Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/techfo8/public_html/wp-content/themes/Divi/functions.php on line 5806

This weekend I joined the folks at Maker Depot for a lightsaber class.  It was tons of fun, and resulted in an awesome looking prop lightsaber.  They are fun and easy to make with just a few items.  Here’s how!

IMG_20151212_115903802

Materials:

IMG_20151212_120427424

A sink drain from Lowes or Home Depot

 

IMG_20151212_120432038

Friction tape, electrical tape, epoxy, screws, nuts, and washers

 

IMG_20151212_120439499

A drill and safety glasses

 

IMG_20151212_120444359

A blade! You can use 1/2 inch PVC, but it is more likely to shatter when hit. We used polycarbonate blades – mine came from the Custom Saber Shop because I needed to have purple!

Let’s Build It!

IMG_20151212_122640078

Disassemble the sink drain and separate out all the parts.

 

IMG_20151212_122745944

Keep these parts.

 

IMG_20151212_122728492

These parts can be discarded. The chrome ring is optional. I kept mine and added it to my hilt later.

 

IMG_20151212_123138587

Now we’re going to add friction tape to the end of the blade to make it fit snugly in the hilt.

 

IMG_20151212_123548866

Wrap the tape around the base of the blade until it fits tightly inside the hilt (sink drain). The blade should fit snugly.

 

IMG_20151212_123614915

Your blade can either go all the way to the bottom of the hilt for added strength, or you can slide it down to just under the side opening if you plan to add light and sound modules in the hilt. Find the rectangular opening on the side of the hilt, and use a sharpie to mark the upper and lower edges of it on the blade.

 

IMG_20151212_124013240

Wrap another layer of friction tape around the blade just below the lower line.

 

IMG_20151212_124227703

And one above the upper line. The blade should fit VERY snugly in the hilt.

 

IMG_20151212_130217527

Next, take the drill and drill through both the blade AND the back side of the hilt through the circular opening on the side of the hilt.

 

IMG_20151212_130353760

Now we’re going to add a screw, washer, and nut to hold the blade in place.

 

IMG_20151212_131038729

First, replace one of the clear plastic washers that you removed when you disassembled the drain. Then add a metal washer, slide the screw through, and bolt on with the nut on the back of the hilt. You can also use black sharpie to color the metal washer and make the screw look like a power button.

 

IMG_20151212_131431049

Front of saber hilt.

 

IMG_20151212_131436393

Back of saber hilt.

 

IMG_20151212_133623258

Now it’s time to attach the decorative end to the hilt. Squeeze out some epoxy.

 

IMG_20151212_133652988

Mix well!

 

IMG_20151212_133706735

Apply to the end cap.

 

IMG_20151212_133613241

Attach the end cap to the base of the hilt and hold until the epoxy sets.

 

IMG_20151212_134201388

Finishing touches! Screw on the remaining pieces to complete your hilt. Put them in any order or position you want. Use the electrical tape and/or friction tape to create a grip on the hilt. You can also use colored electrical tape to create cool patterns or decorations on the grip.

 

IMG_20151212_134629066

Congrats, your saber is done!

 

IMG_20151212_135302508

May The Force Be With You!