Ben's Custom Saber Project

[BenPass]

Hi everyone, so as you can tell from the title, I'm going to be starting a project. I just won a flash handle off of ebay so I wanted to make my first custom saber. I will be updating this as I progress; now just to keep my fiancée from killing me for spending $163 in parts and such.

Anyway, I'm already getting help from Master Nero, but any and all help/advice is appreciated. Here's my checklist of parts: LED Module, Buckpuck, Guarded latching switch, 2 AA battery holder, Dual 24-gauge wire, heatshrink, 8-32 tap and drill set, tap handle, soldering gun.

I have extra batteries here at home though I'll probably get some more later on. Does anyone see anything that I'm missing?

Here are pics of the handle to whet our collective appetites.




I'm really excited to get started!

[Master Nero Attoru]

I'm looking forward to seeing how this progresses!  Congrats on winning the auction.

[BenPass]

Thanks Master, and thanks again for the help!

[Master Bluespike74]

Hi everyone, so as you can tell from the title, I'm going to be starting a project. I just won a flash handle off of ebay so I wanted to make my first custom saber. I will be updating this as I progress; now just to keep my fiancée from killing me for spending $163 in parts and such.

That is why she is a fiancee.  Your wife has a right to kill you, she doesn't.  That saber is going to be something else when finished.  Any plans to add sound in the future?

[BenPass]

That is why she is a fiancee.  Your wife has a right to kill you, she doesn't.  That saber is going to be something else when finished.  Any plans to add sound in the future?

lol she was actually okay with it...as long as I keep as I keep saving too. I DO want to add sound eventually but it'll  just be a stunt to start.

[Master Nero Attoru]

That flash is gonna be a little tough to pack the electronics into (especially with sound), but it's doable.  Just gotta make sure your wires are the right lengths (so you don't have too much crammed in) and get creative!

[BenPass]

Oh yeah, it definitely looks like it's going to be a bit of cram-fu. That's why I still ordered the foot of wire. For everyone else who wasn't part of the conversation, Master Nero said that I should have (or just about have) enough wire on the parts (i.e. LED, battery pack etc.) that I wouldn't need extra wiring. I'm hoping to use the foot of wire to get as proficient as I can with soldering before attacking costly parts. That way, it should be a little easier to cram in there with just stock wiring.

Small update, the flash handle shipped and should be here by the 22nd. Both electronics orders are still processing. I also got my soldering gun today and I'll post pics later on. I want to document every stage of this.

[BenPass]

Here are the pics of the stuff I got today.



My LED is going to be Guardian Blue. I wanted something different than what I had already, but still a more traditional look; especially since it's going to be a flash handle build. I really am nervous and excited about this whole thing. I'm sure I'm going to have to get someone with a drill press to drill the hole for the switch. Any ideas? Or alternate places for the switch?

[BenPass]

Another update, my LED, Buckpuck and switch shipped out. Oh how I love Ultrasabers!!!

[Manroon]

*nods sagely* Their Shipping Department makes the Kessel Run in less than 12 Parsecs! XD

Nice choice of Flash for this, I think that is going to sort of bridge the gap between the looks of a lot of the US hilts and the Flash Conversions out there. You have the fluted grooves on a Flashgun saber which has to be unique. I also love that you have matching styles on the pommel and emitter. The Vader style pommel is one of my faves, and I always thought it would look good with a matching emitter. (I am still a fan of the dark angled shroud though lol) This will turn out interesting!

[BenPass]

*nods sagely* Their Shipping Department makes the Kessel Run in less than 12 Parsecs! XD

Nice choice of Flash for this, I think that is going to sort of bridge the gap between the looks of a lot of the US hilts and the Flash Conversions out there. You have the fluted grooves on a Flashgun saber which has to be unique. I also love that you have matching styles on the pommel and emitter. The Vader style pommel is one of my faves, and I always thought it would look good with a matching emitter. (I am still a fan of the dark angled shroud though lol) This will turn out interesting!

Point for that lol! Interesting is the word for it it'll be interesting to see if I manage to bungle it or not haha

[Manroon]

Do, or do not. There is no Bungle. Remember, it's your one of a kind saber. If you make a mistake, it simply becomes part of the build. A unique quirk to your personal weapon. Heck, mine's blade holder wobbles! XD

[BenPass]

Do, or do not. There is no Bungle. Remember, it's your one of a kind saber. If you make a mistake, it simply becomes part of the build. A unique quirk to your personal weapon. Heck, mine's blade holder wobbles! XD

Ahh good point there! I love the idea of completing my own personal saber...sort of like my own Jedi trial.

[Spidey088]

Ahh good point there! I love the idea of completing my own personal saber...sort of like my own Jedi trial.

Part of every jedi's trining is building a saber. Lucky for me, ultra saber did that for me. But i nod to your determination and dedication. And my wife would have killed me for what you are doing. Good luck, and i cant wait to see the results.

[Manroon]

That really is a great point. There is nothing like having done your own gear. Anything I've done any work on myself is just awesome despite the loads of imperfections, because it's MINE. Squiggle in the paint? Scratch on the hilt? Crooked piece? Who cares? When you did it yourself, it's legit. Period. Trust me, this is gonna be your favorite, at least till you build another one. lol