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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: Baena on June 03, 2007, 07:41:39 PM
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Hi all!
I've decided to join these forums after lurking and reading a lot of your posts! I posted an introduction in the padawan thread: http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=7629.0
I recently won this awesome hilt from ebay. (see pic links below) It's definitely a graflex replica, I'm guessing a parks. Maybe someone could help confirm?
I bought it from a good fellow who was going to make a fan film, and had this made as a stunt saber. (thus the duct tape)
It is what it is, I have no clamp piece so that will be my next purchase when I've saved the funds for it. I'll probably go with the Parks unless anyone else knows of others? Parks looks REALLY good to me though and is a decent price for such craftsmanship. And to make it "A NEW HOPE" friendly saber replica (with the addition of the covertech male piece, I guess I could justify that as a transitional hilt between Episode 3 and 4. :P ) I'll also need a glass eye blade retention screw when I go to get my blade socket... most likely the new deluxe socet from graflexshop. 8) And even though it does have that covertech male piece, I'll probably get a d-ring for the pommel from Blast-tech supplies. You know, to give it that more authentic movie replica charm. :)
Now with the few questions I have right out of the gate for this lovely hilt...
Notice the square based brass pins in the "plug" area? I'm guessing the cool brass pins tool won't work for that? Any ideas what I could use there to remove those?
Also, any idea if the big red button by the bunny ears could be converted into the actual ignition button when the luxeon blade socket goes in there?
I know it's tight, but looking at the pics of the blade socket on graflex shop, it looks like there's maybe a little space there for a small switch and wires...
Am I being too hopeful there? And would just be better off putting the switch in the clamp area similar to the MR sabers?
Then in regards again to gutting the top end of the hilt. Everything seems pretty straight forward with the exeption of those wierd square based brass pins, but two spots, the pin/thing there below the big red button, and the small almost unnoticable chrome switch. How are those removed?
Help me oh ye sabersmiths of greatness... You're my only hope. ;)
Here's the saber. (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi20.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb228%2Fnatebaertsch%2FMy%2520lightsabers%2FANHSofar06-07.jpg&hash=0aa7872d3110b31169a038714ec05dc11bd453f8)
Here are those strange pins. (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi20.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb228%2Fnatebaertsch%2FMy%2520lightsabers%2FSquarepins.jpg&hash=d440b1f64ff64edfde0006f01a0eb6f9aa77d489)
And here's a look down the hilt. (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi20.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb228%2Fnatebaertsch%2FMy%2520lightsabers%2FDownthehilt.jpg&hash=e7f44e29dea147b78cb1125ce041c1b738491b70)
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talk to the man "Yoda " 8)
welcome to the forum !
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Thanks for the welcome and the advise.
You see this Yoda?
Any ideas?
I think I can use some tweezers on some of the pins, as they're a little loose already, but some are DANG tight, tweezers won't do...
As to the little slider button... I've seen here a couple of ideas. One sounds promising, where you cut off the tip on the inside with a dremmel I presume?
What about the little attachment to the big red switch button behind the bunny ears? How does that come out?
Thanks for looking! :)
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You can actually buy a tool from TCSS that is specifically designed to undo the brass pins.
It is worth it as it makes it so easy to remove and replace the pins wothout damaging them or the graflex. ;)
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Welcome to the forum Baena,
I consider myself a padawan as well and Yoda is def the master of the Graflex so direct any questions to him as he has helped me out. But I will help you with what I know and this was acquired from our master.
First I am not sure about a new clamp from parks fitting on a vintage so hit yoda with that before you buy. In fact verify everything before you buy as i wasted 60 bucks on batteries and a charger that I won't be able to use. there are some custom guys that do gralfex's that may be able to make you a clamp that would fit but the price might be high.
OK the big red button. If you are careful can screw right out of that little beer tab holder as there is a small slit that if matched up will thread right off. This will allow you to work on things easier and also for ploishing. I used MAAS metal cleaner found at WALGREEN's. Hand buff only with a rag as you want to be careful with the old plating coming off. I am using my vintage red button as my activation switch by placing a small micro switch underneath. There will be some grinding of the red button rivet and plunger but I have not done that yet as I am still waitng for the parts to see how much I actually need to grind down.
