Saber Forum

A contest that takes a basic model Ultra Saber and lets the participants apply their best efforts towards weathering, modifying, converting, painting, etc.

An even playing field, with the basic model as a starting point.

The first thought would be "I am not good at any of those things!" or "There are a couple pros on here, I would not stand a chance".  We can counter this with a graded curve.

Padawan Learner...someone with limited to no experience using the techniques above, representing the student working on their first saber...you gotta start somewhere.

Jedi Knight...someone with experience in modifying or converting, be it paintball guns or cosplay props...this represents someone with skills and experience though not at a recognized saber smith grade.

Jedi Master...someone with a history of making sabers and or has professional grade skills in related disciplines of metal work and electronics.

Once completed, the forum would vote, the one with the most votes wins!

The idea would be that every vote, and we would need to set up a vote once and only once poll, counts in respect to the skill set involved.

A padawan learner would get +2 votes for each forum vote...or for example a final tally shows Jedi Jimmy to have 13 votes...the final result would be 39.

A Jedi knight would receive +1 votes for each vote...so Jedi Night had 13 votes...the final count would be 26.

A Jedi master would count their votes as they come in...13 votes is 13 votes.

So what say you all?

Interest?

Prizes you say?

My thought is that each entry adds $5-$10 to a pot and the winner gets this as store credit with Ultra Sabers.

Looking at the sabers I am thinking the Initiate v3, silver or black, is the way to go.


(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/xhep6.dfu5e/v/vspfiles/photos/Initiatev3-1.jpg)(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/xhep6.dfu5e/v/vspfiles/photos/DarkInitiatev3-1.jpg)

I don't know about this I would ask deep about this one bud.

I did. Do you see a problem of some kind?

Well more of a concern if someone does this where is this pot I mean do we do it before or after? I'm concerned because if someone doe it but didnt put to the pot where is it left to then?

I think it's a pretty cool idea, I'd really like to see the results.  I would take part myself, but honestly my recent Overlord purchase has set me back a bit.  I'll give it some thought!

The thought would be to open a single source with Ultra and when we purchase our starter saber then leave the extra in the account.

The money pot means nothing to me, I'm up for doing it for the challenge.

Pretty much the same concern I would have. I love the idea. I've seen similar things *ahem* other places, and I feel it would be a really neat activity to add to the forum on a once or twice a year basis! I just want to be sure that the smiths that be (AKA our beloved guys at US) fully understand what it is, how it works, and have given their official stamp of approval. (Not that I don't trust anyone, Rel has an impeccable record as a forumite of the highest standing, it's just my job to think of such things. ;) )

Edit: I like the sound of that idea for the pot system, if Deep / Ultra okays that, then that definitely sounds like the way to go! Kudos Rel! Very well thought through!

Really just trying to sell more sabers, enhance the customer saber experience, and have some fun :)

There need not be a pot or monies if there is any issue...I'm up for the challenge and bragging rights ;)

I think the 3 tiers is a good idea, but each tier should compete separately.  Even if Jedi Jimmy gets 3x the points per vote compared to random Master, Master will still likely win because Jimmy won't get that many votes.  A newbie to customizing wouldn't get many votes up against an expert.  Just iff the top of my head, I know I wouldn't stand a chance against sram's custom Initiate shrouds.  

Overall it's a pretty cool idea though.

So the deal is we take one of the low end sabers (Initiate v2/v3, Dom/Aeon v2/v3, Standard Issue, Liberator, Prophecy) and make customizations to them so that we can vote for who has the best creations in 3 divisions? Then the one with the most votes gets the prize, an (Dark)Initiate v3 stunt? If my understanding is correct, that is.

A contest with the most basic saber would be interesting!
I think it would be a good idea to do this in december, when almost everyone can have gift money/work bonus to afford the saber.
5$ requisition charge each to create a pool to give to the winner (or winners) as store credit.

The contest would be to use the one saber noted, not any others.

