't your prop DESERVE accurate t-track grips? :love