As for removing the bunny ears there is a rivet above the red button. I carefully used a small "pin punch" and hammer to carefully tap it out. Be gentle as not to break your vintage, it is 60 years old. Later on you will need to tap out these holes for a small screw to reattach the bunny ears. The screw will allow you to remove them easily rather than tapping out the rivet everytime.
The switch on the side stays and you can carefully remove the long part of the little tab on the inside, but don't remove the whole thing or the switch will fall right off.
The brass pins on the side can be removed with the pin tool sold at TCSS, graflex shop and reused if you want. I just put duct tape on some needle nose pliers and took them out that way. I am going to replace them with new shorter ones from the graflex shop.
As for the covertec wheel i think you may be able to fix this. If you can remove your grips you should be set. You don't have the rivets like the ESB since it's ANH so you can replace the grips anywhere you like. like right over the hole that held on the covertec.
I used Blastech for my parts and loved them. They have the whole kit or just parts separately. Be careful with the d ring as you need to tap the holes and screw it on, DO NOT USE THE NUTS from blastech you will need to grind down all screws so they don't protrude into the hilt as this will prevent your electronics from sliding in.
Yoda has a very cool kit soon to be out and you can check it out under "graflex sneek peek" He has a blade holder also that should be the best there is. He has put a lot of time into the graflex and probably will have the best set out there.
I am going to use his new "chassis" that will hold the batteries and other internals. I am also going to add Ultra's Soundboard and either a lux v or the k2 with yoda's new crystal pulsing core.
I am a DIYer but if you choose not to or get stuck Yoda could prob help you out.
JUST DON'T DRILL ANY HOLES OR MODIFY THE BASIC HILT UNTIL YOU ARE SURE YOU ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING YOU DON'T WANTTO DESTROY YOUR VINTAGE GRAFLEX!!!!!!!!
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Thank you so much for the info LukeS! :)
Thanks also to Chewbacca for the info on the tool. I actually know about that tool and intend to get it plus the shorter pins to replace these, but if you look at my pics again, the one entitled "strange pins" You'll see that the bases are sqaure, not hexagonal! :o So I'm guessing that tool won't work on these? But like LukeS said, I may have to just be careful with tweezers and loosen the others with a pair of needle nose pliers and some duct tape for protection.
@ LukeS again... You're talking like my hilt there is a vintage Graflex... While that would be cool, I really doubt that's the case.
Some more info on this hilt that I might not have been clear about in my post above.
I got this hilt off ebay, from a guy that was going to use it as a stunt prop in a fan film he was going to do but never did.
He had another auction for an Obi Wan Luxeon that he had built by Parks. So as he used Parks for one prop, I'm guessing that this Graflex is also a Parks replica, not a vintage. If it is a vintage... It is in AMAZING condition, but again, I highly doubt it's a real Graflex.
I may keep the covertech knob there... I'm still toying with that idea. I've got a jedi belt and covertech clip which is more reliable for carrying hilt on my person. But I'll definitely be going with the Blast-Tech kit for new grips! And I'll still put the d-ring on the back as it really adds that Star Wars charm to the hilt. Thanks for the tip on the screws! ;D
A newbie question, I'm aware of Graflexshop.com, and I'm aware of Yoda here on the boards and other FX boards... Is Yoda's shop and the Graflex shop one and the same?
I totally plan to get his blade holder/luxeon mount when I've saved the $$$ for it, AFTER I get this hilt put together as a good replica of the ANH hilt. ;)
I'm a bit of a DIYer too, and want to do as much as I can on this, but it's so good to know there are guys like Yoda around to save my bacon if I get stuck. I'm an artist (illustrator) and as such, I won't to anything to damage my saber severely, I've got a fairly good steady hand and understand the importance of having the best tool for the job. But I also recognize that I will get stuck at some point and will need help... Thus my posts here! 8)
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Hey B,
Yeah sorry I read the replica thing and it looked so real I got carried away. If it is a Parks then from what I hear it is an extremely close fax to a vintage. That said you should be able to get the clamp. I also have the square base pins on my vintage.
