Lightsaber Build

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28 Jan 2016 22:27 #225080 by
Lightsaber Build was created by
Disclaimer: I am NOT taking any money or plan on taking any at this time, nor welcome any. This post and thread is to seek assistance in making something by information and guidance alone in how to decrease costs further if possible. I type up to 90 words per minute and rather then get that message lost; I am posting it up front.


Introduction
My idea is not one I have discussed with anyone else here at the Temple yet, but my idea is to make a fully detailed instructional on how to make your own lightsaber, minus the embellishments which depend on each individual. I once forged a sword from iron infused peat and all too often as described in the fictional lore of the Jedi it is very similar, the act of making your blade infuses part of you into it. The act, not the result, is part of becoming.

Labor and Cost
The cost to build in the way I am making this lightsaber build is roughly $75.00 USD per, if you make five(5) of them at the same time, or roughly $374.00 USD per build cycle. The parts cost is only considered in this post, labor I am not including and all parts costs have been rounded up if over half of a USD. Labor is thus to be considered provided for free, however given the reasonable time it would need to make one of these, I would assume you could add on an additional $40.00 for labor ($20.00 USD per hour) but only because it would include some soldering and circuit testing.

I have all of the tools I need for this build; soldering iron, hacksaw, power drill. Rounding up to the nearest dollar is meant to help with shipping costs only.

Intent and Purpose
So what I would like to do is make my own Lightsaber. I consider it a rite of passage to create something that represents part of the symbolism of the path I follow. I would want my own Lightsaber to be a labor of love, but I do not want to “hide” or “market” the core of what it takes to make one. Would I like to make Lightsabers at cost for the Temple? Yes, I would as not everyone has the time/ability/confidence with electronics, however I think actions speak louder than words and before I can commit to even doing that I need to make my own lightsaber builds and progress down the Path set before us all by the Temple further before I consider my own self viable to provide such a service, at cost.

Should I ever make Lightsabers for the Temple, I am sure it would be discussed in private though with Temple leadership, so this thread should be considered a thread on seeking a way to reduce my costs and as a way for me to update progress on things. I do not plan on buying any of these parts until AFTER my birthday on the 17 th of February, as I will be 35 and I have committed to spending the three months after my birthday on fixing my inner and outer temple (mind/body) as well as my spiritual self. It is the start of a longer plan to change my life, not just seek to improve it by doing something over the short run.

To stay on topic though, I am looking for recommendations/ideas on how to improve the price listings below. I will be making the diagrams and such in the coming month, but the circuit is simple. I would improve the costs a lot by soldering my own LEDs on strips, but to be honest with the amount of work it takes to make that, I would only consider doing that for one lightsaber as that would be up to 80 connections for the LEDs alone that would need to be set up. I’m not against it though if the savings are high.

This lightsaber build requires a one inch (1”) connection between the blade and hilt. The connection has to be a screw and pvc. My goal is to make this device completely devoid of metal that would inhibit its carrying in high security locations. The strips of the LEDs would go into the clear PVC pipe and route down to the hilt, where the connections would be soldered into a headphone jack that can be disconnected/reconnected, allowing for flexibility of function as then you could disconnect the clear PVC blade which would be able to hold up to a pretty good beating. Due to the modular nature, it also means that should damage occur to the major contact region of the hilt or its connection to it, could be replaced without redoing the entire project and would not be expensive to replace/change. For example the cost to replace the Lightsaber blade would be roughly $44.00 for a complete blade rebuild, if we rounded up.

I want to do an instruction on this and present it to the Temple of the Jedi Order, that is my intent, and at no point during this process am I going to accept or welcome any outside income from anyone through or associated with the Temple of the Jedi Order. This is a voluntary thing that has not been commissioned or even sanctioned by Temple leadership. Any help in guidance on how to improve this project’s costs would be great for a first stage of help. Later builds may have more complex circuits, but I wish to avoid making circuit boards and want to keep the Lightsaber build as simple, durable, and function worthy as possible.

Production Cost and Development
I did a price check and found that to build my first Lightsaber(Green) build would cost me $374 (rounded up). This is only for my first build which would allow me to make 5 Lightsabers, and most are Amazon.com prices. This price is high but reasonable in my eyes as I could divide it by 5 roughly and hand out “at cost” with no labor costs, the core of the Lightsaber. Who, what, where, when, and how are not being discussed her. Why though will be, I want to make a Lightsaber for my daughter and son as well as myself. I would also make one for my own wife should she be willing to entertain the thought… this leaves one that I would donate to the Temple of the Jedi Order along with full instructional with photographs and diagrams made by me.

