FX-Sabers.com
Jedi Temple => Inactive / Removed Manufacturers => FX-SABERS Archives => Goodman => Topic started by: Goodman on January 29, 2009, 02:21:54 PM
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Our very own Kit Fisto is a good friend of mine. He is the founder of LAJedi and StarWarsSpace, and has been a member of FX-Sabers for longer than most of our mods :D. He is not only a knowledgeable guy, but has a real passion for sharing our hobby with others, which to me is the most valuable contribution any enthusiast can do.
Recently he asked me to convert an MR FX Luke ROTJ for him to Lux stunt saber (no sound). Everyone knows how ugly the fat MR FX neck is on the Luke ROTJ, so a while back he had commissioned a slimmer, more accurate neck be machined by someone who shall not be named. The problem is, the neck wasn't threaded to reattach to the rest of the saber, and now it was too narrow to accept (without modification) a light source, so the saber just sat. Sad. I took on the project, and Kit doesn’t know that I’m going to surprise him with it at tonight’s LAJedi class (shh…don’t tell him )
Here is a quick build up:
To me, the most important thing in building a saber is the planning phase. So, I laid out what I had to work with. With a little creativity I was able to integrate the new neck without having to remove the soundboard. Initially, Kit Fisto said to remove the board if it was a hassle, but I really wanted to keep it in there for him as a surprise:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2FLuke%2520ROTJ%2520--Abbot%2F6df3cfd7.jpg&hash=0190430ae6c280ee971dcfdbd27059569687e667)
As you can see, I needed to cut down the stock sled to accept the neck insert. Also, I needed to bore out in ID of the neck so the protruding soundboard would fit into it firmly with the insulation (not shown) for proper gesture recognition, and chop down the heatsink. I also needed to drill and tap the neck insert so it would be secure. The set screw there provides back pressure against the stock battery pack’s springs. The set screw at the front of the neck holds a steel collet, which is positioned to hold the lens, and lens holder tightly together, much like the MHS blade holders are designed to do.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2FLuke%2520ROTJ%2520--Abbot%2Fb1fcd28b.jpg&hash=babcfa2336cf2cb0764a4f5250e6e5c738726acd)
After all that, I checked the fit and alignment again:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2FLuke%2520ROTJ%2520--Abbot%2Fdbe8788f.jpg&hash=4a1d5050e7d285137042a63ec32ea227572f6d5a)
Notice how the impact sensors are suspended upwards, so they are firmly in place but don’t touch the board or the neck insert/wall.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2FLuke%2520ROTJ%2520--Abbot%2F59c05f53.jpg&hash=a8f2dd43c86272e6ce53cfdfecf6257f0d14f83c)
Then assembled it together:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2FLuke%2520ROTJ%2520--Abbot%2Fac8a8f84.jpg&hash=f382a244c7650bae5ebcf41c03f0ee6a4d06d949)
Then voila, it’s finished! I used a Seoul P4 Green which, after seeing one Darth Tyranus sent me, is my new favorite green. Great brightness, close to a Lux V, but with MRboard compatible power requirements.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2FLuke%2520ROTJ%2520--Abbot%2Fd122f67f.jpg&hash=0ce72107af78c9ac08af7cce713900da28e0fa17)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2FLuke%2520ROTJ%2520--Abbot%2F175a5d7a.jpg&hash=a80eb07e05b43ec1495661157316737212076561)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2FLuke%2520ROTJ%2520--Abbot%2Fca9b6c9b.jpg&hash=2303914392bc92394fbe39500d3c7e7895c5c90f)
And here it is next to the other sabers on my current workbench:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2FLuke%2520ROTJ%2520--Abbot%2Fa439f874.jpg&hash=27f4f28d0e8942451a119816365e387c3c71c2b3)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2F47399439.jpg&hash=1e5d553208fee0429332d1cdc1a2608364731889)
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That looks 10000% better!!!! And i have to say, the style of the topic looks oddly familiar..... ;)
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Heh, thanks.
