Saber Forum

Hey everyone :).  For my first mod, I imagined what my saber would be like if I was a legendary Sith emperor.  I wanted to do this first project right from scratch using stuff from around the apartment/ hardware store, and actually make the parts etc.- I'll save the pro/ stock parts for the next project.   

I've got a TON of work left ahead of me for this, but here's a glimpse of the rough work I've done so far and a mini step by step:

I decided to use my emerald catalyst (with red illuminated switch) because of its elegant/ regal, yet mean, look.

I started by making cardboard templates from paper towel tubes like I saw in srams post for pvc shrouds, and applied them to a section of pvc and also some brass tail-pieces / pipe inserts by simply tracing.  Then I used tape to make all the lines nice and straight /fine tuned. 
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/25FBFF84-8159-45F9-A642-19553EE760E3_zpszomlbmar.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/25FBFF84-8159-45F9-A642-19553EE760E3_zpszomlbmar.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/9A60F55B-AE38-4FF8-A2D4-B0D2570F8FA2_zpszdn0rvjo.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/9A60F55B-AE38-4FF8-A2D4-B0D2570F8FA2_zpszdn0rvjo.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/2A425B82-B5E7-4153-8CE5-0F36E030630A_zps58jhjxik.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/2A425B82-B5E7-4153-8CE5-0F36E030630A_zps58jhjxik.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/254C396B-3212-4914-9648-44AFE9A1460F_zpszi3nnxsr.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/254C396B-3212-4914-9648-44AFE9A1460F_zpszi3nnxsr.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/DF20D9C4-0784-44B2-BF53-1AC4473EEDD0_zpsovyetwso.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/DF20D9C4-0784-44B2-BF53-1AC4473EEDD0_zpsovyetwso.jpg.html)

I cut out the pvc piece, which will form an outer/ thicker shroud to make the av switch low pro, and a brass insert, which will form an inner shroud, creating a layered look, defining the grip area, and giving me a hand stop down by the pommel. Did the cutting with a dremel and cutting disk, round burr, fine pencil pointed burr, and various grinding/ sanding bits. I had to remove a ton of material from the inside of the pvc to fit lol.  A drill press and drum sanding bit came in handy, but the burr also helped. 
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/46038644-C15D-4FC1-9B5B-27073180A97D_zpso3t9ch4a.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/46038644-C15D-4FC1-9B5B-27073180A97D_zpso3t9ch4a.jpg.html)

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/D8918E26-5B1F-46E5-9198-FE699707B9AB_zpsxpqa4jw9.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/D8918E26-5B1F-46E5-9198-FE699707B9AB_zpsxpqa4jw9.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/775F7D8E-3BEB-464B-988A-E325A8F4D6E6_zpsmwtf3rp3.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/775F7D8E-3BEB-464B-988A-E325A8F4D6E6_zpsmwtf3rp3.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/3F59B2BA-2543-42BB-820C-F6F8AEE1618F_zpsy3cmgfdf.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/3F59B2BA-2543-42BB-820C-F6F8AEE1618F_zpsy3cmgfdf.jpg.html)
I thought about cutting a fancier pattern into the back of the inner shroud, but decided that the points would look the best, and execute better in the end.

Then I repeated the process on another insert to overlap the outer shroud, giving me another flange at the choke right before the emitter, for a regal, bad ass look and great hand stop.  I cut a seam down the spine of this piece once I had it shaped, to allow it to fit over the larger pvc piece, and I will be embellishing this seam and incorporating into overall design.

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/E2124512-A92D-47FD-BF0F-25001FFC2644_zpsz5unmwzy.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/E2124512-A92D-47FD-BF0F-25001FFC2644_zpsz5unmwzy.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/99CF0556-CAAD-47FF-80C1-AC55AB731F2E_zpspajuaqcb.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/99CF0556-CAAD-47FF-80C1-AC55AB731F2E_zpspajuaqcb.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/BECE7189-A9A6-4612-B103-0B347FCC46CE_zpswatj7hjz.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/BECE7189-A9A6-4612-B103-0B347FCC46CE_zpswatj7hjz.jpg.html)

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/8B7AFA9F-17C3-4EBA-8DD9-0E59D721CB32_zpszaflukhp.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/8B7AFA9F-17C3-4EBA-8DD9-0E59D721CB32_zpszaflukhp.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/67D05090-3A46-4B9B-8D69-56F431161110_zpsjr7a2mfk.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/67D05090-3A46-4B9B-8D69-56F431161110_zpsjr7a2mfk.jpg.html)

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/49BD64D6-B092-443A-AF77-F2E3FDECD2E5_zpscf5gn3ga.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/49BD64D6-B092-443A-AF77-F2E3FDECD2E5_zpscf5gn3ga.jpg.html)

I did some more work shaping and fitting the pieces.
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B188F320-7781-4239-899F-3DA36E20AD2C_zpspcl7nraw.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B188F320-7781-4239-899F-3DA36E20AD2C_zpspcl7nraw.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/3BCE6E92-C127-4CD2-809A-D27FE0D528C0_zpsx3zgjavr.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/3BCE6E92-C127-4CD2-809A-D27FE0D528C0_zpsx3zgjavr.jpg.html)

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/2B7D66A6-A74F-458E-BC2D-5CF172C3E6BF_zps1ok7mgjl.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/2B7D66A6-A74F-458E-BC2D-5CF172C3E6BF_zps1ok7mgjl.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/36785C78-D429-43C9-8384-D921A4808A57_zpsiivefyqb.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/36785C78-D429-43C9-8384-D921A4808A57_zpsiivefyqb.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/E47D98AA-F0DC-45DF-BDD3-044AC27C6D0D_zps7mhi6bdv.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/E47D98AA-F0DC-45DF-BDD3-044AC27C6D0D_zps7mhi6bdv.jpg.html)
I've got a ton more to do- creating, cleaning up/ fitting pieces, tapping holes to secure them, as well as for more blade retention, plus I'm going to do the grooves in aluminum black, and also re- finish/ engrave/ paint the hilt... Yikes I better get back at it lol!  Keep you posted, MTFBWY :)

Very cool mod! Definitely keep at and keep posting pics! And have a point!

Thanks magik, dauntless :). Appreciate

Started to do some of the more detailed work on the pieces that will form the outer shroud- doing a red sith symbol inlay above the av switch.
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/9691FEA7-D8FA-4D48-8D61-4C37D9B6A7F0_zps1tddf6jj.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/9691FEA7-D8FA-4D48-8D61-4C37D9B6A7F0_zps1tddf6jj.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/271C8442-883E-4F3E-B3D0-F047E268E385_zpsgbfcnmwv.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/271C8442-883E-4F3E-B3D0-F047E268E385_zpsgbfcnmwv.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/C0387274-C1A5-4E91-AE80-68576FDCE122_zpswxfpkzwc.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/C0387274-C1A5-4E91-AE80-68576FDCE122_zpswxfpkzwc.jpg.html)

Keep u posted- MTFBWY :)

That's really some epic work there.

Thanks for the compliment/ words of encouragement, Jamie!  It's great motivation to hear from from people on the forum, keeps my mind on task- appreciated :).   Also, love the quote in your sig-  one of the best lines ever. 

I really like the looks of the gold shroud on the silver hilt! that looks sweet!

Thanks, MavRick, appreciate :) I've got a lot to do still, but I'm happy with how it's turning out so far- I'm going to dramatically refinish the hilt with gun blue and aluminum black, giving it a really dark, even weathered, type look, and I think the contrast of the brass pieces will really look sharp against that.  I'm going to do some kind of buffing/ polishing job on the brass still, but I'm trying to decide about possibly applying some kind of pattern or finish in the process (like polishing with a silicone wheel free hand with dremel in tiny circulars over and over  creates a finish that's almost like shiny fish scale- or brushing the finish and buffing/ polishing nice borders- etc)

Also I'm probably going to be doing a kind of mean, jagged pattern engraving on the hilt and applying metallic gold and bright red down into the engraving (I'm picturing like force lighting pattern or something but in red and shiny gold going all over the dark finish hilt!). Can't wait :).   Keep u posted, and MTFBWY

Thanks for heads up Dauntless:) point for the help.  ya I suspected as much, it's a different batch of chemicals- i think it's copper sulfate that primarily does the job in gun blue, and I doubt that works very well on aluminum- but I was asking a friend about it and got a hunch that we can combine some stuff and come up with a solution that will react with/ deposit something on the aluminum in a similar way.  But I'm still waiting on the info from the people who actually know the chemistry, so who knows, we'll see?! Lol I'm not doing anything without the go ahead so I don't blow myself up or make a big cloud of poison or something lmao that'd be just my luck too :)  actually I just might pm him either way, I'm getting ansy waiting to hear from my chemist buddy and I think it'd be cool in the meantime to hear from someone who's worked with the stuff before, even if on other mediums.  Who knows maybe he's tried it anyway just to see, and can warn me about explosions etc. lol :)

HAHAHAHA!!!! Well said Daunless, lol :). I guess I walked right into that one didn't I lol.  Onterrible... (sigh) well, it's home anyway lol.  Actually I can't complain I guess, I live right at the southern most tip (or what's left of it anyway- eroding alarmingly fast) where we actually have a cool mix of Eco systems since we sit low next to Great Lakes- we've got cool wet lands thing kick'n here with marshes etc.- but ya totally can't argue with you lol otherwise I think it's just a bunch of fields and then TO and then a bunch more fields, and then some rock and bush in the north:).