If approved then there would be a pot of funds in a credit format with ultra sabers...no cash value, just for a purchase applied to what you want.

There will not be enough builders I would think to have different divisions or it will end up being one or two people in each division.

;)

If approved, I'd be down for this. It sounds like fun and I'm a huge Dominix fan V2 and V3!

I'd be down for this.

Sweet.

Just to clear we are talking about working with the exact same model saber...Initiate v3, silver or black


(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/xhep6.dfu5e/v/vspfiles/photos/Initiatev3-1.jpg)(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/xhep6.dfu5e/v/vspfiles/photos/DarkInitiatev3-1.jpg)

And I guess it goes without saying...ultra saber parts or custom/repurposed details...no parts from other saber companies.

This contest would be for established forum members only, no people joining just for the challenge...which doin so would be weird as it is a fri endly challenge meant to share techniques and processes.

;)

I love this idea! I'm developing ideas already!

sorry don't want you to think I'm raining on your parade just had that concern.

No worries at all!

Just making sure that any issues were not from a misunderstanding of the contest itself.

:D

I'm in, and just to be sure, the LED can be the color of my choice and I can do machining and what not to the hilt, yes? What do I ave to do to enter, buy an Initiate V3, and five of those $1 requisition charges and in the order comments type bought for the customizing contest? and what is the deadline?

Let us confirm all the details and get it set up with the men in mission control...I suspect a Halloween deadline would make sense.

:)

If the whole money thing falls through I will still follow though with an open challenge saber.

And yes you can mod with milling or other methods of subtraction  :D

the other thing is that while I have never modified one of my sabers I WAS a professional Machinist for a while, so I am not sure which category I would enter in.

Jedi Knight

i would like to submit my ides for this contest.. manly, i have the v3 initialte already, and 2 v2 initiates... i have some mod/fabrications im about to do to them over this comming weekend....   there fore i already have my basic starter hilts to use in the contest..

on the way about to ake this "money pot" happen for the contest, i say, K.I.S.S.... Keep It Simple Stupid....   i belive western union/money orders/paypal account holders.. could make the "donation" to US.... money orders are very safe, and they are cheap.. only about 1$ to have one made, i use money orders to pay for my vehicle and some other bills... fast and easy,

the paypal idea is for those that may not have a money order system like they do here in the USA..  its not hard to send money to other paypal holders

If they give their sanction on the competition, then I believe that they would be willing to donate some (stunt or otherwise) to the winner. Look how generous they are in their various giveaways. Adding money to it just makes it clunky. In any event, most of the participants I think would be pleased to get anything ( or just knowing that they were the winner) and the rest of us will benefit from seeing their entries.

People pick a saber.
They show their parts list and corresponding costs.
Then build and amaze.
Mods put up a poll for voting.

So do we need V3 Initiates or any Basic US such as Dominix V2/V3,Initiate V2/V3,Liberator V2/V3?

Initiate v3...in black or silver

The whole idea...the entire idea here...is that we all start with the EXACT same model.

Initiate v3...in black or silver






Initiate v3...in black or silver


(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/xhep6.dfu5e/v/vspfiles/photos/Initiatev3-1.jpg)(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/xhep6.dfu5e/v/vspfiles/photos/DarkInitiatev3-1.jpg)


Initiate v3...in black or silver

Not the saber of choice...otherwise it is just another day...every single day or at least week another forumite shares their project with a various saber.

Initiate v3...in black or silver

No sir...no madame...if we move forward then it should be with the same model or it defeats the point.

Initiate v3...in black or silver

As for the prize, the idea was to have no money in my submission to Ultra and Deep, the money was mentioned to sweeten the pot and establish degree of interest.

Initiate v3...in black or silver

This is not a raffle, it is a challenge.

Initiate v3...in black or silver

So to be completely clear   ;D   we would all start with an Initiate v3...in black or silver...whatever color LED...whatever blade...modify as desired...submit...get the accolades of your peers...share techniques...enjoy the process...create a gallery of the challenge pieces...show others who think they can not make their own mods that they can.