As for Yoda and the graflex shop as far as I know they are separate but I believe they may have gonw in together on designing that new holder. I know Yoda has one and I think it may be that one. You can also get the bubble strip from Blastech. And the mylar tape.
I would still recommend getting Yoda's chassis when it comes out this month as it will be a perfect fit and able to house all of the components.
Check this vid out from C4 you'll be hooked. This is Yoda's "crystal core" It uses a k2 luxeon for the blade and this little chamber for added effect.. ie just to look freakin cool.
The only downside is because the lux v battery pack is so large you need the extra space required for the crystal core. I big dilemma here as both setups are way cool. Now you have some hard thinking to do. :D
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The chassis sounds excellent! I hope it's not too expensive, but at the same time, I don't want Yoda getting ripped off either.
Something to save for then for sure!
Yoda and the Graflexshop.com are not the same then? Does Yoda have a website/store separate from here? Or do we just PM him what we're after?
I'm new here, so he doesn't know me from Adam yet. That crystal core is AWESOME! Seeing as I'm trying to get the right components to do this myself, I doubt I'd get the core... but as the Great Jedi said. "Difficut to see the future is..." 8) Again, as I'm newer to the FX sabers, I really want this to be my first Luxeon. I'm building a TCSS MHS saber with my daughter, and then I plan to convert my MR Obi Wan to a luxeon.
So for my wallet... I've got a few things going already! :D
As to my pins, I think it's possible that those are vintage, they certainly look aged compared to the rest of the shell.
Perhaps when this was built, whoever built it, took a vintage core and gave it a new shell? The guy that had this built said he only paid $80 for this hilt with no clamp. So I'm guessing it could be a hodge podge of parts used to piece this together?
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I'm sure you can come up with something. It looks to be a nice hilt. AS for a shop jsut shoot yoad a pm and he'll get back to you. He doesn't have prices up yet as this is all just coming out. I have been waitng since february and you are on the eve of greatness. C4 took up some time and yoda is waiting to get ultra's soundboard to make some tests then we shall see. hopefully in the next couple of weeks.
Hard to guess the cost but I would say maybe 300 for all the parts including the blastech kit, less the bare hilt Yoda will be charging i think somewhere in the mid 400 range and mine will be pretty close to that when it's all done. the soundboard form ultra is 79$.
I'll pm you my shopping list but this is only my starter so don't go ordering anything until you talk to yoda. You don't want to buy a part you won't need.
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Thank you again for your help Luke S! Got the PM. ;)
The list is excellent, though I don't know if I'll be able to get everything, I've got to think some more about what I want for this saber. ;D
I will definitely be getting the ultra sound board for sure! I've seen the video on Ultra's site, I'm sold! :D
Do y'all think I need to get that soundboard right away? Or will I have time to save up for one?
Another question... Where to put the activator switch?
Under the bubbles on the clamp? Or would it be possible to put it under the big red button behind the bunny ears?
I know the blade holder has to go there, but I think I read on here somewhere that Yoda is able to put the switch up there?
That his blade holder gives room for a low profile switch? Both of my red button screws there are functional buttons...
This so? ;D
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B
Yes Yoda should be able to hook you up with a low profile switch to go under the vintage red buttton. If you are doing ANH then you will want to get the glass eye to replace the second red button. The glass eye will be your thumbscrew blade retention bolt. The new holder will have a cut out for the button to go. Like i said earlier i am not sure if we will need to grind down the rivet on the red button and also the plunger for the micro switch but yoda will fill us in soon enough.
I just noticed that the Graflex shop now carries the grafles button/switch. They hadn't had that listed before. This will make the conversion easier as no messing with the old vintage button.
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Excellent, Thanks again LukeS!
You're squashing many of my concerns and just getting me more jazzed about this hilt! (As if I wasn't jazzed already!)
