Tom Baker Sonic Screwdriver SHOCKING EVIDENCE!

[Asp9mm]

Right, I think we need to beg Russ to do a run on some more heads with smaller diameter halos with button magent attached. This thread has convinced me not to go for the Sixteen 12.

 

[phez]

Thanks for posting the comparison shots.

I will machine a smaller ring tonight and throw it on my RussRep Sonic. I will post a pic and see what it looks like. I think Russ's sonic is really close.

 

[Asp9mm]

Thanks for posting the comparison shots.

I will machine a smaller ring tonight and through it on my RussRep Sonice. I will post a pic and see what it looks like. I think Russ's sonic is really close.

I love Russ's sonic, that's why I was wavering on the Sixteen 12 version. I'm happy with my Russ sonic as is, but if he did a run of smaller halos I'd be as happy as a pig in poo.

 

[Funky]

I shot BoatBuilder an email and he said to look at the local hardware store. I figured if it was that easy we would have had this found by now but I was wrong :lol

Here is what you are looking for, about $2.00 at True Value hardware store. It is a dead on match (color and all, it is really close to the color of the powder coated heads on Russ's Sonics). It screws right in using the screw that came with the Sonic. They are hanging with all of the rest of the magnets no less (This is obviously a ploy to confuse the found object prop activist who is required to over think the location of even the simplest object :lol).

If you don't have a Tru Value in your area, try an Ace Hardware: http://www.acehardware.com/search/index.jsp?sr=1&kw=magnet&origkw=magnet&kwCatId=&pg=2

 

[Jack T Chance]

OK, I understand that. Thing is that the older TLPs had a different look. The newer ones have been changed for sure and now don't resemble them in most of the key ways including the grip diameter and decorations. I think TLP changed them and even removed the info about the copy from his auctions anyway. Not to mention, not all TLP's feature the telescoping head, just the one with the bright red emitter halo from Genisis of the Daleks and even then only when the auction specifies it so that's not quite entirely proof.

I won't take up any argument about it. TLP isn't even arguing about it either, but, I have seen the older model TLP in question next to the sixteen 12 sonic and the comparison pictures were pretty much dead on...at the time. I never saved them and even then I wouldn't post them if I had since I don't want to open a flame war right after this site just got over the last one :rolleyes I just want to explain my reasons for initial comment is all. Besides, I did say it was SUPPOSEDLY a copy, but I guess I really should have been more specific that it was speculation. :unsure


I do agree though that TLP should do a group run like Russ. I'd just want a plain-o with burgundy emitter that I could maybe possibly put the new magnet on the end of XD I don't think I would really put a magnet on the end of it though, his emitter end is actually REALLY nice looking.

Well, let's see if you're right. I'm NOT going to take the time right now to do the side-by-side comparison pics, but here's the pics that are up on the Time Lord's Pocket website. These seem to be older pics than what was shown in his most recent eBay auction:

You guys be the judges.

If you don't have a Tru Value in your area, try an Ace Hardware: http://www.acehardware.com/search/index.jsp?sr=1&kw=magnet&origkw=magnet&kwCatId=&pg=2

Well, I hope we have a True Value around here, and I hope they stock them, because Ace wants $5 for the thing in the ½" size, whereas Tru Value only wanted $2. That's a ridiculous price difference! :thumbsdown

And I noticed that Ace also carries the ¾" size (most likely too large for the Sixteen 12 sonic, and very probably the size my parents have around the house) and a 1" size.

 

[Risu]

Thanks for the heads up on Ace. I went in and had them order one for me. I can't imagine they'll be around for very long, it looks like there's not a single hardware store that actually stocks the things. For the record, it's $3.99 for the 1/2 inch size and (in my area at least) you have the advantage of not having to drive into the worst neighborhood in town to find a True Value store.

 

[Jack T Chance]

Thanks for the heads up on Ace. I went in and had them order one for me. I can't imagine they'll be around for very long, it looks like there's not a single hardware store that actually stocks the things. For the record, it's $3.99 for the 1/2 inch size and (in my area at least) you have the advantage of not having to drive into the worst neighborhood in town to find a True Value store.

I'm fortunate I live near D.C. I just checked True Value's website. In Montgomery County, MD, just outside D.C., we have 2 locations of Strosnider's Hardware, which is not only a True Value franchisee, they're ALSO an Ace Hardware franchisee, as well! So one way, or the other, they should have these magnets, or at least be able to order them! thumbsup

They're well-known in this area for being a great hardware store. At my last job, one of my co-workers lived near one of the 2 locations, and we used them to purchase things for the store that we couldn't find at either Home Despot or Lowe's. They pretty much always had what we were looking for. And unlike in your situation, these guys are actually located in one of the better parts of the area! So, looks like I'll be driving down there tomorrow.