Initiate v3...in black or silver

PS
Initiate v3...in black or silver

So what you're saying is that entrants can only use an Initiate V3 in black or silver?     :D


I don't have the time or money right now but I will be interested to see how this goes.  If it goes well maybe there can be more of these.

yeah I dont have the credits this go round but I will be cheering for you all. I think this would be a good model to use the initiate is a good choice
as it keeps the cost down and it very thick gives alot of versitilty as far as maching, drilling, tapping etc... GL to everyone will be keeping an eye on this one

What's that? An Initiate V3 in black or silver you say?

Lol...yes it would be fun to see what techniques come to light that people use, collected in one place, like a mass tutorial on mods and conversions.

:D

PS
Just to clear we are talking about working with the exact same model saber...Initiate v3, silver or black


(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/xhep6.dfu5e/v/vspfiles/photos/Initiatev3-1.jpg)(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/xhep6.dfu5e/v/vspfiles/photos/DarkInitiatev3-1.jpg)

I'm glad you cleared that up.  Wouldn't want anyone to be confused.   :)

Question.  I may have missed this but, would we have to buy brand new sabers or, if I got an Initiate as my free grab bag with my last order would I be able to use that?

I was wondering the same thing, when I PMed Rel, he said no.

No need to buy a new one...a stock Initiate v3 in black or silver.

:D

PS
Just to clear we are talking about working with the exact same model saber...Initiate v3, silver or black


(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/xhep6.dfu5e/v/vspfiles/photos/Initiatev3-1.jpg)(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/xhep6.dfu5e/v/vspfiles/photos/DarkInitiatev3-1.jpg)

I got a V3 Dominix,  but only V2 initiates

I have none of the above... I is a saaaad sith

Those are three fine sabers!

:)

For the contest you would need...

...a stock Initiate v3 in black or silver.

:D

...Initiate v3, silver or black


(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/xhep6.dfu5e/v/vspfiles/photos/Initiatev3-1.jpg)(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/xhep6.dfu5e/v/vspfiles/photos/DarkInitiatev3-1.jpg)

I don't know if you realize that you mentioned that the saber has to be a v3 initiate in black or silver 27 times in this thread.

I think that with all the other proposals that have been made about contest rules, Relmeob is just trying to be as clear as possible.  :)

Indeed I was as clear as possible from the beginning, but for some reason other sabers keep getting mentioned so I was trying to be funny and stern at the same time lol  :D

By the way...


For the contest you would need...

...a stock Initiate v3 in black or silver.

:D

...Initiate v3, silver or black


(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/xhep6.dfu5e/v/vspfiles/photos/Initiatev3-1.jpg)(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/xhep6.dfu5e/v/vspfiles/photos/DarkInitiatev3-1.jpg)

Do it one more time and you will be up to 30.  ;)

I might partake. Sounds like fun.

I'll just be a bystander.  My grab bag ended up being an Aeon LE V3.  I'm certainly not complaining though.  That is one sweet looking saber.

This sounds like a great idea and alot of fun. I dont think i can do it this time around, maby next time. On the same subject an open ultrasabers modification contest in the future Could be put on the back burner.

I am not sure I understand what you are saying in that second bit.

Are you saying that you can not commit to the project but if another comes up you can't do that either?

 :-\

I'm saying that I cannot commit this time, maby next time around. Also I was Thinking that a customization contest where the the base saber being modified Was not restricted except that it had to be an ultrasabers hilt. I apologize If I wasn't clear in my opinon I will do a better job of explaining my thaughts in the future

An open appreciation of mods and conversions on any USaber is welcome all the time, that is our normal forum routine...I understand where you are going, but for a contest it is not fair to have one person mod a $60 base saber and another a $300 base saber...right off the bat it is an unbalanced challenge.

That is why the same saber is the starting point for the contest.