And will do as far as saber goes- tho can't promise will turn out blue lol, but my source seemed to be saying that there would actually be different ways of chemically 'refinishing' aluminum, or achieving dye like effects other than the blackening you get  with metal touch up.  tho it didn't sound like something he had given any thought to before I asked, to be fair- so we'll see :)

Hey everybody :)

Been super busy lately, not a lot of time for the project- but managed to pick away at the outer shroud a bit more before bed today (I work night shift). 

Everything still needs to be cleaned up a ton and tweaked, plus I've just got so much work on this one that I haven't even begun yet.
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/DB2BA37E-F93B-4774-AC65-DD10B64D098D_zpskx68lqnf.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/DB2BA37E-F93B-4774-AC65-DD10B64D098D_zpskx68lqnf.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/BFDBE7AF-7195-40F7-A1D5-94FD0CFDD718_zpszqnbbbmx.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/BFDBE7AF-7195-40F7-A1D5-94FD0CFDD718_zpszqnbbbmx.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/BED283EB-F583-42EA-8D82-3926EB3F76D4_zpsopfw44ez.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/BED283EB-F583-42EA-8D82-3926EB3F76D4_zpsopfw44ez.jpg.html)
The sith inlay's still messy ATM but I'm happy with how will turn out.  Did some vertical grooves, which I will be sanding down deeper and blackening to match the grooves in grip (which I'll be blackening too).
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/A383D9F6-9B2D-445C-904A-A2D89590F4EB_zpsgaocfvhl.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/A383D9F6-9B2D-445C-904A-A2D89590F4EB_zpsgaocfvhl.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/6A10F23A-2C60-4AE0-9013-C38DE9033767_zpsghnhpzdz.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/6A10F23A-2C60-4AE0-9013-C38DE9033767_zpsghnhpzdz.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/ABA8FC67-7BAD-4CB3-BAE0-D8D99020EE17_zpsmxht1m7r.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/ABA8FC67-7BAD-4CB3-BAE0-D8D99020EE17_zpsmxht1m7r.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/0145B3C4-E344-4057-B8B1-5B2DCCB0748F_zps99ccpw9i.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/0145B3C4-E344-4057-B8B1-5B2DCCB0748F_zps99ccpw9i.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/4E5D4A36-C596-4D9B-BFE2-8AA605037C92_zpsvldotng7.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/4E5D4A36-C596-4D9B-BFE2-8AA605037C92_zpsvldotng7.jpg.html)
Excited to get to work on the refinishing, engraving, thread tapping, etc.  Keep you posted, MTFBWY:)

Hi all :). I got the pattern I'm going to engrave on the inner shroud marked out... Hmmm, maybe a little ambitious considering I've never engraved anything in my life lol, but you gotta learn somehow!  I'll have to mess around on some scrap before I start :( but I guess if it's worth doing it wouldn't be any other way lol.  Keep you posted, MTFBWY.
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/2D564682-1903-4897-8309-DD595CFB8E07_zpst8ucw6og.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/2D564682-1903-4897-8309-DD595CFB8E07_zpst8ucw6og.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/72CB0B55-0489-41B2-8248-919DFD41680D_zpskgsaikqv.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/72CB0B55-0489-41B2-8248-919DFD41680D_zpskgsaikqv.jpg.html)

Oooh.. I like where you are going with the plans for engraving.. that will look super sweet! Good Luck!

Definitely practice the engraving a lot, it's really easy to slip on the curve.

Thanks so much everyone!  It's thanksgiving time here in Canada, which is fitting, because this community is definitely one of the things I'm thankful for- you guys are the best :).   Also thanks for the suggestion/ advice Drahcir- will do, for sure :). 

Keep you posted, MTFBWY.

It might be easy to acid engrave it. coat the entire shroud in nail polish except for the pattern and dunk it in Ferric Chloride.

Thanks for the suggestion Chilly :). That's a really cool idea, never thought of that- will award point shortly.  I actually already started the engraving but I'll def be looking into that for my next mod (got a grab bag coming in any day now).  I'll be starting on that one right after this project, and I'm sure I'll be getting into all the same type of work so I'll be sure to keep that in mind- it's always cool to try out/ practice different techniques :) MTFBWY

Amazing work! I'm glad my tutorial was helpful to you! Did the brass tube fit over the hilt naturally, or did you have to modify it in any way?

Thanks srams :) the tutorial was a big inspiration for this mod, the method of creating templates from cardboard tubes and transferring the design onto various pipes is an awesome technique for making shrouds!   

Yup the brass pipe inserts/ tailpieces fit naturally over the catalyst.  It's tight enough that any little deformity in the tailpiece will cause it to scratch the heck out of your hilt when sliding on/ off, so might want to be careful of that lol, but not tight enough that stays on, like pressure fit, once in place- so you'll want to secure it somehow, though I guess it totally depends on what hilt your working with.

MTFBWY :)

Amazing work.

Thanks Antron007!  Been swamped at work last couple weeks and haven't had much time for anything, but I'm dying to get back at it- will have some progress to show before too long :).  Keep you posted, MTFBWY

Hi everyone :).  Sorry it's been so long since I updated the post, but believe it or not I've actually been working on the project like crazy lately- it's just that the stuff I'm doing ATM takes days to amount to real progress lol.  But totally worth it.  I've got different aspects of the mod under way full steam, including the engraving and refinishing.  Will have some real progress to show very soon- can't wait :).  MTFBWY, keep u posted.
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/2126B3DB-80E8-45AE-96A0-CF8F37BD96A9_zps8ul783nm.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/2126B3DB-80E8-45AE-96A0-CF8F37BD96A9_zps8ul783nm.jpg.html)

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/22F84218-FD48-49B7-8978-1155B0845344_zpsnzsfdjvm.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/22F84218-FD48-49B7-8978-1155B0845344_zpsnzsfdjvm.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/D020B277-C7DB-4109-804B-FC36D714053F_zpskwdv4daa.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/D020B277-C7DB-4109-804B-FC36D714053F_zpskwdv4daa.jpg.html)
The darker area higher up on emitter was done using the aluminum blackener.  The refinishing down in the choke was done using gun blue, giving an awesome effect somewhere between rust and cooper, with a bit of black streaking.  For the emitter, when I applied I did a lot of things differently than you would normally (when you'd be looking for a nice uniform jet black etc.) - for starters I sanded erratically to ensure chaos in finish, I didn't rinse nearly as much as you should and I let the products sit working away on the metal for way longer to get all kinds of corrosion and blotchy stuff going on. 

The gun blue you still don't need to let sit on the metal for very long at all, it works crazy fast and will continue to work on it for quite some time, so I still took it off relatively quick, rinsed it, but not extensively, allowing it to continue working away on the metal while I tried to control the outcome with swabs and paper towels, some dry, some soaked in water, some soaked in acetone.  Totally happy with how it's turning out- hard to tell from pics but there's so much going on in that finish, tons of hues of greys, blacks, whites, browns, and theres so much depth/ complexity to it! 
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/3E994D92-DECA-47FA-9873-1C72C1E60F4C_zpsbrzkebhc.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/3E994D92-DECA-47FA-9873-1C72C1E60F4C_zpsbrzkebhc.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/92635B4D-5330-4B60-B085-043B737CD7FB_zpsqaqysqko.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/92635B4D-5330-4B60-B085-043B737CD7FB_zpsqaqysqko.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/DBBF0E3A-3843-469D-A25C-8005E8ABA583_zpsxgjcrd5o.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/DBBF0E3A-3843-469D-A25C-8005E8ABA583_zpsxgjcrd5o.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/4561B9AB-CAD4-44C2-9738-3D92DEBFF571_zpsrrdkawzx.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/4561B9AB-CAD4-44C2-9738-3D92DEBFF571_zpsrrdkawzx.jpg.html)

Gonna do the grip section dark LE style- leave the grooves silver and weather the rest. Going to put a pattern into the refinishing when I get to the pommel.  Keep you posted, MTFBWY :).

Most tedious tape job ever lol.
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B6A5EE1D-35C6-4902-9353-0B82989DE426_zps3avqdg9u.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B6A5EE1D-35C6-4902-9353-0B82989DE426_zps3avqdg9u.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B33FEA46-4A28-4176-8B27-E20DFADE8C90_zpsnpoq8v7n.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B33FEA46-4A28-4176-8B27-E20DFADE8C90_zpsnpoq8v7n.jpg.html)

Thanks Dauntless :).  I'm excited as all the aspects of this project are coming together- just a bit more progress on all fronts and the look of the saber will start to show more as a whole.  It's gonna be ancient and sinister for sure! 

So, I'm less than thrilled to discover this morning that whatever they use to plate the silver versions of these brass pipe inserts/ tail pieces does not react with any substances I've got handy :( the pipe itself is brass (which does totally react with both gun blue and aluminum blackener) but it's the plating that's the problem- Which means lol...

Time to bust out the tiniest burr known to man and get ta scratch'n!
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/FC2B87BC-54A6-4FAB-B2BD-F78816F0F318_zpswh6qwsic.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/FC2B87BC-54A6-4FAB-B2BD-F78816F0F318_zpswh6qwsic.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/8435ED02-D36D-44DC-9FB7-E19A055E00BF_zps9cd3uux2.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/8435ED02-D36D-44DC-9FB7-E19A055E00BF_zps9cd3uux2.jpg.html)

Ugh, and I thought it was a lot of work just cutting/ placing that tape lol.  No worries though, the plating is super thin, so after a while of using that little burr like a pencil and removing the surface around the taped pattern, everything's still gonna work out like I wanted.  Emphasis on work lol.  Keep u posted, MTFBWY:).

Finally, lol, almost ready to clean, remove tape, and clear coat this thing! Here's a 360 view right quick :). 