I figure the topic format makes sense, no matter where it's posted... Good Logic is always transferable. ;)
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Great Job, Goodman!
And what an awesome gesture!
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Goodman,
that is really cool, great job! Lotsa good ideas in there for the rest of us too.
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BRAVO!
Nice way to take an Equinox fumble and score a touchdown! 8)
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Wow! Very nice. I hope Kit enjoys his surprise :) .
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Wow. Nicely done, salvaging that neck and fitting everything in without sacking the sound! It definitely looks MUCH nicer now. Kudos. Hope Kit enjoys it!
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BRAVO!
Nice way to take an Equinox fumble and score a touchdown! 8)
Jesus god, Iam supprised you got that fumble into a touchdown.
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Goodman that is bad ***
OMG OMG!!
I have waited over 2 years to get this saber done.
Between waiting 2 plus years to get from Equinox,then having it for months and not being able to find anyone that could convert ( Ultra said he couldn`t do it )
You do awesome work!!
I was blown away when I seen the saber in person right now.
It so looks like a Lux 5 and having the MR sound OMG,and it feels so much like a LE now too..
Thanks again for this and thanks as well for all the hard work you have put into LAjedi since you joined.
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Looks great, very nice job! Few weeks ago I was wondering why no one has thought of this kind of upgrade for MR Luke before (well, at least I haven't seen ones before this). Very good, definitely improves the stock MR version!
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It's a very nice Luke. And that P4 is soooo beautiful. I love the shade of green P4s. I need to replace my green K2 with a P4...
I'm green with envy *rimshot*
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Thanks Kit, I'm really glad you liked it. I hope it was worth the extra trip down to class tonight to preview it in person.
As for the build, it looks like this one isn't quite done yet after all...:)
Not content with leaving the saber as it as, I discussed a few ideas I had with Kit about customizing it even more to really make it stand out from others:
1) One of the original ROTJ props was configured so that the circuit board could slide forward, revealing wires inside. I'm going to replicate that sliding circuit board, revealing a sort of "crystal chamber", or at least showing the red and green arrow LEDs. There's a deleted scene screen shot of that particular saber, but I can't find it now, so I'll just go from memory. 'Should be a neat gimmick when it's all done.
2) To complete the neck, I may anodize the lower neck in black, then use copper metal tape from the forward portion just below the emitter. It's up to kit though if he wants to replicate this Hero version...or if he wants it weathered like the V2.
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This is an absolutely beautiful saber. I've been looking for a Luke ROTJ for a while now but the funds never seem to work out right when one is avail. however, this saber sets my envy into overdrive. Very Very Nice :o
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Thanks Kit, I'm really glad you liked it. I hope it was worth the extra trip down to class tonight to preview it in person.
As for the build, it looks like this one isn't quite done yet after all...:)
Not content with leaving the saber as it as, I discussed a few ideas I had with Kit about customizing it even more to really make it stand out from others:
1) One of the original ROTJ props was configured so that the circuit board could slide forward, revealing wires inside. I'm going to replicate that sliding circuit board, revealing a sort of "crystal chamber", or at least showing the red and green arrow LEDs. There's a deleted scene screen shot of that particular saber, but I can't find it now, so I'll just go from memory. 'Should be a neat gimmick when it's all done.
2) To complete the neck, I may anodize the lower neck in black, then use copper metal tape from the forward portion just below the emitter. It's up to kit though if he wants to replicate this Hero version...or if he wants it weathered like the V2.
1. That scene was not filmed, and no shots exist. There is a storyboard available somewhere. I think there may have been ONE production still shot of the saber. There used to be a video from Elstree Props that had the saber in which you are referring. I believe parts of SW has a picture.
2. Everyone knows my opinion on that... WEATHER IT! V2 Baby!
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Thanks DT,
Yes, here's the picture of it from partsofsw.com:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2Fbf4811ba.jpg&hash=3924f8062e1d93371454d8d6a07cf8542b7e3200)
According to parts of sw and my other research, it was from a scene where Luke constructs his saber in Obi's cave. 'Not sure if it was storyboarded and never shot, or shot and never used. According to specialistauctions (read on originalprop.cm), the scene was in fact shot.
