Print Page - Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)

The S.A.B.E.R. GUILD: Saber Manufacturers => FX-SABERS Graflex Armory & GraflexShop "GRAFLEX FX-SABERS" => Graflex Kits (Projects) for Members => Topic started by: darth_call on May 03, 2009, 11:23:35 PM

Title: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)
Post by: darth_call 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 (http://www.outerrimarmory.com/) 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:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_OriginalGraflex.jpg&hash=b7cb11e0f5394965ee4949b43e917020f2ca1ff2) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=OriginalGraflex.jpg)

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.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex18.jpg&hash=4c18285dfff07dab34aae8167c388699e01a0ac3) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex18.jpg) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex16.jpg&hash=d176034d376590707a2303e156866e0f4f67e151) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex16.jpg)

Ok, ...that wasn't so bad, .....Let's go ahead and tap them:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex15.jpg&hash=6a5fdc860167ff226235cf5ba595b8413186a1f9) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex15.jpg)

The hilt was a little dirty, so I thought I would clean the whole thing up and polish it up a bit:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex14.jpg&hash=534d3eb8e3295bdcbb04d64ab4913faa93f1b003) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex14.jpg)

I quickly went about installing the Textured Mylar Strip (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Textured-Mylar-Tape-Strip--P378.aspx), The rubber grips (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/6-Piece-notched-rubber-grip-set-36-P371.aspx) and the Glass Eye retention screw (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Graflex-Glass-Eye-Replica-Thumbscrew--P131.aspx).
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 (http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=15438.0) to be used in this one.

Here are the Pictures I have of it so far:

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex13.jpg&hash=38af40f026a3d6ddc014c9c3537828dcca264a29) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex13.jpg)
Let's put this all together!

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex1.jpg&hash=ad1cc761252444f4a30786fa8d6bb698009def00) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex1.jpg) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex17.jpg&hash=638eb9e758e345eb2cbd6c1b486b7ee4a7b5abb5) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex17.jpg) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex19.jpg&hash=7f06b9d4f701ff67cd2726042cd3d3865fc31cd7) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex19.jpg)

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex2.jpg&hash=a2722354d53eac40542b1436d5cfde0d1b409844) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex2.jpg) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex20.jpg&hash=7d94df9acb655a40907a3b3182d7411f1f0f659f) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex20.jpg) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex21.jpg&hash=2cb0b6c301cad763f877eaca9e1924861aecc5b2) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex21.jpg)

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex21.jpg&hash=2cb0b6c301cad763f877eaca9e1924861aecc5b2) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex21.jpg)

Signed By Mr. Herb Levoine Himself,

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex3.jpg&hash=dbf5cb7ef944137f825be367db21b5f491c62057) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex3.jpg) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex4.jpg&hash=dc1ce8b57a558b74af1b7873ef04b42be98435ac) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex4.jpg)

Graflex Chassis Pictures:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex5.jpg&hash=57c6eba14aa61c12bf6e632f24c7f4da44443252) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex5.jpg) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex6.jpg&hash=a2cc6b6a9c6c9c2cad5aa70fae2299c21e01ec2e) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex6.jpg) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_Graflex7.jpg&hash=43a039b92ee05b6e5cb5c0da1b4fda73e961527a) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=Graflex7.jpg)

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.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_FILE0026.jpg&hash=359db8b174e308b3f155b0279fc825656df03898) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=FILE0026.jpg) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_FILE0027.jpg&hash=9e4268feebb43827cbd6ef9dedff69f382e2ef0f) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=FILE0027.jpg) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_FILE0028.jpg&hash=486f766cdef04b5f7592340dc6fb85964c1180aa) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=FILE0028.jpg)

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_FILE0029.jpg&hash=b55f45467e4f10761d58e0fb25d5c376e7b097b1) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=FILE0029.jpg) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_FILE0030.jpg&hash=8ac1dd07fc86c7917fccbafb53ffec9b5cc179b7) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=FILE0030.jpg) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_FILE0031.jpg&hash=05088866e7c0b72123266dce2820a3cd81594ef1) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=FILE0031.jpg)

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_FILE0032.jpg&hash=cfa7b90b5aac06cff001390c9ad4604495faa341) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=FILE0032.jpg)

And 2 Videos!!

