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Author Topic: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)  (Read 14087 times)

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Offline darth_call

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Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)
« on: May 03, 2009, 11:23:35 PM »
Less than a year ago, I stumbled across this forum. I read, I played, I envied.

Early on, in my browsing, I came across the Forum Topic that I am NOW posting in!
Luke Skywalker's Thread as well as Anceem Llevik's Graflex thread were outstanding resources!
http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=6463.0 - Luke's
http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=13738.0 - Anceem's

Thanks Guys, ....your threads were AWESOME!


Eventually, I came across some of Master Yoda's Hilts and the chassis threads. I have always liked the look of the graflex sabers. I just couldn't afford one. I looked at the replicas, but kept thinking, "I really, REALLY want an ACTUAL graflex flash tube, even if I could not find one in pristine condition. The worn and used look was good for me.

Then, Jasher Kain posted this: It was EXACTLY what I was looking for!
http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=16159.0
A Vintage Graflex Flash Tube for sale, with an etching of someone's name "Herb Levoine" on it. Not tooooo bad and excellent price! I bought it, it arrived, and I was thrilled. The Flash Tube was in great condition, even it Herb felt the need to carve his name in the hilt, at least he did it rather tastefully and kept it pretty small.

Jasher shipped this tube out pretty fast, Thanks Man!

Then the wait was on for Master Yoda's Chassis.
Luck was on my side again, when late one night, (February 16th, 2009), Master Yoda does THIS:
http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=14966.msg254105#msg254105

I had to read it a few times, ....then sorta sneak a question in there, but making it known I wanted one. XsaberX got the second one!
The Chassis and instructions and some extra guidance arrived really fast! I read the manual, read it, read it and then read it. Pretty easy kit.
There was never any doubt in my mind what version I wanted. The Empire Strikes Back grips and the chip instead of the bubble strip! No Doubt!

The US2.1 was gonna power a LUX V Cyan Bin I that I purchased from Outer Rim Armory and I had ordered the blade holder from The Graflex shop. The remaining items all came from Tim over at TCSS, ..thanks!

Here is the original Graflex Tube That Jasher Shipped:


Gorgeous, isn't it!

So with everything lined up, I went ahead and installed the Chassis in the top part of the hilt, easy to do, no problems and no shim required. Then it hit me, ......"I gotta drill HOLES in the lower half AND yank out that spring!!! Mr Herb is NOT gonna be happy with me! Im about to permanently change up a 60-70 year old antique that has somehow managed to remain virtually blemish free!
The horror!! The Humanity!!

So, 15 minutes later, after taping the grip template to the lower half, I crank up the drill press.

 

Ok, ...that wasn't so bad, .....Let's go ahead and tap them:


The hilt was a little dirty, so I thought I would clean the whole thing up and polish it up a bit:


I quickly went about installing the Textured Mylar Strip, The rubber grips and the Glass Eye retention screw.
I know, I know, ..I SHOULD be using the red button instead, but I just like the look of the glass eye.
I'll buy one later on from TCSS, so I can change the out as I want.


So, ..what is left?

I still have to drill the holes for the D-Ring, ..I bought this one : http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Custom-D-ring-P332.aspx
But if anyone knows of a more "screen acurate" D ring, ....feel free to drop me a link.
And Im still waiting on the US2.1 to ship back to me. Im taking the one I used in my Heritage to be used in this one.

Here are the Pictures I have of it so far:


Let's put this all together!

   

   



Signed By Mr. Herb Levoine Himself,

   

Graflex Chassis Pictures:
   
I'll update this as more work gets done. I'm looking forward to wiring up the Chassis, and still need to do that D-Ring!

Thanks Master Yoda for this great Chassis, the easy-to-follow instructions and the extra help!
Thanks Jasher For this AWESOME Tube, awesome price and quick shipping!

There is something about these hilts, ...they "feel" different than other sabers, they are nostalgic. I like this!

Any suggestions?

Pictures and Video added 05/12/09

Here are some new pictures and FINALLY a video! Updated the first post as well.

