TCSS emitters

[Darth Unobtanium]

So I'm thinking of buying an emitter or two from The Custom Saber Shop, since they're compatible with most Ultrasaber hilts. But when it comes to the emitters, do they have blade retention screws? If they don't, how will I be able to hold the blade in place?

Thanks for responding!

[Manroon]

With TCSS, there's something in the order where you have to tell them to drill and tap a retention hole, and what size you want it, and buy a screw for it as well. I forget if it's something you note when you put your emitter in the shopping cart, or if it's a separate service you have to put in the cart with it. There should be something on their site or their forums about it I think, if that helps any...

[Darth Unobtanium]

Yeah, that should help. There's so many cool emitters; I can't wait to pick one out!

[Duff Man]

You have to get the drill and tap service(like $8 extra) there is a drop down menu for you to choose what thread size you want. If you don't you will get it as a solid piece and will have to do it yourself or find somebody to do it for you(preferably with a drill press).  Then you have to buy a retention screw (they have several different styles to choose from).  

[Duff Man]

Ohhhh I was too slow! 

[DarthCooper88]

Lots of choices  again on how you go about it, the 10-24 thread is a good size & harder to strip out than the 6 0r 8-32, as for screws, the local hardward has them in allen style, stainless Which I like best) & brass. As Duff mentioned, a drill press is a must for a straight, square hole, & use a good cutting fluid with your tap (aluminum galls up & will stall the tap). As far as screws , I like to take a pair of vice grips, use the small bench grinder to get the screw to the correct length I need & then take a fine file to the end to round the end of the screw so the threads will line back up.

[DarthCooper88]

Here is a pic of 2 style #1 blade holders from TCSS , I used 10-24 threads , filed a flat spot on top of each ( I like the screws to sit flush) from there i bought 2, 1/2" allen head screws & 2 neat little copper caps in the local hardware store, a little j-b weld to hold them together & voila!

[Darth Unobtanium]

Thanks so much for all your help! And DarthCooper, point to you for the epic katana-style sabers. I love the tsuba on the wrapped saber.

[DarthCooper88]

Thanks Darth Unobtanium, I found these tsuba online very cheap due to the fact that when they were made, the ended up being up-side down in relations to the blades cutting edge ( I would be really P^%$%d if Iordered one for a regular bladed katana & this showed up!