Now if I only had all the cash I need to order all the parts at once! ... We can all dream right? :D
And you're right on the ANH accurate hilt, and I was already planning to get the glass retention screw. ;D
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Be glad you're doing ANH not ESB as you don't need to drill the grip holes. To answer your question earlier. Ultra said he was not sure whne he would make another sound board run. No idea what to expect here but I can't imagine this board not taking off. Personally I wouldn't wait to find out I would order one now to be safe, just in case. They are 79$. You must have sound and this is going to be a great board.
Glad to help out. and don't forget that yoda is that best converter out there. I am just a nooob with a little info.
keep us posted we love to see home job stuff.
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I just noticed that the Graflex shop now carries the grafles button/switch. They hadn't had that listed before. This will make the conversion easier as no messing with the old vintage button.
aww....i have my conversion kit for a month....the old one! with these two useless switches...and now they sell this new kit with 2 inch more space in the hilt ...
they should have told me that, BEFORE i ordered... now i need the switch for 15$ + 15$ shipping....
i feel a little bit kidded....
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I just noticed that the Graflex shop now carries the grafles button/switch. They hadn't had that listed before. This will make the conversion easier as no messing with the old vintage button.
aww....i have my conversion kit for a month....the old one! with these two useless switches...and now they sell this new kit with 2 inch more space in the hilt ...
they should have told me that, BEFORE i ordered... now i need the switch for 15$ + 15$ shipping....
i feel a little bit kidded....
Don't feel bad ani. You came in in the middle of a lot o breakthoughs both with ultra's sound board and the new graflex configuration. This is why i have been stressing to Baena the importance of patience and checking with Yoda or forum members before making a purchase. I was in your boat in february and jumped the gun and spent 60 bucks on batteries and a charger that are now useless to me. You should still be able to use that holder you will just be limited on space in the hilt. you may suffer with battery runtime and you won't be able to you yoda's new chassis. Guessing you got the sale price on the holder so you shouldn't be out too much. if it were me i would just suck it up and count it as a loss and go with yoda's setup. if you are going to spend 300 bucks on a saber you might as well do it up right. And yoda is the man to set you up with the right stuff.
The graf shop was simply selling off their products while they were developing new stuff. Technology moves so fast sometimes. VCR,DVD, DVD recorder, now blue ray, at least your holder wasn't that much. :)
PM yoda before you make any more purchases, he will hook you up and point you in the right direction.
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i think i'll buy a new switch from the graflexshop, yoda sent me a tutorial. all i need is a mr or ultrasoundboard
then i can convert it by myself
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cool, keep us posted on your progress and don't forget the pics, WE LOVE THE PICS ;D
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Personally I wouldn't wait to find out I would order one now to be safe, just in case. They are 79$. You must have sound and this is going to be a great board.
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keep us posted we love to see home job stuff.
Well, I've got a freelance check that's due sometime soon, I hope it comes in time for me to put an order in for the Ultra Card, I know for sure I want that card in my hilt. :)
I'm sure this has been answered but I'll ask anyway... Can the Ultra card power a Luxeon V? I'm hoping to get the brighter blade... ;) Will I need any resistors?
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The Ultra driver/sound board can power Luxeon III, V, and K2.
-Joclad
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Personally I wouldn't wait to find out I would order one now to be safe, just in case. They are 79$. You must have sound and this is going to be a great board.
...
keep us posted we love to see home job stuff.
Well, I've got a freelance check that's due sometime soon, I hope it comes in time for me to put an order in for the Ultra Card, I know for sure I want that card in my hilt. :)
I'm sure this has been answered but I'll ask anyway... Can the Ultra card power a Luxeon V? I'm hoping to get the brighter blade... ;) Will I need any resistors?
No resistors needed. This board is sound and driver. It is also jumperless, so you will wire it once then every time you replace the batteries ie it loses power you program it with the voice menu for the led type you have. I would talk to yoda about your graflex holder and what battery options you have. Personally I would splurge on the new shorter graflex holder then get yodas awesome new chassis setup. With yodas setup you can go with the pulsing crystal core look with a k2 ro get the brighter lux v. we are all anxiously awaiting yodas final verdict on brightness comparsion betweeen the lux v and the k2. When he gets his soundboard he will test is out in both configurations or brightness and battery longevity and post the results so we can all make an informed decision on which setup we want.