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_FILE0025.jpg&hash=7f5914f33ce1690e6ac9c9571422824f1ea5ea8e) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=FILE0025.flv) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi528.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd328%2Fdarth_call%2FGraflex%2520ESB%2Fth_FILE0033.jpg&hash=e96b77e328e3d57421e677d984885d53525991f9) (http://s528.photobucket.com/albums/dd328/darth_call/Graflex%20ESB/?action=view&current=FILE0033.flv)

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: Luke S. 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.

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: Maximillian 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 (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Kobold-D-Ring-P331.aspx) ;)

-Max

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: DARTH MAUL on May 04, 2009, 07:58:28 AM

Looking really nice DC. Keep the pics a flowing with you progress :)

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: arm on fire on May 04, 2009, 08:01:27 AM

Sweet find. great job converting it. ;D

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: Darth Kaos on May 04, 2009, 08:30:41 AM

Gratz, DC! Looking forward to the finished and final product 8)

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: Gabywan 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!

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: Red Five 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?

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: ASAJJ VENTRESS on May 04, 2009, 11:34:43 AM

Just one word: SQUEAK!

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: darth_call on May 04, 2009, 06:37:21 PM

Quote from: Red Five 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?

Thank You, .....Its the black and gold card, ...I will switch it out later for a green one, .....maybe. ;)

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: Jasher Kain 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.

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: Master Dai Bendu 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!

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: darth_call on May 04, 2009, 09:47:27 PM

Quote from: Jasher Kain 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.

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.

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: Jasher Kain on May 04, 2009, 10:06:44 PM

Quote from: Darth_Call on May 04, 2009, 09:47:27 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

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: darth_call 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!

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: Lord Dracus on May 05, 2009, 07:26:23 PM

That looks awesome DC !!! :o

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: Luke S. on May 07, 2009, 10:57:23 AM

Listen to Max you must. If you want screen accuracy you need the other d ring for the ESB version. As for other parts like the glass eye you can get away with a little bit here and still be canon, If you review partsofsw.com you will find out that there were several stunt sabers used in the movie. They had 2 red buttons, 1 red button and a glass eye, a red button and a missing second red button just leaving a hole. So you can get away with a little bit and sitill be screen accurate.

Most often than not the ESB version will be noted with 2 red buttons.

You will def want to stick with the knurled tape and gold circuit board to stay canon.

I went with the glass eye version and all the rest stayed canon. I do have a second red button in case I want to swap it out but I never have. the glass eye IMO just looks cooler. Plus it's easier for dueling as it has a lower profile.

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: darth_call on May 09, 2009, 01:57:55 AM

Point well taken Master Skywalker, I have the correct D ring on Order.

I JUST finished installing the new US2.1 board and powered it up, ....I'll have pictures in a day or so. A few things I want to change:

I THOUGHT I would prefer the SRD LUX V on this one. Turns out, .....not so much. I'm not really a big fan of Royal Blue either, so I guess I'll try a Regular Blue. I'll read up on Lumen ratings later on to see who has the brightest blue, .....or may just stay with the LUX V,....IDK.

I will order the smaller brass pins pretty soon.

The US2.1 flicker effect:
Have u ever been to a rave?

The board wired up easy as always, ....no problems there, ....and the sounds are still pretty nice.
I'll update later on with Pictures and a video.

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP)
Post by: Luke S. on May 09, 2009, 05:16:30 AM

OK here's my advice.

I love the blue lux V. Very bright and a perfect shade of blue. Royal blue will cost you some lumens. SRD is bright but unless you are into a greenish blue like ANH it doesn't quite fit the ESB.

For the short pins. I fought Yoda over this for months and he finally convinced me to try the longer ones to see how I liked them. Honestly I have forgotten about my long pin short pin dilemma until I saw your post. IMO money well spent on something else. Yoda's point to me was the short pins will still stick out past the shell so it's really not worth it. Your call here.

Rave? I went to a Christian Rave once when my wife and I were leading our teen group. This saber would have rocked the RAVE. I was smart enough to replace the regular Gaga ball with a rubber strobe ball I found at Walmart. It was cool.

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-Updated 05/12/09)
Post by: darth_call on May 11, 2009, 10:00:19 PM

Have I mentioned yet how quickly this saber is becoming my favorite!