I for one am interested to see any mods and conversions on any saber  :)

This seems like tons of fun! I love doing stuff like this as a build/paint minatures for wargaming. I'll have to sit this one out thiugh because honestly I don't have a clue where to begin with a saber. Hopefully this one will give me some ideas and inspiration and I can give the winner a run for tbeir money.....er....saber!

why must home depot not carry copper tube in 5 ft lengths with diameters bigger then one inch!!!... my plans are ruined......... any know if soldering 2 pieces of copper together is strong enough for combat dueling??... lol maybe with set screws added... i just dont want it bending easily one a few hits, or flying off mid swing.... otherwise my copper idea is out the window.. lol

I am working on an all copper saber...I would not rely on a soldered section for impacts unless you have a bridge section underneath.

Look in town for plumbing supply, I am sure if you have a Home Depot you have a plumbing center...they will have your copper.

well it would be a small piece.. with retention screws in it to hold it to the hilt, but it would be 2 layers thick, for added  strength.. im talking an area of .. accidental striking.. not straight on combat contact..  but i think i got what imma do instead, it was kinda a fluke.. cant tell too much yet
 this is my contest piece im working on ^.^

if it were me when I join a section that is not using threads, first I drill a hole straight through both pieces, I use the drill size 1 under for the tap I am
gonna be using. So now that your first undersized pilot hole is drilled on both peices seperate them and grab the inside peice. On the inside peice drill it to the
drill size of your tap then go ahead and tap the threads. Go ahead and thread you set screw in so that the outer peice can slide back on.  Now you should be
able to run you allen key through the smaller hole on the outer peice to reach your set screw. Now all you need to do is tension the screw out and it will hold your outer piece on. I will always add J-B weld before tensioning the screw out if it is a piece that is meant to be permanent, or if it up towards the emitter.  I used this technique several times it a little trick I picked up from watching Madcow's videos.    If u want u can PM some pics and I could give you adivice on what I would do. I am not entering the contest this go around so I can give you advice and you dont have to worry about me stealing your ideas lol just this once

WIN!  ;D

one more question on this contest idea... new ideas have come up and i have a set direction im going with the details..... i just need to know if soldering will help hold small wires.. like coat hanger wires in place... they will be fitting into small holes that will be filled with solder as well...  just dont want them to be cracking and breaking off during combat... if soldering then for added support.. even when they will be form fitted and inserted to the hilt itself..


just wondering if the solder will be good for the little extra support

I have gotten no reply...still waiting :(

Can it be a Dominix V2/3 LE model? I'm having some ideas already. =]

the original post states that the sabers to be used are either a black or silver V3 initiate, not a Dominix  or a Aeon. Also the saber has to be stock.

Those sabers are too small for me. Unless the V3's are somewhat longer now?

They are longer than the V2's and they are the diameter as the V3 Dominix and Aeons. They haven't changed since they came out.

Just wondering. I might participate if my costume buy don't drain all my money.

Yeah I hear you, this hobby will suck the life out of the bank account.

I have a suggestion that may further level the playing field.

1.  The build is a standard stunt saber NO sound, that will keep costs down
2.  You have a budget of 175.00 US (tax and shipping costs not included of course), you must produce receipts for all parts.  For people not living in the US we will use the currency conversion rate on the day the contest begins for converting final costs to USD.
2a.  Since trying to price a 1/2 or 3rd of a can of paint or clear coat is worthless, we will not add in the cost of the "finish" to the 175.00, but it must be painted "our left the base color".  See rule 4.
3.  You must purchase all pieces for this custom saber, no using an already working saber as your base.  If you use a part off a persisting saber you must cost it at retail and It comes out of your 175.00 budget.
4.  No outsourcing of anything, painting, powder coating, anodizing.  You must do all the work yourself.  We are all on the honor system here.
6.  The saber must be built at home, people with access to a full machine shop would have an unfair advantage.
7.  You must start with a US saber body.  I think they will sell an empty saber body of just about any saber they sell if you ask nice enough, the sold me two empty Libby v3 bodies.  This pretty much means you will be purchasing your LED unit for US also.
8.  Entry Fee will be 15.00 US and the there will be a first and second prize.  This will be determined by the number of entries.  Hoping we have enough that Second Prize will be Grab Bag and First Prize a US gift certificate.  So the whole contest would cost you 190.00 US
9.  Judging.  I have no good ideas here.  Maybe let people of the forum not in the contest vote, leave voting open for a week?  Maybe have Ultra and Deep judge.  I do not know..
10.  To participate you must be a member of this forum before August 1st, 2013, because this thread was started on the 29th.
11.  Have fun and be creative.   ;D