Note #1: This does not cover labor costs, all of this I am doing myself and is a rough estimate with most of the costs rounded up if over half a dollar in excess.
Note #2: Costs do not cover shipping/taxes (Add 10% for overall cost, as I get reduced shipping on bulk).
Note #3: Does not cover hilt paint or décor, just function with a switch and a screw on-off “Blade,” so the lightsaber can be made to carry for show or to use for fun.

Then the Build Cost:

5 Pack sets or assumed roughly in the case of solder/tape/cement: $61.00
(5xLightsaber) Lead-Free Solder: $6.00
(5xLightsaber) Switch (5 pack): $6.00
(5xLightsaber) Vibration Motor (5 pack): $6.00
(5xLightsaber) 2x10’ 22 gauge wire: 1 lb pack, $26
(5xLightsaber) Scotch 2-in x 66.66-ft Clear Packing Tape: $4.00

(5xLightsaber) PVC Cement(glue): $5.00
(6xLightsaber) AA Battery Holder (12 piece): $8.00

Multiply the following by 2 = $28.00
(2.5xLightsaber) SUPERNIGHT (TM) High Density Green Waterproof Led Light Strip, SMD 3528, 600 LEDs 5 Meter or 16 Feet LED Strip 120 Leds/M: $14.00

Multiply the following by 5 = $285.00
(1xLightsaber) Polycarbonate Tubing, 1" ID x 1-1/4" OD x 1/8" Wall, Clear Color, 36” length: $16.00
(1xLightsaber) X2 headphone jack female to male: $6.00
(1xLightsaber) Sandpaper: $4.00
(1xLightsaber)Charlotte Pipe Pvc Sch 40 Solid Pipe 1 " X 2 ': $8.00
(1xLightsaber) Durable Adaptor w/ Lock Ring, Male and Female: $10.00
(1xLightsaber) 8 ohm Resistor: $1.00
(1xLightsaber) 1x PVC Clear Cap: $9.00
(1xLightsaber) 1xPVC Cap, Opaque: $1.00

Any and all help is welcome. I have already begun working on the diagrams, however I will not be able to get to it in detail until near Valentine’s day.

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29 Jan 2016 03:01 #225113 by RyuJin
Replied by RyuJin on topic Lightsaber Build
here is a thread you may find interesting...it's the custom build i just finished a few months ago...

https://www.templeofthejediorder.org/forum/Jedi-Art/110668-saber-build?limitstart=0&start=30

Warning: Spoiler!

Quotes:
Warning: Spoiler!

J.L.Lawson,Master Knight, M.div, Eastern Studies S.I.G. Advisor (Formerly Known as the Buddhist Rite)
Former Masters: GM Kana Seiko Haruki , Br.John
Current Apprentices: Baru
Former Apprentices:Adhara(knight), Zenchi (knight)

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29 Jan 2016 10:33 #225154 by
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Thank you, I went ahead and looked over everything you presented in that thread and I must admit that your build must be really nice, the sound card alone is almost the full cost of one of my lightsabers though. I admit that there are expensive and nice ways to make the lightsabers, I was just looking to make a lightsaber set up for less so... should someone with limited funds, which is all too often a great many people, they could invest into building a Lightsaber core and over the course of their additional interest/financial allowance to spend on such go ahead and embellish upon it.

There are some details in that listing that I had not considered previously for my own build and I am investigating it further, especially setting up a sound card with an accelerometer into the hilt, to increase/decrease volume depending on the speed of movement. The lighting system is vastly different from what I propose to do, might be cheaper for the blade now that I think on it. The issue I have is how can we replicate the blade plastics without the bottleneck of a single company. The PVC I'm using is the same relatively speaking, exception would be that I use a cap with a cross system to hold up a LED string.

I love the metal hilts, but that is not something you could bring on board an airplane and should any of our clergy wish to represent among the US Military with such a device, they would never be allowed in many areas one the simple grounds of security. Certainly what you present is food for thought though and may be a feeder topic for improving upon the Lightsaber build I present or going an entirely different route.