I've still got a few things left to do, ..I FINALLY did add the Kobold D ring. I, for some reason, neglected to pick up the right screws to secure it, ...so it is temporarily held in place by a thumb screw until I can make by trip to Ace Hardware and pick up some 1/2" 8/32 screws.

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

And 2 Videos!!

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)
Post by: Gabywan on May 11, 2009, 10:32:00 PM

Hi darth!! ;D
wow .. very nice the glass eyes in substitution of another red button!!! ;) !!! really it is a very good work darth I congratulate you.
A very agreeable hilt joined the incredible chassis of the Master Yoda!! :D
You have a big jewel in your hands. Congrat. ;)

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)
Post by: morrisart85 on May 12, 2009, 05:43:51 AM

:o GIMME!

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)
Post by: Master Jedye on May 12, 2009, 08:24:34 AM

Hello! ;D

Admittedly, I WAS NOT a fan of the graflex and wondered why DC was...since he can build nicer/more complex sabers. Then, this saber started taking shape and when you hold a completed one...it will totally change your mind on this saber. Now, I understand the fasination with a graflex. I couldn't comfortably hold one, but they are a classic design and the SOLE reason I watched Star Wars in the first place....it was to see Luke and Vader go at it with lightsabers.

This saber took a while to make because DC was building sabers for other people, helping start two new series of sabers for Gemini Concepts AND designing and re-designing the website. So it was a slow process...but very worth it in the end.

Now....where's mine, DC? ;D ( I don't think I need to remind you that my birthday is coming up soon :D )

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)
Post by: Luke S. on May 12, 2009, 08:40:34 AM

You hit the nail on the head MJ. It is not a practical saber for dueling as the clamp gets in the way. However this was the first lightsaber ever. It is what made Star Wars, Star Wars. It is a piece of nostalgia that always draws us in. Plus if you go with vintage you are holding exactly what Mark held in ANH and ESB. You can get no closer to the actual prop than this.

When I first held my completed saber I felt like I was holding the real thing. Good luck on your birthday wish. ;)

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)
Post by: Gabywan on May 12, 2009, 12:47:43 PM

Quote from: LUKE SKYWALKER on May 12, 2009, 08:40:34 AM

You hit the nail on the head MJ. It is not a practical saber for dueling as the clamp gets in the way. However this was the first lightsaber ever. It is what made Star Wars, Star Wars. It is a piece of nostalgia that always draws us in. Plus if you go with vintage you are holding exactly what Mark held in ANH and ESB. You can get no closer to the actual prop than this.

When I first held my completed saber I felt like I was holding the real thing. Good luck on your birthday wish. ;)

"It is a piece of nostalgia that always draws us in. Plus if you go with vintage you are holding exactly what Mark held in ANH and ESB."

your words have come to my heart!!! ;D

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)
Post by: darth_call on May 13, 2009, 03:14:32 AM

I guess that is one of the reasons I have a hard time letting go of it.

It has a "feel" to it. Heavy! I love the vintage piece and the nostalgia associated with it.

NO, MJ, ...not yours!

Thanks guys for the support, the help, ........ and all you have done. This hilt is my new favorite in my collection!
This was a fun build!

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)
Post by: DARTH MAUL on May 13, 2009, 06:33:15 AM

That esb graflex is a beauty, DC! You did an incredible job putting that together and hope you enjoy it a long time. I'll hopefully get to build one of my own one of these days.

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)
Post by: Dann on May 14, 2009, 12:22:54 AM

Looks GREAT! ;D

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)
Post by: Darth Necromus on June 12, 2009, 06:35:38 AM

That cyan looks fantastic

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)
Post by: KNP on June 12, 2009, 08:22:01 AM

Awesome story DC... ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Darth Call's ESB Graflex Build, (WIP-update 05/12/09)
Post by: JANGO FETT on June 12, 2009, 08:38:39 AM

It depends on the bin of your Lux V blue. A 4 or 3 is nice.

If you are feeling adventurous, pull the Lux V and put a P4 blue in one the Overdrive setting.

I use flicker setting 1 or 5. I'm not a fan of 2,3, or 4

FX-Sabers.com

The S.A.B.E.R. GUILD: Saber Manufacturers => FX-SABERS Graflex Armory & GraflexShop "GRAFLEX FX-SABERS" => Graflex Kits (Projects) for Members => Topic started by: darth_call on May 03, 2009, 11:23:35 PM