The contest would begin Nov. 1st and end Nov. 30th. This is just an example, I think 30 days should be enough time to; design, source parts, and build a saber.

These are just my ideas and the best way I can come up with to keep it as even as possible.  What do you think?

i do like where this is going, please, continue, ill be pretty close to that budget too

Really do not want to high jack the thread but let's see if we can get this going.  ;D

If you have read the rules I have posted above and you believe them to be fair (or have a suggestion how we can improve them) and are interested in participating in a saber build contest please PM me.

On the PM please provide the following info;

1.  What you believe to be a fair entry fee?  Should we even have one?
2.  What is your opinion on the proposed budget of 175.00 US?
3.  When do you want to have the contest?  Does November work for everybody?
4.  How do you think the contest should be judged?

Unless we get like 10 people willing to compete not sure if we should continue.

I think that everything sounds fair. Question though does the budget include the 15$ entry? As for the judges, and judging criteria. The judges should be mostly forum members ( at least 2/3) but I do believe that either deep or ultra should also be involved In the judging. The Judging criteria needs to be set at this time such as originality, theme and functionality( could it still be used  to duel with after the modifications) with a number of points to each category ( to be determined at a later date. I don't think that its fair to have a restriction on forum membership this contest should be open to anyone and everyone and the date for entry needs to be set soon. If everyone needs to order a new inate v3 we need to give everyone a chance to receive it in the mail or if they already have one to modify for the contest then the cost of a new one would be deducted from the total budget (ie.. 175$-65$= a 105$ budget). Again this is all my opinion, but thanks for reading.

I am cool with the judges being forum members, somebody with saber building experience.  The entry fee would not be part of the 175.00 budget.  I think people should be allowed to use whatever hilt/body they want as long as it is a US hilt, as long as we all have the same budget.  Very good point on the judging criteria.  Maybe we have 3-4 categories; originality, build quality, durability (can you drop it from 5 feet onto a carpeted floor and will it still work), and overall all appeal with scores ranging from 1 to 5 add them all up most points win.  I am fine with it being open to anyone who wants to participate.  As of right now you gengkaku are the only ones who have really expressed interest at this point.  I would like to see a Nov 1st start date.

Okay so I could get a grab bag saber as apposed to being limited by only having to use an inate V3 that could save a few bucks and make it a little more interesting I wouldn't know till the first if I was able to compete. And I also see your point when it comes to the judges needing to have some saber building experience. Again I must stress that someone from U.S. needs to be involved In some way to moderate the winnings, judge and such. Also I would think that we would need at least 10 participants To make this a fair and well rounded competition.

We could do this informally...just need a couple people to manage the process.

:D

I can manage the contest, not a big deal.

I have set up a gmail account for all contest information and messaging [email protected]

Anybody who is interested in taking part in the contest starting Nov 1st should send a verification email to the above address no later than midnight GMT Friday October 25th.  That gives people 10 days to decide whether they are interested.  The official rules will essentially be what is already posted but a copy will be emailed to everybody on the 26th who has entered.  I will set up a paypal account for the entry fees and email that out also.  If anybody has any questions please email the above address or responded to this thread.

We are looking for a minimum of 10 participants.  If we get that I will start another thread to start a search for Judges for the contest.