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29 Jan 2016 11:08 #225156 by
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Build Revision #1 Based upon ideas brought upon by feedback:

(1 lightsaber build) 50 LED set: $3.00
http://www.amazon.com/Bluecell-White-Electronics-Ultra-Bright/dp/B005ONQ41W

(1 lightsaber build) 3' CPVC Tube, 1" diameter, 1/8" wall: $7.50
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=25313&catid=554

(1 lightsaber build) 2' grey PVC Tube, 1-1/2" diameter, 1/8" wall: $2.20
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23979&catid=727

(1 lightsaber build) grey PVC Tube 1" cap: $0.32
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=25211&catid=738

(1 lightsaber build) CPVC Female Adaptor, 1": $10.04
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=24453&catid=592
*Higher Cost ($1) but w/ shipping, lower

(1 lightsaber build) PVC Male Adaptor, 1": $0.35
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=25333&catid=738

New Total Raw Cost: $23.41
Old Total Raw Cost: $49.60
Savings: $26.19 per lightsaber built


Total Build Cycle Cost (5 Lightsabers) : $233.05
Projected One Lightsaber Build Cost (1 Lightsaber): $46.61

Total Build Cycle Savings (5 Lightsabers): $140.95

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29 Jan 2016 11:30 #225157 by Adder
Replied by Adder on topic Lightsaber Build
I've thought a few times about making one for any Apprentice I might have who makes it to Knight, so there is an idea for ya, get to Knight and gift em as awards!!!!

But each time I mention making one to my better half she gives me this strange look, which I've yet to counter effectively...
:pinch:
So I watch your cost analysis with interest :lol:

Introverted extropian, mechatronic neurothealogizing, technogaian buddhist.
Likes integration, visualization, elucidation and transformation.
Jou ~ Deg ~ Vlo ~ Sem ~ Mod ~ Med ~ Dis
TM: Grand Master Mark Anjuu
The following user(s) said Thank You: , Brick

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29 Jan 2016 11:55 #225160 by
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Thank you, I will be making the full design open to all here, including a graphical lay out so everyone can see. I am not trained in industrial design but rather graphical design, so I will do my best. I want to reduce costs as much as possible. Without electronics I can make a "training" lightsaber for about $25 or less, I am sure, I can include that as well.

This way we could include the "Heart of the Blade" as part of the Padawan to Knight's journey.

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30 Jan 2016 01:08 #225278 by
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Based off additional feedback + research here is the build now:

Note: Costs are now split into Material and Parts costs. Material covers general materials needed to build the lightsaber and will not be included in the Lightsaber Part Cost. However should production be considered, Material Cost will be a fraction of the overall cost displayed.


Material Cost: $34.43

Electrical Tape, 1' per build, builds 22 Lightsabers: $2.48
http://www.lowes.com/pd_78453-98-2155_0__?productId=3129711

Lead-Free Solder, 16oz, goal would be 2oz per build: $26.97
http://www.lowes.com/pd_98977-743-333513___?productId=3819167&pl=1&Ntt=solder

(Optional)PVC Cement: $4.98
http://www.lowes.com/pd_23467-138-31018L___?productId=4750803&pl=1&Ntt=pvc+cement



Part Cost: $25.74

(1 Lightsaber Build) 4x AA Battery Holder*: $0.89
http://www.jameco.com/1/1/567-bh-343-1a-r-battery-holder-4-aa-wires.html

(1 Lightsaber Build) 10" Copper & Tin wire, 22 gauge: $2.49
http://www.jameco.com/1/1/50997-9313-9-r-10ft-white-22-awg-solid-hook-wire-10-ft.html

(1 Lightsaber Build) Push Button Switch: $1.75
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_315660_-1

(1 Lightsaber Build) Vibrating Motor: $1.95
http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_2209043_-1

(1 lightsaber build) 50 LED set: $3.00
www.amazon.com/Bluecell-White-Electronic...Bright/dp/B005ONQ41W

(1 lightsaber build) 3' CPVC Tube, 1" diameter, 1/8" wall: $7.50
www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=25313&catid=554

(1 lightsaber build) 2' grey PVC Tube, 1-1/2" diameter, 1/8" wall: $2.20
www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23979&catid=727

(1 lightsaber build) grey PVC Tube 1" cap: $0.32
www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=25211&catid=738

(1 lightsaber build) 1" PVC Union: $5.64
http://www.lowes.com/pd_188223-69305-511-14-112-112B___?productId=50160561&pl=1&Ntt=pvc+1%22+union


*Improved amount of batteries improves longevity and quality of the blade light. In addition it slides in and out of the hilt housing and has enough of a power source potential to allow for additional electronics to be added for those further interested in upgrades.