Anatim why not try to get a return on the old style holder for the new one?
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Anatim why not try to get a return on the old style holder for the new one?
hehe.... ;D that could be a problem
i used a dremel to "modify" the blade holder so that the low profile switch fits in the graflex...but it did't helped
all i need is the new switch and a soundboard
either the mr from one of my two luxeon sabers or i wait for the ultrasound....
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hehe.... ;D that could be a problem
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Doooouuuuugggghhhh!
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No resistors needed. This board is sound and driver. It is also jumperless, so you will wire it once then every time you replace the batteries ie it loses power you program it with the voice menu for the led type you have. I would talk to yoda about your graflex holder and what battery options you have. Personally I would splurge on the new shorter graflex holder then get yodas awesome new chassis setup. With yodas setup you can go with the pulsing crystal core look with a k2 ro get the brighter lux v. we are all anxiously awaiting yodas final verdict on brightness comparsion betweeen the lux v and the k2. When he gets his soundboard he will test is out in both configurations or brightness and battery longevity and post the results so we can all make an informed decision on which setup we want.
Sweet! I'd like to get it as bright as I can, I definitely am planning for his shorter blade holder/luxeon mount. I'm also curious as to what the price will be on his chassis...
Where would we be without Master Yoda? ;D
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price i think will come as soon as he tests out the two different options. i am still stuck on that crystal pulsing core. although i want the brightness too.
I am not sure if there are any takers yet for the k2 so i may just do it for that reason. besides it is way cool.
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Sweetness!
My Parks replica clamp came in the mail!
It's amazing what a real clamp does for a saber vs. duct tape! :D
Next purchase for me will complete the hilt before the electronics go inside, that'll be a D-Ring, new rubber grips, and a glass eye to replace the second red button there on the front. Well, I'm getting the glass eye that will act as a retention bolt for the LED adapter so I won't be able to put that on just yet, but I'll get it anyway... You know, to keep this... ANH. 8)
Here are some more pics...
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi20.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb228%2Fnatebaertsch%2FMy%2520lightsabers%2FNewClamp3.jpg&hash=35be449722a7ed5f0d1b50c2bd8a403652069587)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi20.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb228%2Fnatebaertsch%2FMy%2520lightsabers%2FNewClamp1.jpg&hash=cd8e6014304fcaa41a0f9248b540297946853b71)
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Looks a hundred percent better than duct tape doesn't it? :D It looks great! When are you going to get the blade socket and heatsink? I just wired my 5w blue to my red button for a test at 6v. It's lookin good too!
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Looking good Baena. Much much better than the tape.
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LOL Thanks guys! :D
I'm kind of waiting to see what Yoda does as a "kit". And then I'll be saving my pennies for that most likely.
I'll probably do as much "one stop shopping" as I can for this puppy.
I'm not on his list yet... So I won't be in the first round of kits with the new Ultra board, but my plans are to have this saber be a 5W LED with the Ultra Sound board and Ultra's Blade when it's all said and done.
So I've got quite a few pennies that I need to set aside for such magnificence.
Basically what I'm sayin' is it will be a while. :D So I will try to excercise patience. 8)
Your switch system looks great so far OWEN! I hope to pull off the same or similar with my saber. I'm a bit of a DIYer too on this saber in hopes to save some money. I understand Yoda's kit will be very helpful for DIYers.
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Both in the same sail barge we are money wise it seems, lol. ;D I was lucky enough to have a bonus check at work that I was able to go on a shopping spree with (shhh, don't tell Aunt Beru!) I am at a standstill as well until the US come in. But hey, hang in there, the Empire wasn't built in a day!
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Don't Fret Baena. You will have your kit soon enough. I should have mine here in 2-3 weeks and I'll give you a good review. You could ditch the crystal chamber to save it you don't really care about that. It is only seen when you have the saber pulled apart anyway.