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/D51CB31A-6E42-4FF6-B08E-2962327EA4DC_zps2rbopfdc.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/D51CB31A-6E42-4FF6-B08E-2962327EA4DC_zps2rbopfdc.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/E8424CBC-AF09-43FD-B5CF-BD9B06EBCC84_zpsep4lpjax.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/E8424CBC-AF09-43FD-B5CF-BD9B06EBCC84_zpsep4lpjax.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/D841955F-C81F-413F-9F87-630FEB034CFA_zps2veumwyg.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/D841955F-C81F-413F-9F87-630FEB034CFA_zps2veumwyg.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/D5995752-A3FD-48CC-9F20-E160974AE154_zpsbtwch7kv.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/D5995752-A3FD-48CC-9F20-E160974AE154_zpsbtwch7kv.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/EFB24893-84D8-4A06-8A42-973BD0869683_zpsm8id7bti.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/EFB24893-84D8-4A06-8A42-973BD0869683_zpsm8id7bti.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/D78BC041-2D4B-49BD-99BB-19BC79FF5081_zpsaeq0sig9.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/D78BC041-2D4B-49BD-99BB-19BC79FF5081_zpsaeq0sig9.jpg.html)
If you can zoom in at all you can really see just how much is going on in that finish- centuries of corrosion :).  I'm really happy with how this outer shroud turning out- it's gonna grip AMAZING, with all the contrast from the clean spots and that texture from the pattern being put on so thick/ rough, plus the vertical grooves.  I'm going to remove a little more of the finish from the edges here and there around the inlay and switch etc to create that soft worn look more.  Keep you posted, MTFBWY :).

I love the updates to this thread. Love what you're doing. Can't wait to see the next one.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Thanks guys!  Really appreciate :).  I'm super excited to get the next steps done/ posted. 

Just starting to give the grip section its first lil kiss of gun blue.  Doing it in like a sort of dark LE style, which will look quite cool under the inner brass shroud :). 
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/EDDAADEF-9BF9-4DB5-A3FE-D70688D43EC9_zpsufgrzyr4.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/EDDAADEF-9BF9-4DB5-A3FE-D70688D43EC9_zpsufgrzyr4.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/32E8A340-7920-44D4-9299-CA45C40A9D43_zpsr4abamyg.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/32E8A340-7920-44D4-9299-CA45C40A9D43_zpsr4abamyg.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B4BE70E7-4EAD-4384-B015-C7CAC03E00EA_zps3dkhlkb2.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B4BE70E7-4EAD-4384-B015-C7CAC03E00EA_zps3dkhlkb2.jpg.html)
Will be clear coating the outer shroud soon as well, just giving it a bit more time so nothing still active in the surface- if you apply clear to soon will react with/ ruin clear coat in spots here and there.

First pass-
  last time I worked with this stuff ('aluminum black detailing!') I did the grooves and recessed areas on a liberator- I taped off the areas I didn't want affected, the raised areas on either side of depression, leaving only the groove exposed to the agent.  It would have been difficult to tape off the actuall groove for this go around, so instead I clear coated them all prior, so that I could apply the gun blue over the whole grip area and only the raised surfaces would be affected- the clear preventing the depressions from contacting the product.  Seems to be working pretty well :). 
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/60714FE4-2497-4868-85E9-7D11EA1CA2AC_zps1a0phmyh.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/60714FE4-2497-4868-85E9-7D11EA1CA2AC_zps1a0phmyh.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B69B0745-984F-41B6-AF57-E46193E7018E_zpslni5yo87.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B69B0745-984F-41B6-AF57-E46193E7018E_zpslni5yo87.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/FBD22E7C-CA4D-4B22-A1E3-18BF4CDAC6F3_zps8mnd1ci5.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/FBD22E7C-CA4D-4B22-A1E3-18BF4CDAC6F3_zps8mnd1ci5.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/4219F613-F9F2-4247-AABF-5746E81586C0_zpsg9wof0ic.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/4219F613-F9F2-4247-AABF-5746E81586C0_zpsg9wof0ic.jpg.html)
I'll post up once I've got the whole grip area finished.  At that point I'll be moving on to finish off the inner shroud piece and pommel, adding a d-ring, and then assembling it all for the last time :).  I plan on tapping a couple holes too- blade retention and to secure the shrouds. 
Once I get nearer to completion I think I'm gonna go dark on this thread, just so I don't spoil ALL of the fun of a reveal with incremental posts, but when I post the finished saber I'll immediately fill in anything I did here in the log.  And I'm planning the work so that it won't be very long at all from the time I go dark till post the reveal.  That won't be for a bit anyway. 
Keep you posted, MTFBWY :).

Thanks so much Dauntless7 :).  No worries, I think it's awesome the way people take the time to pop in and check out, give input etc.  to what each other have going on, it keeps us all pumped/ encouraged- so the last thing I would ever do is deter that by holding out on posts.  I'll def be planning out the work as I go so that when it gets down to the end, I can make one fell swoop of all the little finishing touches in a relatively short time and then post the completed project. It's no biggie, just gonna leave a lil to the imagination right at end so it's cool to see the finish- a girl's gotta have secrets lol...  or is it, a lady never tells lol?... Ya-... I dunno where I was going with that exactly, never mind Lol... (sigh) cue akward silence... -Revan out lol ;). 

So the experiment of using clear coat to protect the clean areas (vs. taping off) turned out pretty well :).  I just CAREFULLY removed with tweezers, not as easy as it sounds lol especially when the clear doesn't hold together well in random spots...
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/9A463B9C-08B7-4C91-8ED3-969AF8214317_zpsgtkohjwb.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/9A463B9C-08B7-4C91-8ED3-969AF8214317_zpsgtkohjwb.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/D2074907-A37F-4A36-9CEC-A22C43523167_zpsbnb6vfvm.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/D2074907-A37F-4A36-9CEC-A22C43523167_zpsbnb6vfvm.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/58E042FB-A1B8-482B-A219-BB417E2C7DA7_zpsvxwuxngq.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/58E042FB-A1B8-482B-A219-BB417E2C7DA7_zpsvxwuxngq.jpg.html)

I was totally impressed :).  I thought for sure I'd have to clean/ touch up a lot more, but the clear actually protected the clean areas from exposure marvellously! 
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F25B66B3-D5F9-4677-B214-8211DDD46D31_zpspayl93jf.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F25B66B3-D5F9-4677-B214-8211DDD46D31_zpspayl93jf.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F343A4B5-9FF7-4ED5-B8DE-2C1FC4C97272_zpsoxdf8lby.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F343A4B5-9FF7-4ED5-B8DE-2C1FC4C97272_zpsoxdf8lby.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/7AE5F3AD-31D7-4DF5-A95A-D56E461C480C_zps89st90fe.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/7AE5F3AD-31D7-4DF5-A95A-D56E461C480C_zps89st90fe.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/4F1562CD-C073-4A72-9F8B-93CA874C6D06_zpsdomvriyy.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/4F1562CD-C073-4A72-9F8B-93CA874C6D06_zpsdomvriyy.jpg.html)

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/17DFDD5A-3327-46FF-BD46-55FD8C05EA01_zpscmzabb8w.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/17DFDD5A-3327-46FF-BD46-55FD8C05EA01_zpscmzabb8w.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/2D6CB47C-4EF7-4E07-94E7-5E53CD5B017C_zpsebngmqzm.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/2D6CB47C-4EF7-4E07-94E7-5E53CD5B017C_zpsebngmqzm.jpg.html)

Have to wait a bit to clear coat, which will darken/ make finish richer a bit still.  Kinda kills me that after all this work I'm gonna hide a decent portion of this grip section under the inner brass shroud lol, but it will lend so much to the look that way- give it a genuineness, depth etc.
keep u posted, MTFBWY :)

My phone was having a hard time with the lighting and the stark contrast of the shroud pic wise, sorry about that.  Can't tell you how stressful it was removing this tape job and desperately trying not to scratch the black in process lol.  Since it wasn't clear coated yet, and also since the tape kinda melted onto the brass n was hard to remove, would have been extremely easy to wreck- any lil scratch at this point must be lived with, or else the only other option is redoing the finish.  I spent SO much time on this piece so far that it was tense to say the least lol.  Went pretty good tho, maybe one or two terrifying seconds where the tweezers slipped but no real harm done- one tiny lil scratch and two small spots where the finish hadn't set great and flaked off with tape a smidge but nothing I can't live with- I'm stoked about how turned out all in all :). 

Spun 360 for camera:
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/AD0ABBE4-7FD6-42BF-AB67-550CD14A7F40_zpsc2v83ehd.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/AD0ABBE4-7FD6-42BF-AB67-550CD14A7F40_zpsc2v83ehd.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/2573E194-2FC1-4B0E-850F-DAD3C5320021_zpsxuq3zhq4.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/2573E194-2FC1-4B0E-850F-DAD3C5320021_zpsxuq3zhq4.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/9A08E55B-0EDD-4BFB-A46B-99E599586EFF_zps02fax0jc.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/9A08E55B-0EDD-4BFB-A46B-99E599586EFF_zps02fax0jc.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B540D970-3E4A-4499-B6F7-9655B8AB4492_zpsormoyi5i.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B540D970-3E4A-4499-B6F7-9655B8AB4492_zpsormoyi5i.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/FE09AF87-6C09-4600-B94B-9AFF4B4C9CA2_zpstc3qsin2.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/FE09AF87-6C09-4600-B94B-9AFF4B4C9CA2_zpstc3qsin2.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/255EA0A4-D135-43A9-A8A9-17B79324A1FF_zpssnztvdod.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/255EA0A4-D135-43A9-A8A9-17B79324A1FF_zpssnztvdod.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/945670F8-BB3E-41AB-BEF8-05CE8602DC37_zps3phkw56p.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/945670F8-BB3E-41AB-BEF8-05CE8602DC37_zps3phkw56p.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/266C247F-13A0-493C-A305-CF7E36ED3984_zpsk6mul07w.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/266C247F-13A0-493C-A305-CF7E36ED3984_zpsk6mul07w.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/AA405651-C621-4500-9C6F-CD82AB31C6D4_zpsc780rcnn.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/AA405651-C621-4500-9C6F-CD82AB31C6D4_zpsc780rcnn.jpg.html)

Hard to tell in pics but I carefully removed bits of the finish from around edges, especially at grooves, switch cut out, and sith inlay (which I tired to capture in those pics and is why I ended up taking so many- tho to no avail lol).