   

   


And 2 Videos!!

 
« Last Edit: May 11, 2009, 10:01:43 PM by Darth_Call »

Offline Luke S.

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Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
« Reply #1 on: May 04, 2009, 05:07:21 AM »
Looking good there.  Keep us posted on our progress.   I'm glad my thread helped you out.

Offline Maximillian

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Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
« Reply #2 on: May 04, 2009, 07:45:10 AM »
Great Job there! There is nothing like a vintage in your hands. Yes.. Do keep us posted...

The screen accurate D-ring you should be using is this one http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Kobold-D-Ring-P331.aspx ;)

-Max

Offline DARTH MAUL

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Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
« Reply #3 on: May 04, 2009, 07:58:28 AM »
Looking really nice DC. Keep the pics a flowing with you progress :)


Offline arm on fire

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Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
« Reply #4 on: May 04, 2009, 08:01:27 AM »
Sweet find. great job converting it.  ;D
"There is no try"

Offline Darth Kaos

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Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
« Reply #5 on: May 04, 2009, 08:30:41 AM »
Gratz, DC! Looking forward to the finished and final product  8)

Offline Gabywan

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Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
« Reply #6 on: May 04, 2009, 08:42:43 AM »
Hi Darth!! ;D
I approve the glass eye of the ANH and the rip with ESB, is very originally.
I obtained a vintage in Ebay, as said Maxi ' There is nothing like to vintage in your hands '
Congrat man a great job!! ;)
Gaby!

Offline Red Five

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Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
« Reply #7 on: May 04, 2009, 11:00:41 AM »
Congrats on having and recreating such a great piece of history!

Just cuious, what is the color of your circuit board?


Offline ASAJJ VENTRESS

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Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
« Reply #8 on: May 04, 2009, 11:34:43 AM »
Just one word:  SQUEAK!


For everything you gain, you lose something else.

How "Freedom of Speech" works:  you have the freedom to say whatever you want, BUT you also have the freedom to suffer the consequences

Dream Big, Build Bigger.

Offline darth_call

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Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
« Reply #9 on: May 04, 2009, 06:37:21 PM »
Congrats on having and recreating such a great piece of history!

Just cuious, what is the color of your circuit board?



Thank You, .....Its the black and gold card, ...I will switch it out later for a green one, .....maybe.  ;)
« Last Edit: May 04, 2009, 06:39:07 PM by Darth_Call »

Offline Jasher Kain

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Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
« Reply #10 on: May 04, 2009, 08:15:00 PM »
It's looking REALLY good. 8)
Can't wait to see the finished product. ;)

I think it's cool you left Herb's name on it...I was going to sand it off. ::)
And I agree with Gabywan: gotta keep the glass eye.

Offline Master Dai Bendu

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Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
« Reply #11 on: May 04, 2009, 08:28:17 PM »
Congrats on a beautiful build.

Keep us posted. Can't wait to see that Lux fire up!

Offline darth_call

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Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
« Reply #12 on: May 04, 2009, 09:47:27 PM »
It's looking REALLY good. 8)
Can't wait to see the finished product. ;)

I think it's cool you left Herb's name on it...I was going to sand it off. ::)
And I agree with Gabywan: gotta keep the glass eye.




Hey there! Long time no see!

Yes, ..the glass eye is cool and visually, ....adds a different perspective on the saber hilt.
I will still buy a red button style retention screw, ...but odds are, the glass eye one will stay on it most of the time.

Offline Jasher Kain

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Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
« Reply #13 on: May 04, 2009, 10:06:44 PM »
I will still buy a red button style retention screw, ...but odds are, the glass eye one will stay on it most of the time.
They also sell glass eye blade retention screws...that's what I'll be using on mine. ;D

Offline darth_call

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Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
« Reply #14 on: May 05, 2009, 02:43:18 AM »
yep, that's what I have now. The glass eye in the pictures is the one with the blade retention screw.



Thanks Max, ...I ordered that kobold D-ring clip today!

 

retrousse