I hear ya with the cash thing. This kit is gonna put the squeeze on me. In waiting for the kit i caved and bought the Blast-tech ESB mauser. Should not have done that, cna't afford that, it will be cool though. I will have to wait to do any modding to it though until future cash is available.
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Yeah I'm real tight with the fun money. :D
But you're right, it takes time, and patience, which I'm cool with.
Just with this clamp, I'm amazed at how cool this saber is even without any lights n' sounds n' blades!
So it only get's better from here! Which is pretty amazing in its own right!
It'll be super sweet when I get better rubber grips, a D-Ring and a glass button.
Ah and then all the cool electronics!!!! 8)
As to the crystal chamber, it is UBER cool, no doubts there! But it's not something I need for my saber.
I want a bright saber and my understaning is that the power needed for the brighter saber won't allow for the crystal chamber, and I'm totally fine with that... For now... :D
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Well Baena you may have missed the changes. It appears and I say appears because Yoda still needs to test the batteries out but it looks like we will get the crystal with the lux v. we should know in less than two weeks. as for no crystal you still need something to fill the void but i think yoda said it is a type of modular chassis that you could add on to later. but I don't think the crystal will be more than about 25 dollars. just a guess here we'll have to see.
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Whoa... You have 1138 posts...! ;D
Thanks for the added info!
I just might try for a crystal chamber after all!
Definitely going for the chassis Yoda's putting together! ;)
Thanks! and congrats on the 1138th post!
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Progress is being made on this hilt finally! Patience is paying off!
US 2.0 soundcard? Check!
Yoda's crystal core chassis? On it's way!
Just need an adapter, batteries, the LuxV and a handful of details on the hilt and I'm almost there! ;D
Oh, and I'm gonna need a blade at some point. 8)
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Yeah you are finally moving along. I told you it would go by fast. Anytime you get stuck just shout. Can't wait to see you dive into it.
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Thanks Luke, you and Yoda have been such HUGE helps in all this.
My parts list is shrinking, I still have a number of key components I still need to get but the big stuff is out of the way now.
(Chassis and soundboard)
The other parts are more reasonable prices for the wife to swallow. Hahaha! So I should be able to pick things up more regularly... My soldering finger is getting itchy!!! ;D (still need batts, adapter/holder, LuxV Blue LED, lens, momentary switch, glass eye retention screw and a blade.)
It was fun, at Halloween, my daughter dressed up as Ahsoka, she used one of Ultra's little initiate kits as her saber, had so much fun with it that she broke a connection to the switch. So I was able to do some basic practice on the soldering of the fine wires and such back onto the switch, put it back together and BAM! Success... great fun in practice for my real deal right here. (this happened before halloween, I got it fixed in time for Halloween thankfully!)
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For starters, big apologies on the double post, but seeing as there's more than a month between this and my last post, I hope it's forgivable. :)
I just put in some big orders for this lightsaber! My itchy soldering finger will soon be appeased!
Just bought the speaker, new graflex pins, a tool for those, luxeon collimator 10 deg. and a holder for that, the Graflex Shop adapter and a glass eye thubscrew. Movie accurate grips and bubble strip. (Nothing against parks, but I like the seven bubble strip over the "half end bubbles".) Batteries and charger, and as I sent in my USB 2.1 upgrade, I also ordered an Ultra edge white poly blade! *whew* Cha ching!!! :D
I'm a bit bummed the TCSS is out of Lux V blue LEDs right now, so I'll have to be patient there, or order one from somewhere else... Thing is, I like giving my business to the sabersmiths where I can. ;) So I suppose I'll wait on the one piece that will really bring the magic to life for this saber.
SO excited!!! ;D
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Cool B I can't wait to see you dig into this project. And no issue with the double post. :D I don't know the official rule but this would IMO be considered a BUMP. IMO even a day is worthy of a bump for an update. :D
I am a bit confused though. Didn't you get a Yoda chassis? Don't they come with the graflex blade holder? ???