Still have to engrave the name on a piece of brass down the seam on back- which I'm working on now plus the engraving on inner shroud- pommel's still gotta get done as well as d ring and some other minor stuff.  Keep u posted, MTFBWY.

Thanks D7 :) !

WOW!!! Dude, that's so awesome, great job My Friend, looks amazing, keep up the good work :)
May the force be with you

Thanks man, appreciate!  Btw, love the new profile pic :). MTFBWY

Started making the d ring:  this was bit trickier than expected- had to take the vice off the work bench and hook it on the deck of the drill press in my living room. 

Yup, there's a drill press in my living room... Needless to say, I got the saber modding bug in a bad way...  and yyyyep, I'm single lol.

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F4B05BDF-5B7D-4997-9C29-9649F30A9CE7_zpslzuokyi0.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F4B05BDF-5B7D-4997-9C29-9649F30A9CE7_zpslzuokyi0.jpg.html)
(Major's my last name, and usually what everyone who knows me refers to me as in real life :). )

The size of the d ring itself, and in turn the hole I had to drill, made placement really challenging since the brass knurled screw and nut I'm using are so small.  I could have opted for smaller ring but I really liked the beefy' ness of this one, and I didn't want to go much bigger on brass pieces because it just didn't look right, proportion wise, sticking out the end of pommel. 

To avoid the inevitable slipping and breaking/ bending of bit, which could be dangerous when happens, brace the side of the bit that will want to slip down the curve of the surface you're drilling- I just used scrap wood piece. Drill as slow as possible, both in terms of rpm's and barely applying downward pressure, and you can drill through just about any odd shaped metal lol :). 

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/634C425D-8FF8-4B62-9B47-7971E09ECA12_zpsikxdu5an.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/634C425D-8FF8-4B62-9B47-7971E09ECA12_zpsikxdu5an.jpg.html)

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/210DB92B-FCA3-4E5B-B6BE-DC265854A5EF_zps1cimhcp8.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/210DB92B-FCA3-4E5B-B6BE-DC265854A5EF_zps1cimhcp8.jpg.html)

I slid the deck way over and positioned the vice with the screw in it where I needed it, then locked in.  Was no small feat- a lot of fine tuning.  But who says you need a fancy machine shop to make parts for your U.S. :). 

You can see what I mean about difficulty of placing big hole in little part- you have to get it in just right spot so will leave enough structural integrity- but that spot means drilling a channel through the edge of the knurled screw head at top, and passing through the slope of the taper underneath back from the centre enough as to leave a strong enough piece of brass connecting it all- and you need to make sure that the placement also leaves enough of the knurled head and taper holding the ring in place where it sits in open channel.  Gonna finish bending that d ring back together when my hands stop hurting lol.  SO hard to bend thought was gonna break the vice grips and pliers lol. 

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/EF4C0190-C2F4-437F-9089-B2C9EFEB1BE9_zpspg9l3mi6.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/EF4C0190-C2F4-437F-9089-B2C9EFEB1BE9_zpspg9l3mi6.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/5809A05B-7659-471D-9F95-7A5803F1718F_zpsupppmw8n.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/5809A05B-7659-471D-9F95-7A5803F1718F_zpsupppmw8n.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/542856D7-CB73-4C75-8FFD-D4D660BA5FD8_zpsdpbbdmz8.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/542856D7-CB73-4C75-8FFD-D4D660BA5FD8_zpsdpbbdmz8.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/4013EDF9-EB81-4A07-9E2F-697153E49FFA_zpsfo0m9pux.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/4013EDF9-EB81-4A07-9E2F-697153E49FFA_zpsfo0m9pux.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/4AD1A108-A61A-4661-8552-51762C47E0A6_zps0knalio6.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/4AD1A108-A61A-4661-8552-51762C47E0A6_zps0knalio6.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/80084982-B9D4-4859-B433-6CFCF38A35EC_zpsrfmvqqo8.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/80084982-B9D4-4859-B433-6CFCF38A35EC_zpsrfmvqqo8.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/49CEE4EB-5BA3-4BE2-BED5-EA39557F18AB_zps1xbp3wc8.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/49CEE4EB-5BA3-4BE2-BED5-EA39557F18AB_zps1xbp3wc8.jpg.html)
Keep you posted, MTFBWY :).

Tapped the centre vent of the catalyst pommel for the 8-32 brass knurled screw.  Really happy with :). 

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/73BB85BF-7168-44C4-BBF5-157DA495E030_zpswyfuuyi1.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/73BB85BF-7168-44C4-BBF5-157DA495E030_zpswyfuuyi1.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/8E116639-8AE1-435B-8EAA-1497BF4563D8_zpshinnmhpn.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/8E116639-8AE1-435B-8EAA-1497BF4563D8_zpshinnmhpn.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/47FE1C47-21AA-4358-A181-3D7F2150BEEB_zpsqgq5tytc.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/47FE1C47-21AA-4358-A181-3D7F2150BEEB_zpsqgq5tytc.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/C7DA1A11-364F-44AF-94CB-CD9F8C296E68_zpsmg518k7w.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/C7DA1A11-364F-44AF-94CB-CD9F8C296E68_zpsmg518k7w.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/59992B9A-4755-4F0D-B153-95C19E5FF4FF_zpsovwbw6lq.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/59992B9A-4755-4F0D-B153-95C19E5FF4FF_zpsovwbw6lq.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F284B51D-28AE-442C-8F21-E50A034E626D_zpsmiudshj0.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F284B51D-28AE-442C-8F21-E50A034E626D_zpsmiudshj0.jpg.html)

Preparing for refinishing pommel.  It's subtle but I notched the bottom edge a bit to set that pattern off a lil more.

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/0ED5215A-D198-49FF-B4DF-27D55FF2E1C2_zpsrkree3jm.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/0ED5215A-D198-49FF-B4DF-27D55FF2E1C2_zpsrkree3jm.jpg.html)

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/7CD77CC3-E639-4C18-88A9-15857A1BC6EA_zpsp0xixxwa.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/7CD77CC3-E639-4C18-88A9-15857A1BC6EA_zpsp0xixxwa.jpg.html)

Keep you posted :). 

Sorry about the poor pics this time, couldn't figure out how to get lighting etc. since finish so contrasting, phone couldn't handle lol- I woulda figured out eventually but gotta crash n be ready for work.  Gett'n tantalizingly close on this saber: just the engraving of inner shroud, and little piece in seam of outer shroud, and bit of clear coating still as well, which is kind of meticulous with these finishes- but getting pretty excited :). Keep you posted, MTFBWY.

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/9638C34E-B4B4-4834-8C5C-0BB6BDE4B72F_zpslktgfqyt.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/9638C34E-B4B4-4834-8C5C-0BB6BDE4B72F_zpslktgfqyt.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F2582D2B-C789-4227-9309-246772EA2CC8_zpssty02elp.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F2582D2B-C789-4227-9309-246772EA2CC8_zpssty02elp.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/2560FEAD-5DFB-4614-A917-7DE025A92279_zpszg2jutu5.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/2560FEAD-5DFB-4614-A917-7DE025A92279_zpszg2jutu5.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/9F9D600B-CFEB-4E0A-981A-442F5910A2BF_zpsjqagflmw.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/9F9D600B-CFEB-4E0A-981A-442F5910A2BF_zpsjqagflmw.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/D3A805C8-A89D-48BB-8B0A-47B4704D3CA2_zpsbdexnfpx.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/D3A805C8-A89D-48BB-8B0A-47B4704D3CA2_zpsbdexnfpx.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B9B02272-43B7-44F5-880E-D1C24EC1740E_zpsut8worjw.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B9B02272-43B7-44F5-880E-D1C24EC1740E_zpsut8worjw.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/617B4402-8D72-4D03-A3ED-32875C03E70A_zpshk44tssa.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/617B4402-8D72-4D03-A3ED-32875C03E70A_zpshk44tssa.jpg.html)

This is such an amazing project. I can't believe how awesome the weathering effect is. I never would have thought of using the gun blue. Also, the d ring is incredible. The bracing the drill with a piece of wood is great idea. I'm always having trouble on weird surfaces getting the bit to stay in place. Can't wait to try it next time I need to drill something awkward. Can't wait to see more!

Very cool RevanReborn . . . looking forward to the final reveal  :)


hehe . . . a drill press in your living room . . . I'm jealous . . . +1  ;)

Thanks so much guys, really appreciate :).  Glad the info was helpful, Hansrad- and yeah, Jedi XIX, the bachelor life's got some upsides lol.   I was just like, "you thinking what I'm thinking Darth Arlo?"  He looked up at me from where he had been lying on the floor and tilted his head the way dogs do.  I nodded, knowingly, replying "I thought so- it's time we turned this living room into a man cave." 
And it was so lol.

I'm super excited to finish up the saber- sooo close!  I pretty much just have a bit of engraving left to do, but I've never done it before in my life, so I'm stuck practicing until I can pull it off lol. 