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30 Jan 2016 02:33 #225290 by RyuJin
Replied by RyuJin on topic Lightsaber Build
actually the metal hilts can be brought on planes but you have to show them to security etc...i know someone that works for saberforge and he brings his everywhere he goes. for last year's starwars celebration in san diego he was talking about the security checks, and said that once he pulled it out and showed them, everyone was wanting to get pictures with them and to play with them...

another way of sourcing most of the electronics (especially the soundboard) would be to buy one of those cheap $25 plastic sabers from walmart and cannibalize it...i've seen a few builds done that way....it will be interesting though to watch this thread and see what you come up with ;)

Warning: Spoiler!

Quotes:
Warning: Spoiler!

J.L.Lawson,Master Knight, M.div, Eastern Studies S.I.G. Advisor (Formerly Known as the Buddhist Rite)
Former Masters: GM Kana Seiko Haruki , Br.John
Current Apprentices: Baru
Former Apprentices:Adhara(knight), Zenchi (knight)
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30 Jan 2016 03:23 #225293 by
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Thank you very much. I did forget some parts of the build:

(1 Lightsaber build) 6.3 ohm resister: $1.00
http://www.surplussales.com/resistors/wirewound/WW51-99.html

(1 Lightsaber build) Male to Female stereo connector (2 of them): $2.50
http://www.sfcable.com/2015-SF-02.html


This brings the full build up to....
Material Cost: $34.43
Parts Cost: $29.34

I think I could reliably split the costs of materials down. A little leeway with finances to allow me room for material shortfall/taxes/shipping/sales changes, so rounding up AFTER the first build, would be about $50.00 as an investment cap. I have all of the tools. $50.00 would likely give me a few dollars extra which would account for tool wear/tear. None of this includes labor costs.

Now as to how it would hold up. It is basically a massive pvc pipe unfinished with buttons and vibration. While the pvc union between the handle and the blade would be a weak point, it tightens and done properly you would be able to use this as a home defense weapon as it will have real weight (~2lbs) but not too much. Since it is rigid pvc and I have taken the effort to make this modular, should a piece break, unlike the toy... you can easily replace/fix it. My 12 year old son has destroyed 3 lightsaber toys in the last year.

In addition, this could be painted/fixed/sold as a TOTJO Light Blade Core (As Lightsaber is trademarked), as a concept. Since none of this design is made by or referenced to actual lightsaber props or toys produced by trademark license holders, this could be made open domain (designs) and then anyone here could produce them for the community or others. All that is provided is a concept core and none of the artistic elements that adhere to any of the propriety artistic elements of the Star Wars franchise or holders is involved.

Why this is important....

Well, not everyone can reasonably afford a Star Wars prop lightsaber. I know my wife would have kittens if I asked her if it was ok to burn roughly $400 on a lightsaber prop. Religious reasons or not, there are cheaper ways to not only provide a core but also to provide something that many of us desire in a reasonable manner.

This Light Blade as I will now call it, would be designed by me for free for our community. The designs, how to make it, and instructions in detail would be provided, so no one person would be the "sole" builder, and anyone can make their own Light Blade. In addition, due to the durability and fixable nature of this device, along with its low cost... it is something that could be made for a community without profiteering. For example, I can make one for both of my children and myself for a cost rounding up to $150... and will likely cost pennies on the dollar (USD) to repair should my 12 and 13 year old children decide to pillage a forest with the Light Blades I made for them.

What I also like about this is that it allows for everyone to personally embellish their own Light Blade. The sections (blade and hilt) can also be made apart from each other and it is completely modifiable. Want to have a different color? Change the LED set up. Want to add metal to the hilt? It is only 1" wide and allows for a lot of stuff to be added to it.

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31 Jan 2016 01:01 - 31 Jan 2016 01:02 #225457 by
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Does the shinai weigh more or less the same as a Lightsaber? Until I'm not able to get one, I was thinking about buying a shinai to practice the Forms.
Last edit: 31 Jan 2016 01:02 by .

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