***EDIT***
Just noticed the CF comes with the blade holder.
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***EDIT***
Just noticed the CF comes with the blade holder.
:D You got it!
The CF has a special addition I believe on the adapter that Yoda does so it will accommodate the kill switch? Or a second button? Or something to that effect. Whereas the UltraSB only requires the one button. 8)
Yeah, just looking at the Star Wars Visual Dictionary with the split in half Skywalker saber, I can see where Yoda pulled inspiration even for the transparent blue pieces he added on the Ultra Chassis version #2. (which is what I got, I know I still need to post pics... They'll come!)
I really couldn't be happier with the chassis!
I caved too and bought a blue LuxV from another site. I just can't wait to get it all and mess it up! LOL! ;D
Got a few weeks though now as I'm in the same boat as all the others that did the UltraSB 2.1 upgrade. ;)
But just a couple weeks to a month is not a long wait considering how long I've already had this hilt in the works.
Patience is paying off! ;D
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It's been over 120 days since my last reply here, so says the forums warning as I post this... and over two years since I started this thread!
I am happy to report all that's left on this puppy, is the Ultra Sound Board 2.5, and a blade, and maybe some accent LEDs (gotta figure out where to put 'em) and this ANH Graflex Lightsaber will be LIVE!!!
The board and blade is in the mail right now, I should have it tomorrow or Thursday at the latest.
I'm very excited to finally finish this, I'll be sure to write up a review on the Yoda Graflex Chassis that is in it holding this all together and making it feel that much more REAL. 8)
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Wow. Old thread, indeed. This is an interesting hybrid of the ANH and the ESB sabers - notice the lack of the glass eye, which has been swapped out for another Graflex button (like in ESB) - not to mention the covertech knob - yet, it has the ANH grips. Strange. But it's a nice, Episode 4.5 saber - like it might have appeared in Splinter of the Mind's Eye.
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Wow. Old thread, indeed. This is an interesting hybrid of the ANH and the ESB sabers - notice the lack of the glass eye, which has been swapped out for another Graflex button (like in ESB) - not to mention the covertech knob - yet, it has the ANH grips. Strange. But it's a nice, Episode 4.5 saber - like it might have appeared in Splinter of the Mind's Eye.
Yeah that's how it came to me, I can't complain though when I got it for $35. Held together with duct tape! :D lol!
Since then I've made it ANH authentic so to speak. Got a glass eye blade retaining screw. Got new grips that fortunately covered the screw hole for the covertec knob. Got a clamp, and the 7 bubble, bubble strip etc. over two years of patience will soon finally pay off!
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$35.00?!?! :o That's amazing - even if you did have to mess with it. Still it's an amazing price.
I fully expect to see a video of this when it's done. ;)
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I just went back and read my first post in this thread. Wow I've learned a lot.
Yeah, at $35, I couldn't pass on it. I've always been hung up on getting a graflex because of the price for the shell alone. But now having one, $150 is easily worth it. So this shell was my "introduction into a larger world". 8)
I actually hope to do an MKIII Obi Wan LED saber someday, and so when I have a spare $225 I'll get one from Parks. But the days of having that kind of spare cash are few and FAR between.
Over the years though I've just gotten a part here and a part there, saving up for things and getting them when I could. It's been an awesome project for that. And it's soon to be completed.
I hadn't planned on a video, but with the sound and possible accent LEDs I hope to customize into Yoda's chassis (thank the USB2.5 upgrade!)... I may have to do a video for the review after all. ;D
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Excellent. I'm considering moving my Luke ANH's guts into a vintage shell - that might be interesting. Lol. This hobby just devours money left and right.
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I'm sorry I missed you chime in yesterday B. Good to see you back buddy. ;D You've been missed.
I too can't wait for the final unveiling. This has been a long anticipated build for both of us. I'm glad to see you finally have a US coming your way. Good to see you also covered up that covertec wheel. ;D
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I'm at work, and the wife just called to tell me it's there! GAH!
Hour and a half to go, then it's gonna be an evening of soldering, charging, assembling and VWOOOMMMM!!! 8)
Thanks Ultra!