'No matter though...bottom line is I'm going to make it (and I hope Kit Fisto lets me weather like a V2 too --I also prefer that version best! ;))
If Kit Fisto lets me, I may even chop the batt pack down to three cells and free up 2.5" in the hilt to make one of these (image from originalprops.cm):
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2F301e4a02.jpg&hash=9d24cdc688718ddbd0e632d31cd1e6b473b79288)
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Thanks DT,
Yes, here's the picture of it from partsofsw.com:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2Fbf4811ba.jpg&hash=3924f8062e1d93371454d8d6a07cf8542b7e3200)
According to parts of sw and my other research, it was from a scene where Luke constructs his saber in Obi's cave. 'Not sure if it was storyboarded and never shot, or shot and never used. According to specialistauctions (read on originalprop.cm), the scene was in fact shot.
'No matter though...bottom line is I'm going to make it (and I hope Kit Fisto lets me weather like a V2 too --I also prefer that version best! ;))
Please let me know how the build goes.
I am starting a project with a V2 based on this hilt...
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi157.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft45%2FDarthMorbius1977%2FOuter%2520Rim%2520Armory%2Fth_DSCN2844.jpg&hash=bf7c329930b29a5d00cad4eb4f06b45b72fb0777) (http://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/DarthMorbius1977/Outer%20Rim%20Armory/?action=view¤t=DSCN2844.jpg)
I am also interested in how that Thin neck for the MR is constructed. If you wouldn't mind Mic'ing it for me, and PM'ing the measurements my way? ;)
Depending on how you are making the control box top, I would be interested in that too, for future use with your permission. I really dig that ELstree prop, and if ANYONE might have a copy of that video, I would REALLY appreciate it if they could point me in the right direction. I had a URL for it, but the video was removed.
Goodman, I would be much obliged to share notes with you at any time, and help in any way that I can. Kit had contacted me about that saber before, but I was so backlogged that there was no way I could have taken it on. So at least I can offer up any assistance should you need it. 8)
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Thanks DT, you should already know that what is mine is yours, friend.
I need to pick up some batteries for my caliper then I'll send you all the specs on the Equinox neck.
I'll post pictures of the control box build, too, so we can collaborate on that. I think I can pull it off with the stock box, but if not then I'll build one up from scratch.
What V2 is that? PastorJedi? 'Looks like a Parks from that angle... nice :)
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It's a rare Parks EL, that I bought from OBI-WAN KENOBI here on the forums.
I have a Build log started in the Saber modifications and Customs board, under Luke V2's
http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=15880
There are more pics there, so I won't thread jack you . ;)
I'd be much obliged on those specs, and more than happy to lend any help on the control box, and even that nifty chassis if you decide to build one. I have been speaking with our little green friend a few times about Ideas for that kind of thing, and I would me more than ecstatic to work with you on something like this.
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Thanks DT,
Yes, here's the picture of it from partsofsw.com:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2Fbf4811ba.jpg&hash=3924f8062e1d93371454d8d6a07cf8542b7e3200)
According to parts of sw and my other research, it was from a scene where Luke constructs his saber in Obi's cave. 'Not sure if it was storyboarded and never shot, or shot and never used. According to specialistauctions (read on originalprop.cm), the scene was in fact shot.
'No matter though...bottom line is I'm going to make it (and I hope Kit Fisto lets me weather like a V2 too --I also prefer that version best! ;))
If Kit Fisto lets me, I may even chop the batt pack down to three cells and free up 2.5" in the hilt to make one of these (image from originalprops.cm):
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2F301e4a02.jpg&hash=9d24cdc688718ddbd0e632d31cd1e6b473b79288)
Wow that is awesome.
I had been looking all over google pics for that withh no luck.
Sure you can chop that batt pack down,but with this take away from brightness or sound?
