It's 3AM in the morning right now where I'm at, and even though I have a full day of work tomorrow (err today I mean), I just couldn't stop working on the Graflex
Well I'm absolutely spent right now trying to type out this update post for yall, but it's a really special post and one I know you all have been waiting for. Just a heads up warning, this post will be picture-heavy
Let's get started!
Ordered some new momentary switches that are even smaller than what I had expected - these are microscopic!! PERFECT!
With the LED module completely epoxied to the chassis rods and secured very tightly, it was all downhill from there! Started soldering all the connections up, trying to be as precise as possible with all the solder points to prevent any shorting. Probably my best solder work as of yet (with lots more to learn!)
Another side shot of the chassis. Double measured the length on the digital caliper to make sure that it will fit snuggly into the Graflex hilt.
Tested the chassis electronics and BOY was this a magical moment. So many hours put into assembling the electronics, pressing that switch is just that leap of faith moment where you have your fingers crossed
Here is a shot of the chassis inside of the Graflex hilt. You can see that tri cree in there - this saber will be bright!
Thanks to a little bit of creativity and finesse (and coffee), I was able to get the switch to fit beautiful right behind the bubble strip of the Graflex clamp. I will also at some point be securing this to a specific bubble, so that the bubble itself will be the button to ignite the saber.
BOOM. IT'S ALIIIIIIIVVVEEEEEEE
In this next section below, I've taken some comparison photos of the finished wooden Graflex with my other Graflex models:A side by side shot of the wooden Graflex compared to the Graflex replica. I really gave myself a pat on the back here. The dimensions are perfect.
From left to right:
Left (Ultrasabers Graflex SE) modeled after Anakin's Revenge of the Sith hilt
Middle - Custom Wood Graflex - modeled after Luke's A New Hope hilt
Right - Graflex Replica - modeled after Luke's Empire Strikes Back hilt
The only one left that I need is Rey's The Force Awakens hilt, then the graflex collection will be complete!
Another angle:
Third Angle:
Fourth Angle:
Fifth Angle:
The blade plug for the wooden graflex was far less transparent than the Ultrasabers blade plug - but you can see the color difference between the blues:
This is probably my favorite picture. I'm so glad I went with the mix of Royal Blue/Blue/White for the wooden Graflex. The color is very unique and contrasts well with the light colors of the wood. It looks so different than the aqua color of the Ultrasabers Graflex.
Second angle:
I'm drooling...
And for good measure, a final standalone shot.
I promised a lot of pictures for you guys and I hope I delivered on that. I'm so happy with the outcome of the work I put into this lightsaber, and looking through this whole thread starting from January, it almost brings a tear to my eye looking at the progress made throughout. To be honest I'm so tired right now, none of the excitement has hit me yet. I was literally nodding off while trying to finish up this post lol. But waking up tomorrow and walking downstairs to see the completed Graflex is when excitement will start to sink in
I need to take this time to say thanks to everyone here who encouraged me to keep going. Without all the support and love from you guys, I don't know if this project would have ever been completed. And I really mean that. Special thanks to Ultrasabers for giving me my first Graflex which started the craze in the first place. I cannot wait to bring this to San Diego Comic Con and have a lightsaber I know will be one of a kind in a place where there will be tens of thousands of lightsabers. I also cannot wait to get started on whatever project comes next. I will be sure to post some pictures of my SDCC experience and specifically with this Graflex!