Right now, as you can tell from these pics of an early practice run, my engraving skills fall somewhere between those of a toddler and a trained monkey- actually that's probably a slight to trained monkeys everywhere lol.  But I'll get it, no worries!  I had never even held a dremel before this project, and not only did I get the hang of it eventually, I had a blast learning :).  I'm sure this will be much the same- keep you posted, MTFBWY.
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/5D42B3EA-43EF-4F2F-B35E-95CC621808A9_zpssdrjs4y4.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/5D42B3EA-43EF-4F2F-B35E-95CC621808A9_zpssdrjs4y4.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/888BEC9C-64E6-4740-86D0-BFB10046AA52_zpsji6rrl00.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/888BEC9C-64E6-4740-86D0-BFB10046AA52_zpsji6rrl00.jpg.html)

Thanks Dauntless Seven!  Now that I'm so close, I'm more motivated than ever- all I ever want to do is work on the saber lol- stuck at work ATM, at least physically lol, mentally I'm still at the work bench deciding how to do engraving. 
Here's another practice run from this morning, definitely not perfect, but for some strange reason I like the way this one looks-turned out kinda mean, jagged.  Still gonna keep redoing but who knows maybe I'll come back to this after all said and done:
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/1D5E54C2-D2C3-45AC-938C-E8A87A146179_zps2fgan1zd.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/1D5E54C2-D2C3-45AC-938C-E8A87A146179_zps2fgan1zd.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/C60F6C1D-3725-47AA-90A6-F74B37687FA3_zpsyzvmjjuw.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/C60F6C1D-3725-47AA-90A6-F74B37687FA3_zpsyzvmjjuw.jpg.html)
Keep you posted, MTFBWY.

Nice. So where did you get the chrome sink tube with the flange type look? Giving me some ideas now :P

Hey Zren, thanks :). They'r called 'tail pieces', can find at any hardware store or place that would have plumbing supplies.  Pretty cheap, which is good lol, because I've gone through a few for this mod-  been filling up one every morning after work with aurebesh to practice engraving etc. 

Think I might have a keeper for the seam on back of that shroud, still gotta clean up the blackening in engraving tho:
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/8BC5A173-2E15-48E9-91F1-2CFCA1E0E7C7_zpsxvofawjj.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/8BC5A173-2E15-48E9-91F1-2CFCA1E0E7C7_zpsxvofawjj.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/E6111826-5543-460B-B258-A7BFD8EAE9EE_zpsfflv2nbe.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/E6111826-5543-460B-B258-A7BFD8EAE9EE_zpsfflv2nbe.jpg.html)
Keep u posted, MTFBWY :). 

Phew, I'm beat lol.  I couldn't bring myself to crash after work this morning until I picked away at the saber a bit more.  Picked away at a bit turned into work on all day before I knew it lol :). 
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/D1D913EC-3823-453D-B172-257CCCF93099_zps7darjy9a.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/D1D913EC-3823-453D-B172-257CCCF93099_zps7darjy9a.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/075C15E1-72B0-4256-BA1E-2717E48F594D_zpspuqndhef.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/075C15E1-72B0-4256-BA1E-2717E48F594D_zpspuqndhef.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/61803BD1-74B1-4610-8E41-CCE0842D908B_zpshhpvnxgm.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/61803BD1-74B1-4610-8E41-CCE0842D908B_zpshhpvnxgm.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/1EAB7E7B-4ADE-472E-9611-DD69F22D63B6_zpsptf8yeoc.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/1EAB7E7B-4ADE-472E-9611-DD69F22D63B6_zpsptf8yeoc.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/0A5E9394-6F3A-485B-BFD0-821C0BD69321_zpshc8bju0h.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/0A5E9394-6F3A-485B-BFD0-821C0BD69321_zpshc8bju0h.jpg.html)

That's just about a wrap for this outer shroud, just a little tinkering with black in engraving and shine pattern etc., which means I only have engraving of inner shroud and in general a little cleaning up, putz'n around with small things for the finish. 

I wish the camera picked up this weathered finish/ pattern like it looks to the eye in person- crazy rich/ deep explosion of greys, blacks, browns, whites, greens, and even yellows and oranges!  Here's some pics at odd angles in glares etc. so can at least capture some of it on camera: 
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/1C2C9F49-6A2C-4923-A292-06B51AAC2DAC_zpsxidabufn.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/1C2C9F49-6A2C-4923-A292-06B51AAC2DAC_zpsxidabufn.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F7D878BD-C724-4D9E-BC07-09758E7BBE28_zps1icaw3mg.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F7D878BD-C724-4D9E-BC07-09758E7BBE28_zps1icaw3mg.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/AD4CD111-9E8D-4B96-BFD0-EDB60EAF4325_zpsjkebk70u.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/AD4CD111-9E8D-4B96-BFD0-EDB60EAF4325_zpsjkebk70u.jpg.html)

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/56DD756D-016D-4C48-9DA0-25EF8556331C_zpspovieylk.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/56DD756D-016D-4C48-9DA0-25EF8556331C_zpspovieylk.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/946A55CE-35E9-428E-B59B-CCB2BFE38776_zps9gjnkql0.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/946A55CE-35E9-428E-B59B-CCB2BFE38776_zps9gjnkql0.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/27373082-F54F-45C0-8217-C37B6DCC76F3_zpswjyewnc3.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/27373082-F54F-45C0-8217-C37B6DCC76F3_zpswjyewnc3.jpg.html)

Can't wait to get this baby back together for last time and get that direct drive red AV switch back in play, will totally set that outer shroud off!
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/97F878DA-2718-4E80-BB04-FA3F9CF0F3FE_zpsbjgjgbcy.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/97F878DA-2718-4E80-BB04-FA3F9CF0F3FE_zpsbjgjgbcy.jpg.html)
Keep u posted, MTFBWY :). 
 

While I was picking away at some of the clear coating and engraving I got a sick idea for one last touch to the saber, something to complete the look just a bit- so I ran and grabbed the last batch of supplies I'll need on this project:
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F9A25EC4-23B2-4D6F-BCB0-F845A87310B2_zpsx4hqfmqb.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F9A25EC4-23B2-4D6F-BCB0-F845A87310B2_zpsx4hqfmqb.jpg.html)

Bunch of embroidery stuff and some sithy fabrics- this might take a while I'm not much of a seamstress lol.

Looks great!

thanks guys!  I think u might be right Dauntless lol :), I've never sewn in my life!  The fabric is pretty slippy, but so far seems to be taking ok, I glued a backing on it so might help?  Either way I'm sure will end up kinda rough lmao but I figure that'll be ok with look I'm going for- gonna rip/ fray the ends of fabric anyway :).  I'm not as worried about since just cloth attachment, I can just take it off if it's too bad lol. 

As for the gifting lol, I TOTALLY would, but Darth arlo's got dibs on this one I'm afraid lol.  He's been trying to claim my dark sentinel stunt for a while now, but you know how greedy sith can be.  He won't be satisfied till he's got something to suit his personality a bit more :). 

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/7229F448-411D-4DB4-B8CE-56C03A17C585_zpsvlxdbknh.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/7229F448-411D-4DB4-B8CE-56C03A17C585_zpsvlxdbknh.jpg.html)
Darth Arlo: "Yeah, so don't get any ideas, Dauntless Seven!"

RevanReborn: "But Arlo, you know how I'm always complaining about how we need a lady friend to complete our wolf pack, don't you think it would be smart to play this one a little friendlier- this could be our chance?"


(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/6DBD66FB-E0DE-461B-A28B-CE6070AED496_zpsrwglduwz.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/6DBD66FB-E0DE-461B-A28B-CE6070AED496_zpsrwglduwz.jpg.html)
Darth Arlo:  "Silence!!  There can be only two.  One to embody the power, the other to pick up his poo."

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/AD8E057E-2331-4DAB-A10B-D581BBBF2232_zps7m2dp6qm.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/AD8E057E-2331-4DAB-A10B-D581BBBF2232_zps7m2dp6qm.jpg.html)
Darth Arlo:  "These humans are so exhausting- I'm gonna take a nap while I wait for my minion to craft a saber worthy of being wielded by one so great."

So, this is still REALLY sloppy atm, I ran outta time n had to catch a couple hours sleep before work n wasn't able to finish cleaning the black out from around edges of engraving- so all the excess blackening spilling out of the lines is making them look a lot sloppier than they actually are.  Once I give it a major cleaning later this morning will tighten it all up quite a bit :). 

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/EC062773-2520-45EA-AA24-FE84B4B01D61_zpsafxukk6a.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/EC062773-2520-45EA-AA24-FE84B4B01D61_zpsafxukk6a.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/89A8DACF-D7FE-4FB1-B29B-4EAA31ACF74F_zpsn9flixk3.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/89A8DACF-D7FE-4FB1-B29B-4EAA31ACF74F_zpsn9flixk3.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/90806005-2C13-46FE-A86D-8ED950A0D194_zpszklt47jo.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/90806005-2C13-46FE-A86D-8ED950A0D194_zpszklt47jo.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/C7352CC8-D560-4287-81EE-04E746639818_zpswvg5hcl8.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/C7352CC8-D560-4287-81EE-04E746639818_zpswvg5hcl8.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B8FFB83E-F22C-4215-B0A9-86D2A873DAAA_zps7ya7xc92.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B8FFB83E-F22C-4215-B0A9-86D2A873DAAA_zps7ya7xc92.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/16B38301-0B23-41D6-94C2-6FCEEF6B9572_zpsymuxndw9.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/16B38301-0B23-41D6-94C2-6FCEEF6B9572_zpsymuxndw9.jpg.html)

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/EAAC0C8C-EC8F-4431-B70C-9532FDCA613B_zpsbnpc0t4f.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/EAAC0C8C-EC8F-4431-B70C-9532FDCA613B_zpsbnpc0t4f.jpg.html)
Keep u posted, MTFBWY :). 
Oh also almost forgot- thanks D7:). Def gave Arlo that treat.  Actually I took some time to work on his training yesterday morning amid working on the saber: I think I've been spending more time on the project lately, and maybe I've been slacking when it comes to his routines :( -  I dunno, what do you think?  Is it just me, or have Darth Arlo's blaster deflecting abilities gotten a tad rusty lol?!

https://youtu.be/E7ylbmRT_24

https://youtu.be/wpf8NA8_X8w

Yikes lol ;). 