Sure you can make a version 2,that would be awesome.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brianstoys.com%2Fstore%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2FStar%2520Wars%2FMasterReplica%2FSabers%2FMR_Saber_LukeROTJv2.jpg&hash=e2d66da01b8e1bf26582467e267e23be092a3e53)
But im sure a ver1 would be much easier to make
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brianstoys.com%2Fstore%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2FStar%2520Wars%2FMasterReplica%2FSabers%2FSW_MasterReplica_LukeROTJ.jpg&hash=6b4ae8f0a08d2327e63913062ac14937a5ac4057)
I will leave the choice up to you.
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**EDIT**
I completed this a few weeks ago, but didn't have time to post update pictures until now in case anyone wanted to see how it turned out. A few changes:
1) The neck was turned down a little more to get as much "thin" as I could without compromising the neck's fighting durability, since I know Kit is an avid duelist.
2) I changed things up a bit and went with a double olive oil coat for the neck, since I always envisioned that that part of the saber got hot during use.
3) The illuminated crystal chamber was built separately to scale as a display item. I'll post pictures of it later.
It’s shipping out to you today, Kit! ‘Hope it serves you well for many years.
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2FLuke%2520ROTJ%2520--Abbot%2F4eee0ec9.jpg&hash=4678feeb52b5f620f004a7cc366a93246045db06)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff285%2FAKD001%2FLuke%2520ROTJ%2520--Abbot%2F4f1971ba.jpg&hash=9fe416d060b79213946f0e072f9f8080a56333e8)
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That looks amazing Goodman. I like the double olive oil coat on the neck. Any chance we could get a close up of it when you post the other pictures later on?
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Very Nice! The slight weathering on the neck gives it a nice touch. ;)
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Are you going to be doing anymore of those?... 8) I have a beat up empty Luke ROTJ and a clamp from an Luke ESB... ;D
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Thanks for the compliments. I quite like the oil finish as well. I can't take any more pictures for you Saesee Tinn since I already boxed it up for Kit Fisto, but I believe I do have a few closeup shots at home that I can upload after work.
Ki-Adi,
Yes I do plan on doing at least two more of these. If you wanted one, let me know. I was trying to locate more of those necks from he-who-shall-not-be-named, but if I can't find them, I may lathe a mass run of the part myself and either offer them as upgrades for people or use them as exclusive options on my own customer's builds. Most likely the first option (it's always better to share the wealth ;)).
I'm confident I can shave even more off the overall neck and emitter's width. My design would also most likely incorporate a deeper insert into the main hilt, most likely integrate the entire board sled into one solid piece. The optics/sink/QD/clash/board would all slide in/out of this piece for easy servicing. In my mock ups, an in-hilt crystal chamber is also possible...
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Cool, I'm looking foward to it. Plus I'm sure Kit will give a review on the saber once it arrives.
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Very cool!
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Thanks for the compliments. I quite like the oil finish as well. I can't take any more pictures for you Saesee Tinn since I already boxed it up for Kit Fisto, but I believe I do have a few closeup shots at home that I can upload after work.
Ki-Adi,
Yes I do plan on doing at least two more of these. If you wanted one, let me know. I was trying to locate more of those necks from he-who-shall-not-be-named, but if I can't find them, I may lathe a mass run of the part myself and either offer them as upgrades for people or use them as exclusive options on my own customer's builds. Most likely the first option (it's always better to share the wealth ;)).
I'm confident I can shave even more off the overall neck and emitter's width. My design would also most likely incorporate a deeper insert into the main hilt, most likely integrate the entire board sled into one solid piece. The optics/sink/QD/clash/board would all slide in/out of this piece for easy servicing. In my mock ups, an in-hilt crystal chamber is also possible...
You have a PM. ;)
-Kyp
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this saber is so good~
that make me upgrade my Luke ROTJ`` ;D~
GREAT JOB~
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Thanks Makotosai, that means a lot because your work is an inspiration to so many of us, especially myself.
I'm eager to see what your ROTJ will look like when it's done!
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Goodman ~
My ROTJ will be good Just like yours~XD