I would like to know the complete final version of the rules before I agree. Will we be able to use MLS units if we already own them, and the same for pommels, emitters etc? Just trying to find ways to save money since the holidays are coming up.

The Official rules for the First Annual US Custom Saber Build-Off.

1.  The build is a standard stunt saber NO sound, that will keep costs down.

2.  You have a budget of 175.00 US (tax and shipping costs not included of course), you must produce receipts for all parts (or a link to where you sourced it where the cost can be verified).  For people not living in the United States we will use the currency conversion rate on the day the contest begins for converting final costs to USD.  Since trying to price a 1/2 or 3rd of a can of paint or clear coat is worthless, we will not add in the cost of the "finish" to the 175.00, but it must be painted "our left the base color".  See Rule 4.  Also you do not need to subtract the cost of the blade from the budget.

3.  You must purchase all pieces for this custom saber (or use pieces you already own).   If you use a part off a persisting saber or part you have already purchased you must cost it at retail price and it comes out of your 175.00 budget.  This means you could use a Grab Bag if you were feeling lucky. :-)  The cost of the brag bag would be deducted from the 175.00 budget.
--Note:  Just buying a Grab Bag and throwing some paint on it is not really in the spirit of the competition.. lol :-P  But can be a great source for a hilt and an LED module.  you need only deduct the cost of the parts you use from the budget.

4.  No outsourcing of anything, painting, powder coating, anodizing.  You must do all the work yourself.  We are all on the honor system here.

6.  The saber must be built at home, people with access to a full machine shop would have an unfair advantage.

7.  You must start with a US saber body.  I think they will sell an empty saber body of just about any saber they offer if you ask nice enough, they sold me two empty Libby v3 bodies.  This pretty much means you will be purchasing your LED unit from US also. (There is always the Gab Bag Route)

8.  Entry Fee will be 15.00 US and the there will be a first and second prize.  This will be determined by the number of entries.  Hoping we have enough that Second Prize will be Grab Bag and First Prize a US gift certificate.  So the whole contest would cost you 190.00 US

9.  Judging.  I will start a thread on this forum looking for experienced saber builders who are not in the contest to judge the entries.  There will be 3 categories; Originality, Fit and Finish, Overall Appeal.  Each category will have a max of 5 points.  The saber with the most points wins, second most points comes in second.  In the event of a tie it will be left to the Judges to decided first and or second place.  

10. The contest is open to anyone, but it may be beneficial for them to sign up for this forum if they have not already done so.  So please tell your friends.

Those interested must submit an email indicating their participation in the contest to [email protected] no later that 12:00am GMT October 26th.  
I will setup a paypal account for the entry fees and will email out the information to the participants.

I am going to leave it up to the Judges as to whether they want a series of photos or a youtube video of you saber or both for the judging.  If they decide on youtube I will set up a YouTube channel that we can submit the videos to.  

The contest will officially begin Nov 1st and end Nov 30th (This is when the photos or videos must be uploaded by.

NOTICE - If we do not get at least 10 people entered the contest is cancelled.


Any Question Please PM Me.



Just a personal note, this budget is a killer.  The few design I have thought through so far are coming out in the 185-190 range, I think the only way around it is to not use a BuckPuck or at least not a prewired MWS model and wire the whole damn thing resistors an all.  ;D

Have we gotten any more willing to join our little contest?

Including you and me we have three.   >:(

We need 7 more. :'( Even if we don't get more people I think we should do a custom just for the fun of it anyway

I am currently building a custom saber right now with a Libby v3 hilt.  Problem is on this one I broke two rules, the price is over 175.00 and I outsourced the powder coating (Cost a whole 5 bucks).  I would enter it into a contest with nothing more on the line than just bragging rights as the first winner of the Annual US Custom Saber Build Off.   ;D

Interesting thoughts all.

We went from a basic model to $175  :D

The idea is still sound, but with the higher budget it will open the door to different models...different models means that the potential of the custom will be tainted by opinion of a given model type...preferences and all.

If it is a any model that fits under the budget then the baseline is skewed.