Thanks Dauntless :).  Yeah he's a character, and he totally does stink eye me all the time lol. 

Yeah, I know what you mean about the too clean look, but no worries I'm def gonna make sure to preserve the aesthetic.  I wanna clean the actuall lines of engraving themselves just so they look a little more crisp/ sharper- they're just a little bit too soft atm- I need them bit more harsh to go along with jaggedness, scewed angles etc. - but I'm sure the piece will be right at home with everything else :). There's actually already few little dings, scratches and scrapes on that brass pointy piece lol. 

Going to leave some dings/ blemishes etc., weather the edges of the brass pieces in spots to blend it in, and give character consistent with rest of saber, but what might surprise everyone is that I'm actually going to be giving a lot of the brass inner shroud some pretty serious bling!  I know sounds ridiculous, but you'll have to keep the faith lmao :). It's hard to explain but it's gonna look sweet- will look SO wrong in the exact right way if you can follow me somehow.  The lines, angles, and overall look will be unsettling, unnatural even, like there's something just slightly off or screwed.  There will be an ancient evil air about it, corroded, decaying, cracked and weatherd, sinister all the way, but yet at the same time it will be proud/ arrogant, ostentatious, like showy / gaudy(gawdy?).  There will be flashy, patchy polished bling' n gold with blackened lines engraved into it, all set over corroded rusty blackened grip!  Pompous and royal but evil and dead.  Totally crooked/ dirty.

Hence the name: usurper- for anyone who wasn't lame enough to major in English lit and political science lol, usurp means to overthrow the rightful monarch and an underhanded, dishonourable, cowardly etc. way of doing so is kind of implicit.  Like a usurper would have been the lowest of lows, the dirtiest of dirt squirrels, the most dispicable and fowl of scumbags next to maybe the guy that killed Jesus lol. 
... basicslly the ideal/ epidome of sith lol.

Wow, I'm such a newb at forums lol... This is totally the kind of thing that would have been great to put in the first post instead of the glancing mention I gave to concept there lol.  Oh well, live and learn lol. 

O ya, about the 7 lmao!  You know that actually concerned me when I was practicing- I wanted to do block lettering so could accentuate the aurebesh r (which is kinda unavoidably identical to 7 in stick form).  But it'll probably be an awfully long time before my skill is at that level where could pull it off.  It's cool though, i actually really like it the way looks in that seam :).   And I've noticed that other people doing engraving here have mostly shy'd away from block lettering too- even ppl who've taken their sabers in to pro's for the engraving- like luminousbeing's Healer (which looks aweome), they seemed to stay away from the block lettering, so I'm feeling good about that call... For now lol.

I'd better go, Arlo's giving me the stink eye again lol :)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/597E7EAF-C11D-4DF0-880A-55B41842E39E_zpsshlotfur.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/597E7EAF-C11D-4DF0-880A-55B41842E39E_zpsshlotfur.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/1F20C5E7-4309-45CA-B8CB-FA6F246E80BE_zpsemifdraf.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/1F20C5E7-4309-45CA-B8CB-FA6F246E80BE_zpsemifdraf.jpg.html)
Any minute now he'll be going all dark side!
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/1037BEBB-D33E-4F73-ADA2-80A5685AFD6B_zpswflezc6u.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/1037BEBB-D33E-4F73-ADA2-80A5685AFD6B_zpswflezc6u.jpg.html)
Keep u posted, MTFBWY.

Not at all Rev (that's your nick name from now on  ;)) . . . this thread has been and continues to be thoroughly entertaining and inspiring . . . anyone who starts will have to read till the end, for the final reveal that we're all waiting for (not to rush you or anything, lol  :P). . .  +1 :)

Thanks so much JediXIX :).  I'm so very close now, getting set to tackle some of the remaining bits today- I can't wait!  Keep u posted, MTFBWY. 

I'm sensing you have tickets for the opening weekend lol-  SO JEALOUS lol!! I actually have to wait till after the weekend on account of a family Christmas get together I have to travel for- it's a total tease too- at the theatre near me they'r doing a marathon for opening night- ALL the movies in sequence leading up to, then the premier- that's like 14 hours of awesomeness I'll miss!

Savour it for me buddy lol! 

Hey everyone, holidays have been crazy busy between work and family stuff etc., plus with the movie coming out there's just so much going on its insane lol, as I'm sure everyone can relate- but no worries I've still been hard at it whenever possible :). 

Just got done all the engraving, but now I still have to power through the tedious process of taking all the black out of the lines so they appear somewhat sharp again (in these pics the black's not cleaned up yet so lines look rough- well, actually some of its not even put in yet but I'm on it lol). 

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/E41217BB-40D8-4F66-8C26-C5E6ED7F14D3_zps5zbm5y28.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/E41217BB-40D8-4F66-8C26-C5E6ED7F14D3_zps5zbm5y28.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F24924C6-FBBB-47D3-A456-E15C42DAE4F9_zpsc5fke4uq.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F24924C6-FBBB-47D3-A456-E15C42DAE4F9_zpsc5fke4uq.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/359CF497-D436-47A9-A920-FBDEAFE080A5_zpsgm8r64ay.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/359CF497-D436-47A9-A920-FBDEAFE080A5_zpsgm8r64ay.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/29F54EF6-DE04-446F-B8FA-F52241538283_zps8surdkv9.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/29F54EF6-DE04-446F-B8FA-F52241538283_zps8surdkv9.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/43BB0ACA-19C3-4A9A-BE64-2DC4B5F397F2_zps3jo7qbbj.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/43BB0ACA-19C3-4A9A-BE64-2DC4B5F397F2_zps3jo7qbbj.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/3D4A7E59-87AE-4945-BCFA-364761932F3E_zpsw30br9bg.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/3D4A7E59-87AE-4945-BCFA-364761932F3E_zpsw30br9bg.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/FC24028A-8598-49DE-B06C-7F4B5E8E6607_zps8eh9quxy.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/FC24028A-8598-49DE-B06C-7F4B5E8E6607_zps8eh9quxy.jpg.html)
(Here u can see why it's really worth putting the time in cleaning out the engraving- it makes it look sloppy until you get the black from around edges)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/1B11E0A3-85D0-449A-B81B-F985E37A1517_zpsv0fhwcdi.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/1B11E0A3-85D0-449A-B81B-F985E37A1517_zpsv0fhwcdi.jpg.html)
(This will give u idea of how the shrouds line up/ fit on saber)

Really hoping I can get this project finished by New Years :).  Keep u posted, MTFBWY.

Progress is slower than expected on this part but no point in rushing stuff at this point:
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/313E1CCD-D343-4712-B505-AB24659AFFE6_zpsr1nlkand.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/313E1CCD-D343-4712-B505-AB24659AFFE6_zpsr1nlkand.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/642C2A0B-A273-40C8-8502-B18CE6E33A38_zpsntfjzrua.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/642C2A0B-A273-40C8-8502-B18CE6E33A38_zpsntfjzrua.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/8DD48287-659C-4AA1-BD97-FD8F8C39D81F_zpsf7ga8sj7.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/8DD48287-659C-4AA1-BD97-FD8F8C39D81F_zpsf7ga8sj7.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/56CC36CF-48B3-4AB7-9A06-BAD183A6B2F1_zpskqrmhsip.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/56CC36CF-48B3-4AB7-9A06-BAD183A6B2F1_zpskqrmhsip.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/5BF27279-8CCA-443A-BBDA-8F07157F5C52_zpsjwchovwf.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/5BF27279-8CCA-443A-BBDA-8F07157F5C52_zpsjwchovwf.jpg.html)

Keep u posted, MTFBWY :).

Thanks Dauntless lol!  I'm back at it, did one more coat of clear on everything for lil extra protection, now I'm gonna keep at the engraving (it's getting very close to finished) while that dries, at which point I'll be able to finally assemble the hilt lol and clean it up nice etc. Then all's left is a bit o embroidering and sewing... which i suck pretty bad at so far not gonna lie lol... and that's a wrap!!

Keep u posted-
MTFBWY, and happy new year :)!

Hey everybody, sorry I haven't gone awol lol, I just seemed to have underestimated how long all the finishing details would take.  K, so the tinkering on this piece is pretty much good to go:
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/3A06C452-270F-4792-A35C-5C9CC48C2C14_zpsvtdoyo6v.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/3A06C452-270F-4792-A35C-5C9CC48C2C14_zpsvtdoyo6v.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/ED0775DF-F0CB-4C5B-AACC-14F9DF5DA55F_zpscifqwdbp.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/ED0775DF-F0CB-4C5B-AACC-14F9DF5DA55F_zpscifqwdbp.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F463762F-CCEA-4472-80BE-29BA64C43F07_zpsajjivsrf.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F463762F-CCEA-4472-80BE-29BA64C43F07_zpsajjivsrf.jpg.html)
All the other pieces are good to go too, save for a bit of cleaning etc. after its all been reassembled- which just leaves some work darkening the engraving more on the inner brass shroud (above, far right) and then colour coding the kill count:
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B71DA02B-7F82-4B2B-90F6-946BEDB5CD15_zpsffwpys9z.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B71DA02B-7F82-4B2B-90F6-946BEDB5CD15_zpsffwpys9z.jpg.html)
Keep u posted, MTFBWY.

love following this post  it has been making me check everytime i log in for an update, its like a mini-series  " Next week on Raven ...."  ;D

was one project that inspired me to trick out  my manticore.