 

[Straker]

Well, let's see if you're right. I'm NOT going to take the time right now to do the side-by-side comparison pics, but here's the pics that are up on the Time Lord's Pocket website. These seem to be older pics than what was shown in his most recent eBay auction:

You guys be the judges. Well, I hope we have a True Value around here, and I hope they stock them, because Ace wants $5 for the thing in the ½" size, whereas Tru Value only wanted $2. That's a ridiculous price difference! :thumbsdown

And I noticed that Ace also carries the ¾" size (most likely too large for the Sixteen 12 sonic, and very probably the size my parents have around the house) and a 1" size.

The ones on the TLP website are also different than the one I had seen. look, Jack, I'm not going to argue about it, it was more then a year ago if not two years ago and well before I joined the forum. All the pics TLP post now are different anyway. I think he made many changes since then to distance his stuff from the sixteen 12 model as much as possible so people couldn't accuse him of copying theirs. It's quite possible that he already worked out the issue which would explain why he took the info off his auctions. I only brought up the speculation is all and even though I said it was debatable or arguable i don't really want to do either since I own none but the only reason I mentioned it was because the bullet diameter.

 

[the DOCTOR]

Just to weigh in here, and to show that there was at least one intermediate stage before the final version of the sixteen12 replica, here are two of the earlier prototypes of the Baker sonic, and another prototype the origins of which I'll explain later:

L to R: Plastic Sonic, first prototype 1612 , second prototype 1612

As you can see, with the 1612 sonic, there were at least two revisions before the production sonic- the first one was wrong in several ways, and these were corrected in the second one- I *think* there were more changes before production as well...

I can state, quite categorically, that the sixteen12 sonics are all CNC'd- writing the program and setting the lathe/mill going in a factory in China 800 times is infinitely more cost effective than setting up a die cast mould and then cleaning and polishing each individual part..!

(the plastic sonic is over ten years old, and was based on the old Technical Manual blueprints, this was a toy that never went into production, and, indeed, this is the only prototype as moulds were never made, to add to the uniquity of this item, it doesn't have the spring loading and the emitter lights up blue [a full five years before Eccleston's did!] while the handle vibrates)

Hope this is of interest!

 

[Jack T Chance]

The ones on the TLP website are also different than the one I had seen. look, Jack, I'm not going to argue about it, it was more then a year ago if not two years ago and well before I joined the forum. All the pics TLP post now are different anyway. I think he made many changes since then to distance his stuff from the sixteen 12 model as much as possible so people couldn't accuse him of copying theirs. It's quite possible that he already worked out the issue which would explain why he took the info off his auctions. I only brought up the speculation is all and even though I said it was debatable or arguable i don't really want to do either since I own none but the only reason I mentioned it was because the bullet diameter.

I'm only posting the pictures and info to make sure that people have both sides of the story.

BTW, from his most recent eBay auction (I had added it to my Watched Auctions list, so I can still pull it back up)...

Superbly and individually machined from aluminium (not cheaply cast from someone else's work) having every detail correctly reproduced including the weathered edge to the halo.

No shortcuts are made in the production and nothing is left out or altered to cut costs.

All shapes and dimensions are correctly conceived to replicate the originals as they were and not just as some sort of parody. This is achieved by long and intensive research and the necessary ability to assimilate the information and then express it in physical form. This is not an obvious process and many, many people are not able to do it well, even when they try to reverse engineer one of mine and mass produce it by using castings made from my original, so it is wise not to assume that all 'sonics' are equal. They are not.

Some other sellers actually picture one of mine packaged in a different way, but you will not get one by this route, you will get a mass-produced copy. Mine are only available new from me.

Again, that was listed just a couple weeks ago. So right there, you have the evidence before you. He is STILL whining about that incident. :rolleyes

And again, I'm mostly impartial here (although, if I had to choose sides, I would tend to side with a fellow RPFer who has been very open about what he used the purchased TLP sonic for. ) My interest is simply in making sure that my fellow RPFers aren't receiving only TLP's one-sided, clearly biased view of events.

Just to weigh in here, and to show that there was at least one intermediate stage before the final version of the sixteen12 replica, here are two of the earlier prototypes of the Baker sonic, and another prototype the origins of which I'll explain later:

L to R: Plastic Sonic, first prototype 1612 , second prototype 1612

As you can see, with the 1612 sonic, there were at least two revisions before the production sonic- the first one was wrong in several ways, and these were corrected in the second one- I *think* there were more changes before production as well...

I can state, quite categorically, that the sixteen12 sonics are all CNC'd- writing the program and setting the lathe/mill going in a factory in China 800 times is infinitely more cost effective than setting up a die cast mould and then cleaning and polishing each individual part..!

Thanks for that info! thumbsup

What's amazing is how different it looks from other machined pieces, such as the recent run made by Russ. I don't see any tool marks on the Sixteen 12 version AT ALL! Did they polish and buff them afterwards to remove the tool marks or something? :confused

(the plastic sonic is over ten years old, and was based on the old Technical Manual blueprints, this was a toy that never went into production, and, indeed, this is the only prototype as moulds were never made, to add to the uniquity of this item, it doesn't have the spring loading and the emitter lights up blue [a full five years before Eccleston's did!] while the handle vibrates)

Hope this is of interest!