But any contest, even informal with bragging rights is worth the effort I believe.

 ;)

The one I am working on now will be done by the end of the month.  If it is just the three of us I am still willing to go ahead with the contest and stick to the rules, but just skip the entry fee and let the forum members vote.  The winner gets bragging rights.  =P

Well I guess that's true Relmeob, bjt the more you invest in the hilt the less you have to play with for modification. I've got about four interchangeable designs using the aeon/dominix and standard issue they could even be applied to the initiate and liberator but that's about as much as id want to go. On a side note I've got an idea for some cool mods on my shock le but I'm not gona use it for this little contest.
Also I think that we can keep this informal and just have an open judging. winner gets bragging rights is good enough for me. What y'all think.

Well officially there is 4 more days to sign up so as soon as the deadline passes it is game on. =P

We stick to the rules as posted, no entry fee, forum decides winner in an informal vote, winner gets bragging rights (maybe I can even find a tiny little plastic trophy).  When we are done we should all email the photos of our sabers to [email protected] and then I will post a thread asking people to vote.  Does that work for you two?

It all sounds good!

Run with it!

I am tied up with Halloween, giving private classes on latex make-up effects for people and for haunted houses...busy time of the year...but I will be voting for sure!

Sounds good. I am in. I agree with relmeob that perhaps if we did a fee entry one later we limit the base saber. Perhaps you could give three starting options at different starting price points too, or just stick to the Dominix/aeon/initiate options? Anyhow I have a Dominix body sitting around that I can use.

How do you feel about not counting the cost of the batteries?  We all know a 4 AAA setup is cheaper but I really do not want to build a saber without LI ION batteries?  We are still free to use whatever setup we want.  When the contest so over I want to add a recharge port and display my 3rd Place Saber.  =P

Forgot to add, Emory said he would sell me an Empty Standard Issue saber body for 45.00 so that is what I am going to use I think.  Thought about using a Dominix LE body I have for awhile, but I wanted a metal finish.  Do not forget to find out what the retail cost of an empty Dominix body would be to count against the budget. 

At this stage I am not worried too much of fitting in the budget. Seems pretty generous already if you ask me and I was going to use li ion setup too. Also the idea I have may need video to show off something I want to do, someone will have to help me as to how to upload it, or can I just send it to the contest email?

So right now, Darth Vapour, Jedi Relmeob, Relan Tarel, and myself are in.  We have 4!  ;D

Quick question, if you win how do you want your name displayed on the cheap plastic first place trophy?  lol

And i think Genkaku Sho`shyk also I've been talking to him and I beleve he is interested so that would make 5. I agree about the li-ion setup the regular batteries just go too fast and get expensive.


When I win I waht the name printed in aurabesh  ;D

Best of luck and success this time around...but I am strapped for time this time of the year   :-\

My current project just ended up in the recycle bin so I am sourcing parts next week.  Can't wait to win last place. ;D

http://m.youtube.com/home%20famly%20guy%20ooh%20no (http://m.youtube.com/home%20famly%20guy%20ooh%20no)

Just ordered all my parts and should be ready to go Nov. 1st.  I am actually loo it forward to this.  :o

I'll be making my order around the first. I'm having a hard time finalizing my design but I think I'm close. I can't wait to see what y'all come up with

Could I please have everyone who is planning on competing in the informal Saber Build-Off (did not get ten people) so we are just competing for bragging rights (no entry fee) email [email protected] by Monday the 28th.

This will help me keep track of who is actually competing and allow me to email out contest updates.  I am going to start a "Saber Contest" thread on the 1st.  Please feel free post contest related content there, maybe even a little light hearted "smack talk" or even help each other with build related questions.

Thank you!!!

Can not wait to see what people come up with!

For the three (possibly 4) of us competing it is "Game On"..   Still waiting for parts myself but I should have them all by Monday.  More on judging the closer we come to Nov. 30th....

Just hope I do not come in 5th place...  ;D