How To Build Your Very Own Lightsaber

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HOW CAN I MAKE A LIGHTSABER?

Have you ever wanted a prop replica of Darth Vader's Lightsaber? Well, This is how you do it!

NOTE: this is a graphic intense page. Please be patient as the pictures load. The process will be much easier to understand if the pictures are seen.

Step 1: What first?
Begin by acquiring a Heiland Synchronar 3-Cell Photo Flash Unit (pictured at right). These were used in the 1940's with large format cameras. One of the best places to find a Heiland Synchronar Flash Unit is on eBay.
Heiland Synchronar 3 cell flash unit

Step 2: How do I get one?

Search for the keyword "heiland" on Ebay and set your eye on one. Watch the time countdown to get the winning bid on the piece--people always bid within the last 30 seconds!
**Also look in the yellow pages under "Photographic Equipment & Supplies - Retail". Flea markets are good too.
IMPORTANT---> When you find a flash unit, make sure it says "Heiland Synchronar" on the side.
There are also many oval holes (picture 2) on the sides of the tube.
Heiland units are becoming rare and many camera dealers don't sell to people buying these flash units to "destroy" them.
This is why you probably don't want to tell them why you are looking for this piece.
MPP Microflash--very similar to Heiland Synchronar
Notice the ovular holes

Step 3: Clean it up

Once you receive the flash unit, use a metal polish to remove any rust or stains.

Step 4: Parts
The grips used in the films were off a British vehicle.
I recommend you purchase pre-made grips from EDC Studios.
Also get a d-ring assembly (shown in pic) and also some mylar tape you can get at a hardware store.
Parts you'll need for construction

Step 5: Grips

Position one grip on the bottom half of the tube and continue to line them up
exactly 60 degrees away. Making sure you leave an even amount of space
in between the grips! You'll need six grips to complete the handle.

Step 6: The Activation Switch

To make the activation switch, you'll need to find an old calculator. A Texas
Instruments TI -1200 will probably be the most common.
TIP: Look at flea markets, yard sales and Goodwill stores.
Place double sided tape on the back of the bubble strip. Slide a piece of
mylar tape in the clamp (part in middle of flash) and place the six to eight
display bubbles in the clamp, on top of the tape.

Calculator Buttons

Step 7: D-ring assembly (optional)

You don't have to add this but it looks great is you can clip your saber to a belt. Although the D-ring wasn't added to the one on the movie, it still looks cool to show it off. Do not drill holes!! Punch them with the proper equipment! Drilling can damage the flash!! It's fun to add stuff others haven't done before; strive to be different!
= )

Step 8: Finishing up

This section is just to show what the finished product looks like and the following pics are of many different angles to help you add the correct pieces in the right places. You've done it! Congrats Lord Vader. The finished product!! Tada!

Official lightsaber Icons makes

Several views of Vader's saber

Try to get a flash from ebay with most of the parts.

Gold types are an option; look pretty good, huh?

Step 5: Grips
Position one grip on the bottom half of the tube and continue to line them up exactly 60 degrees away. Making sure you leave an even amount of space in between the grips! You'll need six grips to complete the handle.

Step 7: D-ring assembly (optional)
You don't have to add this but it looks great is you can clip your saber to a belt. Although the D-ring wasn't added to the one on the movie, it still looks cool to show it off. Do not drill holes!! Punch them with the proper equipment! Drilling can damage the flash!!	It's fun to add stuff others haven't done before; strive to be different! = )

Step 8: Finishing up
This section is just to show what the finished product looks like and the following pics are of many different angles to help you add the correct pieces in the right places. You've done it! Congrats Lord Vader.