How To Make Authentic Lightsabers 128
IQpierce writes "My good friend Bradley W. Lewis has set up a site for his hobby: building replica lightsabers at home. These aren't your average cheap pieces of plastic, in fact they're more authentic than the Master Replica sabers: Brad tracks down the pieces of equipment actually used to build the original props — or, when they're unavailable, very close replicas, that he further customizes with a metal lathe in his garage — and puts them together with loving attention. My favorite part is the embellishments he does add, on the inside of the saber — his replica of Luke's saber from ANH can be opened to see authentic-looking internals such as a glowing crystal (as well as another surprise — an autograph from Luke himself, Mark Hamill). Each project is documented step-by-step with hundreds of photos — whether you're a hobbyist, or just a big Star Wars geek like me, you'll find it interesting."
Authentic (Score:4, Informative)
authentic - 2: not counterfeit or copied
Maybe I'm just splitting hairs, but unless Lucas has given some sort of formal approval, building your own lightsaber is the opposite of authentic.
If I build a Porsche 911 in my garage out of parts from other cars and parts I made myself, it wouldn't be considered an authentic Porsche. Even if I (miraculously) made it faster, lighter, or otherwise better than the real one.
Please don't do this (Score:5, Informative)
The price of Graflex synchronizers has gone through the roof because of Star Wars nerds who want their own authentic-looking light sabers. This is a real nightmare for those of us who love flash bulb photography, since new Graflexes aren't being made anymore (except replicas without the electronics, specifically for building light sabers). Please, if you want to make a light saber, buy a Graflex replica instead of an original. They're cheaper, in better condition, and don't deprive anyone of a now-rare useful tool.
Authentic... (Score:5, Informative)
I do not think it means what you think it means.
Big deal. It doesn't really work. (Score:5, Informative)
Big deal. Until someone makes one that actually has a useful blade, it's just a handle.
Those lightsaber guys never fought very well. See Hit Girl's first fight, in "Kick-Ass" for someone who can handle a double-ended weapon. Chloe Grace-Moretz spent a few months at the Toronto Circus School, plus martial arts training, to prepare for that fight, and it shows.
Re:Originals (Score:5, Informative)
There are different grades of original prop. Just like you have main actors/heroes and stunt men, props get the same designations as either hero or stunt. The hero props are finished to a higher quality in order to get closeup shots, while the stunt ones are used for background and stunts that may damage it. Many of the museums and travailing prop displays end up with the stunt versions.
All that being said, still most movie props are not typically of high quality. They are meant to serve a visible purpose for what is sometimes only a few seconds of screen time. There are two camps within the prop enthusiast community much like the vi vs. Emacs debates you'll find the 100% authentic warts and all vs the imagined version as it would really be if it rolled off a manufacturing line.
Re:And Lucas says... (Score:4, Informative)
Guns? You mean walkie-talkies.
Re:Big deal. It doesn't really work. (Score:3, Informative)
The kind of blade that goes through steel and concrete like a hot knife through butter? Not likely at all. It's a fantasy.
Well, no. [hypertherm.com]