What about assembling an As First Built Obi-Wan Kenobi hilt?

For me, the shapes of the metal parts have to be exactly like the ANH saber's. I am picky about those details, but I would interpret a couple of details on a "AFBB" saber to be half-way between ROTS and ANH.
The "ANM2 Booster"/"Gear"/"Cooling fins" has a hole on the side. You could interpret one of them as being where to mount a covertec knob. I have worn sabers in costume with either D-rings or covertec knobs, and I would definitely choose the knob over the D-ring if I had a choice.
A AFBB does not therefore not need to have the "handwheel" drilled for a D-ring, IMO.
I like to interpret the clamp-bubbles/circuit board, as there being both. The bubbles should be clear, magnifying a circuit board having very thin gold wires.
The finish should definitely be darkened metal, not paint or powder-coating.
Copper on the hilt? Absolutely not.
 
I did my AFBB saber from all Romans parts except a Parks clamp that polished up great.

I've been wanting to make a newer version, as mine is the oldest design of Romans handwheel, his first chromed balance pipe from his old 1 piece design (back when it was a 'sink drain'), original 'gear', etc....

It's the one before the weathered version:
obiall002-vi.jpg


Here is is with the MR AFBB mini:
MRcompare003-vi.jpg


I also use my old Parks I bought back in 2002 as a gap-bridging saber between EP3 and EP4. It is the correct length and diameter, but the the EP3 style top-cut grenade saber (that's how all the Parks were before his new grenade):
parksobi011-vi.jpg
 
James, would you chrome or polish all the metal parts on your new AFBB saber (ie: the clamp, emitter, and sink knob)? Or would you chrome some and polish others?
 
This is much more gratifying than simply collecting MR/Code3/eFx/etc!
Exactly right. Of all the static hilts in my collection, my favorite is the one I built myself from hardware and replica parts; derivative of the Obi-Wan ANH/Luke ROTJ, but just different enough that I can call it my own. It doesn't mean much to anyone but me, but that's the point--there's more of a personal connection to an item when you've created it yourself.
 
James, would you chrome or polish all the metal parts on your new AFBB saber (ie: the clamp, emitter, and sink knob)? Or would you chrome some and polish others?

I kinda like the handwheel and emitter chromed, with the clamp polished.

Motorcycles look great the more chrome you put on them, but they are big with lots of non-chrome things to break up all the chrome.

On the saber, with only the grenade and booster black, the chrome almost takes over it it's too bright. The MR Obi EP3 in a great example.

I would go for handwheel/clamp/emitter chromed if they were done in a nickel chrome finish.
 
I wonder why Russ & the guys working on the latest parts didn't offer the emitter in chrome (only polished or non-polished were the options)? I went for the best available option and just got my emitter polished.

How much do you think it'd cost a joe like me to get my metal parts chromed at a shop?

ALSO, since I never held MR's ANH AFBB and you have it: I was wondering if all their metal parts are chromed (it looks like the knob is definately chromed...I can't tell if the rest is)???



I kinda like the handwheel and emitter chromed, with the clamp polished.

Motorcycles look great the more chrome you put on them, but they are big with lots of non-chrome things to break up all the chrome.

On the saber, with only the grenade and booster black, the chrome almost takes over it it's too bright. The MR Obi EP3 in a great example.

I would go for handwheel/clamp/emitter chromed if they were done in a nickel chrome finish.
 
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Man, I only wish I had an MR AFBB full size, I only have the mini.

I believe the MR has a chrome handwheel, with the rest polished.

You can polish most metals to a mirror shine, but the more you handle it the duller it becomes.

IIRC, you can get a small part chromed for $50 or less.
 
Don't we all wish we had that MR ANH AFBB full size. I'm not one for owning props for the money....but man...that particular prop is worth ~$1200!

I suppose I'll wait until I receive all of Russ' parts to decide if I'll get the metals chromed. Hopefully Russ will do a splendid job polishing my parts that I'll be happy w/o chroming :)
 
Here are the pieces I have so far.

I'll be using Russ's emitter though because it's cleaner. I have a Vader ROTJ that's all silver so they will match.

AFB.jpg


FB

OK, so how does that all exactly fit together? Glue?

Sorry for the total noob question - I do own an OWK ANH fan built saber but I'm too nervous about disassembling it to find out. :lol

Thanks,
Oldzey
 
I'm guessing most folks going for the AFBB look are probably doing GLOSSY black powder coating on the grenade, right? I think it's also offered in MATTE black too.
 
I'm guessing most folks going for the AFBB look are probably doing GLOSSY black powder coating on the grenade, right? I think it's also offered in MATTE black too.

I like the matte idea so much better (like the sword guard above). The glossy black and chrome looks real cheap to me. If a rapper had a lightsaber, it would be the MR AFB! :lol

FB
 
LOL...too much bling-bling for ya, FB?

The matte on that black you have pictured looks nice and clean. The BEST would be a nice machine bluing. I think that provides a nice black that isn't as thick as powder coating. Matte coating might look too "heavy" for my taste (if that makes any sense).

I have to discuss with the gf and see what she thinks....she's more artsy than me.
 
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