:lol

How on EARTH would one activate the sound and lights if there's no spring-loaded mechanism in the activator? :confused

 

[greatwazoo42]

I'm amazed no one's made a comment about "Ace" Hardware yet. :lol

 

[Jack T Chance]

I'm amazed no one's made a comment about "Ace" Hardware yet. :lol

What, like the fact that they keep both a baseball bat and a supply of Nitro-9 behind the counter, in case any Daleks show up?

 

[SurferGeek]

The 1612 pieces looked to be tumble polished.

 

[Straker]

I'm only posting the pictures and info to make sure that people have both sides of the story.

BTW, from his most recent eBay auction (I had added it to my Watched Auctions list, so I can still pull it back up)...Again, that was listed just a couple weeks ago. So right there, you have the evidence before you. He is STILL whining about that incident. :rolleyes

And again, I'm mostly impartial here (although, if I had to choose sides, I would tend to side with a fellow RPFer who has been very open about what he used the purchased TLP sonic for. ) My interest is simply in making sure that my fellow RPFers aren't receiving only TLP's one-sided, clearly biased view of events. ​

Thanks for that info! thumbsup

What's amazing is how different it looks from other machined pieces, such as the recent run made by Russ. I don't see any tool marks on the Sixteen 12 version AT ALL! Did they polish and buff them afterwards to remove the tool marks or something? lol

How on EARTH would one activate the sound and lights if there's no spring-loaded mechanism in the activator? :confused

LoL, I guess he IS still angry about it isn't he? XD looking at the first 1612 prototype I think that was what I had seen pictured in the comparison picture I mentioned. That one is more like the one I had seen for the TLP sonic though the production piece is very different there.

Coll, on hearing both sides of the story too. I like to hear both sides if not for anything than to be able to judge best. I would actually buy one of each if I could afford it though.

I actually like the finish on the 1612 there. It has a nice clean finish to it. It looks like it was glass bead blasted to me though lightly to preserve the pieces fit. I did the same thing basically with a Russ piece here:

After sanding out the tool marks carefully I scrubbed the casing with some Barkeepers Friend and a tooth brush under warm water. Aside from what they do for the final finish I wonder if they do something similar to remove the tool marks.

 

[Asp9mm]

I like the finish you've achieved on that, looks good.

 

[phez]

I like the finish you've achieved on that, looks good.

I really like that one too. Thanks for explaining how to do it, I think I may give it a try.

 

[Straker]

I like the finish you've achieved on that, looks good.

I really like that one too. Thanks for explaining how to do it, I think I may give it a try.

Hey guys thanks! ^_^ Just remember if you do it to always sand all surfaces using a very hard flat and even surfaced sanding block under the sandpaper. If you do that you get to keep your hard edges and if you don't the surface will look uneven like it's warped. I used a milled piece of steel and 1000 grit sandpaper and also an old table top that had that super hard marble on it for the grip and large areas. It will take awhile to do and the first time you wash and use the scouring powder on it you'll probably find a few spots you missed. Just do it again till it's gone.

OH, also, the activator sleeve. you know where those three grooves are that go onto the grip? Well, they usually get a bit scratched up when you use the sonic. Just go out an buy some shrink tubing in as near a size to the sleeves diameter. Cut of a half inch or so. Put it around the sleeve just below the line of the grip. Shrink it and put the whole thing back together again. The shrink tubing will take up the space between the inside wall of the grip and the activation sleeve and prevent the activator from getting scratched when you use it thus making your sonic always look pristine.

 

[Terrasolo]

OH, also, the activator sleeve. you know where those three grooves are that go onto the grip? Well, they usually get a bit scratched up when you use the sonic. Just go out an buy some shrink tubing in as near a size to the sleeves diameter. Cut of a half inch or so. Put it around the sleeve just below the line of the grip. Shrink it and put the whole thing back together again. The shrink tubing will take up the space between the inside wall of the grip and the activation sleeve and prevent the activator from getting scratched when you use it thus making your sonic always look pristine.

Very interesting idea. Do you have any pics of this in the handle? I'd be interested to see how it turned out in the end.

 

[Straker]

Very interesting idea. Do you have any pics of this in the handle? I'd be interested to see how it turned out in the end.

No, But i can take one later and post it here. ^_^

 

[Straker]

Very interesting idea. Do you have any pics of this in the handle? I'd be interested to see how it turned out in the end.

It's later:

That's how it should look when it's done. It's actually more than a half inch but you don't need to be exact since one this is assembled you won't see it anyway. Just be sure to place the shrink wrap a good...quarter inch below the line the grip comes up to and you'll never know it was there.