Thanks Yoda!
Thanks Luke!
:)
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Dude that rocks. I feel your pain. Get ready for your first ignition. It's going to take your breath away. You'll feel like luke skywalker. For Real. ;D I did. :D
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Lol. I know that feeling. ;)
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Thanks guys!
It's nearly complete! Got the board, got the blade, (need to sand the blade down some, I'm wondering if I got the standard and not the FX as I'd hoped... No big, I can sand it.)
Yes, that first ignition has happened, and WOW! Still needs some fine tuning though, I need to put speaker holes in the pommel. Need to sort out what's wrong with my accent LED, and like I said, need to sand the blade down. But as it is, she's working like a charm!
Keep in mind this is my first Graflex, and first saber building experience in it's fullest, and a satisfying thing it is to see it working!
Before this, I've had little to no soldering experience, and all I know of electronics, I've learned in here and at the TCSS boards. It's been awesome! I was scared as heck soldering everything to the board, but after the first couple I got in the groove and it went together nicely. But there was that moment, when the batteries were charged, the wires were soldered on, and it was that moment to click in the batteries... You all know that feeling now I'm sure! Is the friggin thing gonna work or not?!
It worked, and then it didn't! It cut out! Second time putting the batteries in, worked again, then cut out again. What the?! But then I remembered that the board needed to be secured to the chassis, so I put it in, and have had no problems with it. Only exception being the accent LED, and chances are that with that I've probably got the wrong amperage or something so I'll look into those numbers again as to what it should be. The accent LED isn't a deal breaker for me, it was just gonna be more eye bling in the hilt when it's opened.
So there you have it. I still feel like a newbie, but I've got one saber on my belt now with the thanks of Luke here, and of course the Master, Yoda!
I can't wait to start my next saber! (An MHS design)
When I get her finalized, with the speaker holes, and try another stab at the LED, then I'll post pics and hopefully a video. 8)
MTFBWY... Always.
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This is sounding cooler and cooler, I'm really looking forward to seeing final pics.
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That's awesome Baena. I can't wait to see your final review when all done.
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Oi vey... So sorry to have let this drop. :-\
I've been wrapped up with some family things, holidays, basement finishing, and freelance projects, basically real life stuff and that has kept me from really finalizing my saber here.
It's more or less done. I used it at Halloween walking the kids around the neighborhood. It works great. I still have yet to fix the accent led and drill sound holes in the base, but all in all I've been very happy with my saber. My son (16 months) can't get enough of it. He thinks it's his. And frankly, someday it will be his. "This was your father's lightsaber!" :D
Still hope to put at least some photos together when it is "complete".
Looks like things have slowed way down around here though... Tough economic times I'm guessing? Or is there a new saber technology people are all hot n' bothered about lately?
Best! :)
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Welcome back Baena!
No, things are still pretty much in full swing, lotsa options for single point high power leds, ....Luxeons getting discontinued, but LEDengine, rebels, P4/P5 still keeping us in awe.
Soundboard shortages here and there, but new one on the horizon.
I am personally awaiting the arrival the of the newer HFX sabers with removeable blades, .....hopefully converting them will be as easy or easier than the current models.
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Yeah the HFX sabers sound interesting.
I think my next project will be a MKIII Obi Wan saber using a Parks replica. I just love the look of that thing.
Need to do a Vader at some point too. Both of these would probably require me making my own chassis for them somehow but that's the fun of it right? ;D
What new soundboard? Looks like I've got some reading to dig through!
Is it another Ultra Sound version? Something else?
Thanks for the heads up Chewbacca. 8)
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Welcome back B,
Long time no see. We've missed you. I am always ready to read a nice graflex review. I'm on the egde of my seat.
New soundboards would include the CF v5 due out hopefullin this summer and the much rumored and equally anticipate TCSS soundboard. Good things happening. But you're right there is a bit of a slowdown. Things are still selling and progressing in technology but sabers seem to sit a bit longer on the shelf and don't command the prices they did a year of two ago.