Thanks Bulvoy :).  I'm honoured to have helped be part of inspirations for that hilt, it's all kinds of awesome!!  And SO good to hear that the updates are welcome!  Sometimes I wonder if I might be overdoing it / killing it lol, but I figure it could help someone in future if they are able to see every little aspect/ or even set backs etc. of the project- will make it easy for someone to ask me to elaborate about a specific part of the mod if theyr curious :). 

Keep u posted, MTFBWY.

A few things, my friend.

1) I love the dedication to detail you have in this saber. You're an inspiration to me as someone who wants to get more into saber customization. On top of that, sabers like the Catalyst are just asking to be customized because of their simplicity.

2) I'm not what most people would call a shipper, but I'm shipping you and D7 so hard right now. Hopefully Darth Arlo doesnt get jealous! XD

3) Take your time and keep up the awesome work!

Much love from Central Valley California!

-Greg

Thanks so much Greg!  I'm truly honoured :).  Really appreciate the kind words- they keep me going!  Yeah I agree, the catalyst is one of those hilts that IMO just screams to be personalized.  It's simplicity makes it a great starting template, but it's dramatic lines/ unique proportions give it a potential for some really striking mods. 

Glad to hear you plan on continuing to get more and more into customizations- seems like u def have the knack for it too.  Your d ring install on your arbiter looks so good- it seems so natural coming directly out of the protruding part of the hilt, like that pommel was made to have that type of d ring there :).  Well done. 

And by all means, ship away lol!  Yeah, ever since I read the Bane trilogy Darth Arlo has been hung up on the rule of two, but I keep warning him he'd better prepare himself for the day our wolf pack expands lol. Thanks again, MTFBWY. 

Well.. having taken inspiration from the Archon V3 and any Luke ROTJ saber, I'd say that that pommel WAS made to have a D-Ring! :P

K, I don't know what's going on with my photobucket account but it keeps dropping pics left n right- here's the pics from that last page that dissapeared, in order they appear there:
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/3A06C452-270F-4792-A35C-5C9CC48C2C14_zpsndprejsx.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/3A06C452-270F-4792-A35C-5C9CC48C2C14_zpsndprejsx.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/ED0775DF-F0CB-4C5B-AACC-14F9DF5DA55F_zpsvofmvdgv.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/ED0775DF-F0CB-4C5B-AACC-14F9DF5DA55F_zpsvofmvdgv.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F463762F-CCEA-4472-80BE-29BA64C43F07_zpsmvjwmn0m.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F463762F-CCEA-4472-80BE-29BA64C43F07_zpsmvjwmn0m.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/B71DA02B-7F82-4B2B-90F6-946BEDB5CD15_zpsmawqboxx.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/B71DA02B-7F82-4B2B-90F6-946BEDB5CD15_zpsmawqboxx.jpg.html)
And to recap basically, the piece in my hand in last pic I just need to finish darkening engraving and colour coding kill count.

Thanks for the inclusion D7! :)

Lol I know right? I hate that cat lol!!

Thanks so much, very kind of you :). 

Wolf pack status updated lol, welcome aboard! 

You're cool with that right Arlo? (whispered)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/E78CCEF8-4DD4-43FE-A0EE-4E051DBA633F_zpscyyfyazq.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/E78CCEF8-4DD4-43FE-A0EE-4E051DBA633F_zpscyyfyazq.jpg.html)
"... ... ..."

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/FA53CD11-915C-4D45-857C-03C89DCDD257_zpsfzvzhxnw.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/FA53CD11-915C-4D45-857C-03C89DCDD257_zpsfzvzhxnw.jpg.html)
K, raise your right hand if you're cool with that.

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F31D84E8-8BCC-46F9-9D97-2AFC20802738_zps0iydcgeo.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F31D84E8-8BCC-46F9-9D97-2AFC20802738_zps0iydcgeo.jpg.html)

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/55A29836-1173-4BE0-9588-E8021ED2E67E_zpsp2gd0kcb.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/55A29836-1173-4BE0-9588-E8021ED2E67E_zpsp2gd0kcb.jpg.html)
Ha! I guess Darth Arlo changed his mind on the rule of two after all, I'm sure he'd like to welcome you to the pack as well lol  :-\.  Thanks again for the encouragement, keep you posted- MTFBWY!

Oh wow, this thing is insane.
I'm brand new to the forum and my very first saber is currently on the way and I was looking around for inspiration as i definitely want to customize it when i get it, but this just blew me away.
You have a talent sir!

Marking your kills on your saber is a VERY cool idea (even tho they're probably Jedi kills, oh my  :o) . . . +1 Rev :)

Thanks so much everyone!  Seems like I always get the most time to check the forum when I'm at work (don't tell my boss lol), and all the words of encouragement from you guys always get me so pumped to work on the saber- it's hard to stay here at my job instead of running off home to the work bench lol!  I just keep thinking of all the ultra sabers I still need :). 

Yeah, Jed, some of those ticks are, it saddens me to say, Jedi.  But some are Sith too.  I figured realistically any sith that survives long enough to battle and overcome so many Jedi would have had to overcome a good number of his fellow Sith as well.  Gonna colour code the ticks in red and blue :).

Thanks Ulterios!  Welcome to the forum :).  I'm relatively new around here too- get ready to be blown away lol there are SO many INSANELY talented people here- you won't believe it.  Good luck on your first customizing :).  You'll have to post up when it arrives, I'm curious which saber you went with? 

And yeah, D7, Arlo's a tough cookie lol.  But he has his weaknesses- elk antlers, beef liver, and those giant bones with all the guts still clinging to them (gross) lol.  But you know what, he doesn't even realize how much he'd love having extra people around to give him that much more attention :). 

Keep you posted- MTFBWY!

Just doing the touch ups to engraving etc., cleaning up and whatnot.  I actually had to use a tiny plastic dental pick to be able to put the colouring (nail polish) down into the kill count with any kind of control lol.   will be ready to show very soon!  Keep u posted, MTFBWY :).

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/9BDDD96C-9B82-416F-9D2E-B3A54CDF23F6_zpseacmfesn.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/9BDDD96C-9B82-416F-9D2E-B3A54CDF23F6_zpseacmfesn.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/A26D3C1E-7D1C-4BB5-8444-0B739ACE617E_zpsbzpmy6gy.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/A26D3C1E-7D1C-4BB5-8444-0B739ACE617E_zpsbzpmy6gy.jpg.html)
You can see a little teaser of it here, but I'm playing this one close to chest until the big reveal lol (very soon) :).

Holy cow, I can't wait!

Oooo snap!! Been waiting to do this ever since I joined the forum lol!!!  My first real mod :). 

Introducing, Usurper:
Crooked, vile, evil, unnatural, corroded, arcane, not to mention ostentatious, proud, regal even- but above all, MEAN!  There's so much to say about the design etc., a lot going on, but I'll just let the pics tell the story for most part save for this little bit of info.  Like I mentioned at beginning of post, the idea was a sort of imagining of what my saber would be if I were a legendary/ infamous evil from an age long past. 

I'm totally happy with how it turned out :).  Not perfect, but the whole project was one big experiment/ learning process, and I think I'm better off accepting my budding skills for what they are and progressing to another project, slowly improving with each one.  It's tempting to tinker forever until it's perfect but years down the road id rather have a collection of projects in which you can see my improvement over time, as opposed to one absolutely perfect saber lol. 

So, enough blabbering away lol, here she is:

(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/1CD364E6-0907-42B4-929A-17D0839262D7_zpsympb8yvi.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/1CD364E6-0907-42B4-929A-17D0839262D7_zpsympb8yvi.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/D1BB10DC-9773-4C3C-8CF6-6F974039B895_zpsahcespax.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/D1BB10DC-9773-4C3C-8CF6-6F974039B895_zpsahcespax.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/83B33E08-67C9-4288-A8CE-13C35C1FB38D_zpsby9pobpp.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/83B33E08-67C9-4288-A8CE-13C35C1FB38D_zpsby9pobpp.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/AE46B92E-321A-43AD-A055-2988B4B895E9_zps5rc3tkbf.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/AE46B92E-321A-43AD-A055-2988B4B895E9_zps5rc3tkbf.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F902AB7B-ED53-4EAA-A3A8-F9107CF3DF0B_zpsrpvzjs7u.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F902AB7B-ED53-4EAA-A3A8-F9107CF3DF0B_zpsrpvzjs7u.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/4422A21E-6A37-42EF-B9AD-76C8A2D328B7_zpsnkfssewe.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/4422A21E-6A37-42EF-B9AD-76C8A2D328B7_zpsnkfssewe.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/8C08B815-E55C-43C4-95DC-B2ECC9165318_zps5lzs6qqs.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/8C08B815-E55C-43C4-95DC-B2ECC9165318_zps5lzs6qqs.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/6AAA2DF0-E07A-4B2B-A195-1515ED523174_zpsynhray9i.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/6AAA2DF0-E07A-4B2B-A195-1515ED523174_zpsynhray9i.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/0A2B499F-372B-4B48-A580-515DB895A398_zpskpqtfrjo.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/0A2B499F-372B-4B48-A580-515DB895A398_zpskpqtfrjo.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/351929EF-1BF5-4F15-BAFE-A75CA5FF6355_zpsgynszcwi.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/351929EF-1BF5-4F15-BAFE-A75CA5FF6355_zpsgynszcwi.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/E848F7F0-C5A1-423F-A975-1FE1BE460486_zpshznkp13a.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/E848F7F0-C5A1-423F-A975-1FE1BE460486_zpshznkp13a.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/6729A75E-B16D-40A2-BA2A-6657E88B7C5A_zpscqrsq9em.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/6729A75E-B16D-40A2-BA2A-6657E88B7C5A_zpscqrsq9em.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/DD32E499-D738-4527-96DF-4E22489FB2F1_zpswgnnxcdg.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/DD32E499-D738-4527-96DF-4E22489FB2F1_zpswgnnxcdg.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/7F8B33AF-DA95-49C5-A5BD-073A37E50982_zps5sxsasgr.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/7F8B33AF-DA95-49C5-A5BD-073A37E50982_zps5sxsasgr.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/660DFA66-3A79-453E-BA6C-7E4A2D91ED11_zpsxf7t1kj9.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/660DFA66-3A79-453E-BA6C-7E4A2D91ED11_zpsxf7t1kj9.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/81FFB75A-DE7F-4866-94EA-E2D4B0E91457_zpsth5ii2gs.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/81FFB75A-DE7F-4866-94EA-E2D4B0E91457_zpsth5ii2gs.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/DF7F6D91-D951-46BB-A8B5-93D3DCCABDC9_zpsmuoazwfk.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/DF7F6D91-D951-46BB-A8B5-93D3DCCABDC9_zpsmuoazwfk.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/07E87139-DD49-474F-9ABD-59D96C956099_zpspqvv3yeq.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/07E87139-DD49-474F-9ABD-59D96C956099_zpspqvv3yeq.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/05456DB0-A589-4929-8B29-D7B5D2CDA42A_zpswtn5pikz.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/05456DB0-A589-4929-8B29-D7B5D2CDA42A_zpswtn5pikz.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F84BAEC4-0BB4-412D-AECC-36823FF1CF0D_zps0gtyp4xa.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F84BAEC4-0BB4-412D-AECC-36823FF1CF0D_zps0gtyp4xa.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/1AD87A2D-5B5E-48B9-B95D-609495E8C350_zpsiku2pvye.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/1AD87A2D-5B5E-48B9-B95D-609495E8C350_zpsiku2pvye.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/5EEC69F1-0163-4CFF-9715-4343ABCDF6D6_zpsi2vgyxs4.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/5EEC69F1-0163-4CFF-9715-4343ABCDF6D6_zpsi2vgyxs4.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/C46F4695-F722-418E-8F45-C69F66CDF0D3_zpsxy3hhixd.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/C46F4695-F722-418E-8F45-C69F66CDF0D3_zpsxy3hhixd.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/81796D7A-9359-461D-B430-A88117BC63CD_zpshkshdffj.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/81796D7A-9359-461D-B430-A88117BC63CD_zpshkshdffj.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/9EF968F6-A1BC-43D0-8125-DA7ED2905352_zps6s32go9x.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/9EF968F6-A1BC-43D0-8125-DA7ED2905352_zps6s32go9x.jpg.html)

Sorry about posting 5million pics, but with this finish the saber looks so diff depending which angle the light hits it, hoping to show that a bit. 

Here it is ignited, with 36" heavy:
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/A6485237-E1C1-4864-99A0-A30FCC705010_zpsehj4xvz3.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/A6485237-E1C1-4864-99A0-A30FCC705010_zpsehj4xvz3.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/C5B150D8-FB62-4EF9-BFC4-8323AF9CA1C2_zpsfy6lob3z.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/C5B150D8-FB62-4EF9-BFC4-8323AF9CA1C2_zpsfy6lob3z.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/FAA5A4C6-F61E-415C-BA23-183F780B1663_zpselqwl9vf.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/FAA5A4C6-F61E-415C-BA23-183F780B1663_zpselqwl9vf.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/0C5DB53D-8DB2-4874-81D2-EF8983D1DF8E_zpsafegtkzx.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/0C5DB53D-8DB2-4874-81D2-EF8983D1DF8E_zpsafegtkzx.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/2976EAEC-C6A8-4A01-B942-1F86F1DBD61D_zpsff55veqy.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/2976EAEC-C6A8-4A01-B942-1F86F1DBD61D_zpsff55veqy.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/9861D79A-3131-4368-BAE0-4741886E05C4_zps1ayzqnmn.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/9861D79A-3131-4368-BAE0-4741886E05C4_zps1ayzqnmn.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/353D296D-2E83-47EF-A4CA-D82D16F0DD27_zpsfzcyw7e4.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/353D296D-2E83-47EF-A4CA-D82D16F0DD27_zpsfzcyw7e4.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/4470BBBC-D665-41F1-B583-7919B08DAB2E_zpsj8qqctza.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/4470BBBC-D665-41F1-B583-7919B08DAB2E_zpsj8qqctza.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/8DA434ED-5962-4EA1-9553-C87C4D0313F7_zps9mo1x84m.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/8DA434ED-5962-4EA1-9553-C87C4D0313F7_zps9mo1x84m.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/F3AD190C-57B6-4D82-9D90-8C59F59E26B2_zpsfsbzvg9h.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/F3AD190C-57B6-4D82-9D90-8C59F59E26B2_zpsfsbzvg9h.jpg.html)
The foc (haven't decided on sound fonts yet):
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/D2193A50-2C31-4C85-ADED-5C01E4D061C2_zpszzjpqtse.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/D2193A50-2C31-4C85-ADED-5C01E4D061C2_zpszzjpqtse.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/17C2B761-BD4D-4E0A-953B-3553EA574D00_zpszeqvhn8f.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/17C2B761-BD4D-4E0A-953B-3553EA574D00_zpszeqvhn8f.jpg.html)
Was hoping to show how awesome it grips but I needed one hand to snap pic lol. Both controlling and trailing hands have a nice hand stop, and my trailing hand wraps around the brass inner shroud points in the rear of grips- really locks in- plus the patterns of rough corroded finish and all the cutouts on outer shroud really help as well:
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/61C01ABB-9D85-47B1-85B8-5E3EA8217A0D_zpszqquw97j.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/61C01ABB-9D85-47B1-85B8-5E3EA8217A0D_zpszqquw97j.jpg.html)

Finally, back amongst my saber collection in the place of honour... For now lol!  Until it gets usurped by my next creation :). 
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/99C09103-AB4C-483F-AF66-364B6988F643_zpszzs4dj5y.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/99C09103-AB4C-483F-AF66-364B6988F643_zpszzs4dj5y.jpg.html)
(http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/major_major/9B9C72E4-2512-40A4-8CD9-85A4D13033D9_zpsna2vtxun.jpg) (http://s736.photobucket.com/user/major_major/media/9B9C72E4-2512-40A4-8CD9-85A4D13033D9_zpsna2vtxun.jpg.html)

Thanks SO much to everyone for all your support and encouragement throughout this project !!!  I can't even tell you how much I appreciate :). 
I will still be creating embroidered streamers/ tassels, but suspect will take eons lol, so I'll post up then.  Thanks again, hope you guys enjoyed my first mod- MTFBWY :). 

Very cool. You get yet another point.

That is very nice.

You are dedicated to the craft...

Thanks so much everyone, you guys make this community a blessing for people like myself :). 

I just might take you up on that D7, I'll prob give you a shout for some tips etc. soon when I resume work on the fabric.  Got it started a lil, but... my skills aren't exactly impressive lol. Thanks again- MTFBWY. 

Be Proud of yourself, An Immense  project from end to end , lots of vision that comes to life, Love it Nice work

Thanks Bulvoy, very kind of you :).  Appreciate! 

Revan! This is amazing!!!!! I'm impressed by your work and I can't wait to see more of your work!

Looking great man! Pretty wicked, l love the tally marks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Point for you! That looks so unique  :o

Thanks so much guys!!  I'm truly honored- all of your guys' support, encouragement, and kind words were what kept me so motivated during the whole project- so I can't thank you enough :).  Look forward to sharing our ideas/ work etc. in the future.  You guys rock!  MTFBWYA

Agree, I do, with everyones comments on your work here Rev . . . you've done a stella job on this unique saber of yours . . . more points my friend +1 :)


Sooooo . . . . whats up next?  ;)

Rev, Seeing work like yours is what motivated me to want to work on my sabers. Even though it was just a gut swap and some MHS parts my sabers now feel more, mine. You've been a big encouragement to me. You inspire my freind.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Thank you guys, truly  :).  The feeling's mutual- i see what you guys are up to and i feel inspired to press on into other projects and into other aspects of the hobby and techniques that are unknown to me.  When i see you guys accomplishing such cool work with such talent,  i immediately feel drawn to it, wide eyed, like a kid again :).  So thank you, not only for all the encouragement and kindness, but also for the inspiration.  It means a lot to me to receive that support from people who, themselves, inspire and impress the heck out of me!  MTFBWY

o, wait, almost forgot!  well, Jed, I'm glad you asked :)  i actually already started doing some ground/ prep work for another project.  Gonna post that up today.  And, actually, even as I'm getting ready to have that one fired up full steam, I've also got some things, from all over the farthest corners of saber space lol, slowly making their way to me for some future projects that are gonna push my budding skills to the next level!  can't wait :) keep you posted, and thanks again!

All the wip pics showed that this was going to be something amazing, but seeing the finished product is something else. That is just an astounding looking saber.

Thanks Hansrad :). Really appreciate! 

dude, that looks amazings, the force is strong with you my friend