Scratch-Built/Hardware Glass Eyes? Need some ideas

I’m getting very close to finishing my Luke ANH scratch build but one of the parts I’m struggling with is the glass eye.

Had anyone ever made their own glass eye (from scratch, using hardware parts, etc) or have any ideas as to how I could achieve this?

Thanks in advance. I’m hoping to get this done in time for TLJ.

I made one with a threaded faucet insert and the lens from a dollar store 35mm camera, but it was too big. More recently, I made one TFA style (smooth brass sides) with a threaded adapter for lamps (from True Value hardware bins) and a cabachon, but that feels a little big too. Apart from that, I haven't seen any really good options.

What about the little glass bubbles for fish tanks? Or the ones from a "Manacala" game? Those can easily be found in bulk. All you would need after words in the metal ring. Maybe a washer or two?

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I believe in the past that people used door peep-hole lenses. Don't remember if this worked, but it's something to investigate.

I remember looking into that option, but they only came in two sizes: too big and too small. Also, the flange would be smooth, not knurled.

For a custom saber, I once used a knurled ring for a panel-mounted push button or light. It looked pretty close and I could buy it separately.

Glass eyes are otherwise a thing that people tend to have spares of because they build ESB sabers or the DV ROTJ "airborne" saber. ( ...)

The repros aren't that expensive. But if you are really wanting to scratch build you could use disposable camera lens and some kind of knurled ring. Radio Shack used to sell a pl259 coax connector but they changed the knurling.

Hey The14thDr ! The thing I'd start with is a "Glass Cabochon".

Just so you have the dimensions...

The exposed part of the glass in the GRAFLEX Glass Eye is 55/128" (10.82mm) in diameter. It might only be 27/64", but my eyes are really tired right now and it's difficult to see where the glass ends and the chrome begins. One way or the other, you'll be really close!

It sits recessed from the crown of the knurled ring... about 3/64" (1.0?mm) or so.

The knurled ring on it is 97/128" (19.26mm) in diameter x 3/32" (2.37mm) thick.

Maybe try a different brand of toothpaste cap?

Keep at it, you're almost there!

p.s. The Beer Tab/ Red-Button Retainer holder... rivet... thingy (wow, my brain/vocabulary is totally turning off right now) is 1/4" in diameter x 5/64" thick overall. The top part of it is ~3/128" thick with a wee little ~1/64" bevel.

Time for beer I think. I mean bed. Sure, whichever. Gotta Scoot! Good Luck!

Thanks for all the brilliant suggestions, I’ll take a look into them and hopefully I’ll find something that works.
Ridire Firean, thank you for those measurements, very helpful. [emoji4]