Check out what I did this weekend :-)

[Sifu John]

Thanks Dauntless !

I really like it too.   

There are just no descriptive words for that blade color and FoC... this is just a home run out of the ball park and into the stratosphere.    Humble bow to you Sir.   

[Sifu John]

Hi Thorbs 
Thanks for the kind words.
With our Lightsaber Dueling club I have gone through a very large amount of the hilts available from US.
I am really partial to the Aeons, but also wanted something more to my personality that I could call my own.
When you find the hilt that works best in your hand, make it your own.
It is for this reason that in our Kung Fu school that I require all students to make their own staff (their first weapon) and for those interested, I offer to teach them to make their own weapons (swords, shields etc...).

Wow Sifu John!!! The custom work around here is excellent, but that is spectacular! The rich colors and that Golden light. Maybe in a few years I'll have to do some playing around on my own. Point awarded, thank you.

[Sifu John]

Hi Merkatrig 

It IS a big one 
But I Love it !!

As to your question I teach Hung Gar (which is a descendant of southern Shaolin ) and Northern Shaolin.
I also personally study Ha Say Fu which is another southern style descended from  the southern Shaolin systems. If you are interested I have a full bio on my school's website: www.TwinDragonNH.com

Have a great Day !!

That's a big saber but I like it!

And what martial art do you take/teach? I personally am a kravist (krav maga) - currently a Level 3

[Sifu John]

Hi JediXIX,

I have built a small shop of my own here at my Kung Fu school.
I build custom weapons as well as teach kung fu.

However, I actually used a drill press with a milling vice.
Milling vice's are not too expensive and give a good drill press quite a lot of extra functionality.

I have a Dremel tool that I use quite a lot, as well as a hand drill, but with the kind of torque that an end mill requires I wouldnt try using hand tools with one. There is too much likely hood of breakage and injury.
(Always wear your safety goggles !! )

I am happy to answer any other questions if people have them.
 

WOW...... awesome custom work Sifu John...... +1  


Were the windows done with the end mill in a machine shop, or is this something that is possible at home with the right tools? I think many here would definitely like to hear more details on this...... would be very much appreciated......  

[Lady J]

Very impressive mods!! +1 for you sir!

[Sifu John]

Hey Nox !
Thank you so much !!
I am working on installing another LED in the pommel to get some light effects down there too
Then I can use it as a staff if I want  

Holy crap, this is STUNNING!     I do like the way you're carrying it, too.  Very staff-like and I appreciate anything staff-related!  Super nice saber.  I think it suits you!

[Sifu John]

Hey again Merkatrig,

Some of students said they would want a Crystal or something in there too.
I like the claws because they make a heck of a Mele weapon up close.
It is the main reason I was calling it the Kali-Ma ... Heart removal free with every duel... 

The claws on the end scream to have something held in them - if nothing else then to make sure they don't snag on clothing etc

[Sifu John]

Hi Drahcir,

Thanks so much!!

No the claws do not make it much more difficult to wield. Just a little extra awareness required.
Actually, I am looking at doing a similar modification to a Dark Initiate V3.
That way I get basically the same saber, but 3 inches shorter.

When I am two hand wielding this, the size is currently just fine.
If I am single hand wielding It still works great for me, but I think the balance would be a little better on the shorter version. When I do it I will post picts and show everyone.
 

That's a really nice looking modification.
The base claws don't make it difficult to wield?

Point for you, quality custom.

[Sifu John]

Thank you Lady J

    

Very impressive mods!! +1 for you sir!

[RevanReborn]

Wow Sifu John, that's some impressive custom work!  Looks amazing, both the hilt itself and the colour   point awarded.  I know you've been getting bombarded with questions lol but do you mind if I ask how you removed/ installed blade film?  The thought occurred to me for some stuff I'd like to do in near future, but I wouldn't know where to begin.

[Sifu John]

Hi RevanReborn,

Absolutely :-)
Believe it or not, that was actually the easiest part (although I did start with a little trial and error ;-)

I have to state though, that this technique will not work with the ultra-edge blades since they are colored enough that you cant really see the other filtering agent through them.
Also, this works Best with the Midgrade Blades, but it does work O.K with the Heavy duty blades.

Take out your saber blade and look down the tube.
You should see that the film US uses is hot glued in place.
I simply used a sharp scalpel (you can use an exacto-knife) to gently scrape away the hot glue.
Then reach into the tube with a pair of needle nose pliers and pull out the film.
(If you are careful, you can save the film for another use. )
If you have one, cap the end of the tube so it doesnt get any dust down it.

Now you are going to need a dowel of some sort that is about 1/2 to 3/4 the diameter of the blades inner tube and your new diffusing agent.
I found that party city had really useful transparent "Cello Wrap" of many colors.
US uses about 7 to 8 feet (yes feet) of clear diffusing film (because it is clear).
You will only use about 18 inches, even less if it is a darker color.
Then (in as dust free an area as you can muster) measure out the length and width you need for your new film (about 1 inch less than the length of your blade by about 18 inches) and cut it.
Then tightly wind your diffusing agent around your dowel.
Now completely insert the dowel with the film around it into the blade tube.
Release the film, and it should unravel to press up against the inside of the tube.
give it some gentle shakes and you should be able to remove the dowel from the tube and the film should stay in place (you can always gently shake again and it should go down in proper place).
Lastly, hot glue the end of the film to the tube.

Wow Sifu John, that's some impressive custom work!  Looks amazing, both the hilt itself and the colour   point awarded.  I know you've been getting bombarded with questions lol but do you mind if I ask how you removed/ installed blade film?  The thought occurred to me for some stuff I'd like to do in near future, but I wouldn't know where to begin.

[RevanReborn]

Thanks so much really appreciate!  I look forward to experimenting with that may The Force be with you