Yes, you read it right, for a time I've been nursing the thought of a saber design of my own, envying others that have even managed to build one or more.
Although I don't know if I'll ever get that far (though I may), I wanted to share my idea with you folks, accepting any questions, remarks, blurts, random key-hammerings, etc etc., should it not leave the drawing board.
I haven't made up my mind about buttons, belt clip, color and some other stuff. This is just the general concept.
[ February 23, 2003, 10:54 AM: Message edited by: Nim ]
Posted by Ultra Magnus (Member # 239) on :
You are missing a giant red button to turn it on!
Your saber is impotent.
Giant red button!
Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
You can always count on Magnus to comment freshly! You must make a great kid brother.
Posted by Aban Rune (Member # 226) on :
I think it needs to be a touch thicker...
For the grip to be as thick as a standard saber, this saber would have to be almost twice as long as the single handled versions we generally see.
As far as the angled black areas... you might wanrt to think about making them cuts outs of the outer casing instead of add-ons. Other than that... not bad.
But yes... you need buttons Giant red or otherwise.
Posted by E. Cartman (Member # 256) on :
But, to prove that I am not wholly inconsiderate: I like the minimalist style of your hilt, smooth and functional. It could do with an extra layer of fat, though. Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
Aban: Very good observation, in fact, one I was hoping for. It actually is supposed to be just noticeably thinner than your standard saber, and long enough so that both hands fit under the upper "notch".
I went for the "slender" look to counter the clunky, fat Luke/Vader design fashion. This saber is more of a "Escrima stick" variant, or a Katana-hilt.
"Cut-out instead of add-on", so the rubber doesn't stand out from the main body? Or why?
Cartman: I'm very happy you appreciated the minimalist angle, I'm very tired of cramped, testy sabers.
I must calm everyone, though, with the reassurance that it still is in the "shape and bake" stage, the little things like buttons, belt ring, recharge-cord socket and other stough is to come.
Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
The width (w/o rubber grip) will probably be 1.18 inches (3 cm), the length about 11-12 inches (26-30 cm), ideally so that both hands fit just under the upper "notch".
One of the reasons for the slender width is so that the emitter muzzle will be filled out with the activated blade, not half-filled like on Luke�s ROTJ-hilt, or 3/4-filled like on Episode I Kenobi's.
[ February 21, 2003, 01:46 PM: Message edited by: Nim ]
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 44) on :
Oh, and here I was thinking that you were going to do a sabre with and actual BLADE! Posted by Da_bang80 (Member # 528) on :
Maybe his saber doesn't need big red buttons...Maybe it's force activated... I like the slender minimalist appearance also.
Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
Thanks Da_bang, and I appreciate the idea and the support. I will however add buttons soon, and more views.
Until then, here's a comparison to let you know my idea.
Thus, my saber muzzle will be just about a millimeter wider than the beam. That's why I designed it straight, so the hilt would seem merely an extension of the blade, or vice versa.
I don't think it will be too thin for comfort, most medieval sword hilts are thinner than an inch, so it'll probably be easy to handle.
Anyone got any figures on Katana/Kendo hilt widths?
[ February 22, 2003, 04:05 PM: Message edited by: Nim ]
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 44) on :
Looks like a warp nacelle!
or a fancy pen.
Or a dildo!
Where's the hook to hook it on to your Jedi Utility Belt�
Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
Patience, little one! I have still to decide if I will use the prequel-style Nokia clip-on knob or the old belt ring. I have actually pondered just crafting a scabbard or holster, for strapping to the thigh.
Posted by Balaam Xumucane (Member # 419) on :
' = feet " = inches Cool design. Maybe one of the angle lumps could be the button.
Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
Thanks for the tip, Balaam, been long since I used these things.
I actually have a plan for a discrete yet sexy activator, soon to come.
But hypothetically, how do you mean it would work? You do mean one of the sections of the rubber grip? Would it in itself be a button? Or a slide-panel, covering an interface? Or a hinged swingdoor?
Posted by Da_bang80 (Member # 528) on :
Maybe instead of a hook or clip, just keep it the way it is and put it in your belt, kinda like the way one would slide a gun in thier belt if they didn't have a holster. It's sleek so it wouldn't get snagged. and it would be easier to conceal in your jedi cloak. (hypothetically, unless you have a jedi cloak, in which case I'd ask you where you got it )
And maybe instead of a button have a twist grip or ring or something. Like a Mag-lite.
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 44) on :
You could make it the quintissential eighties light-sabre.
It attaches via velcro. And you turn it on by clapping! Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
Better yet, it's voice-activated. And you have to talk into the muzzle.
The perfect murder weapon, in fact. My saber with a muff covering the tip, fitted to a microphone stand.
"Damnit, where's the switch on this thing? Testing, testing...*Bzziiel*GULP!? "
On the business side, I've finished a schematic now, promising better detail and clarity than my earlier, hodgepodged cut'n'paste job. Soon to come.
Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
There.
I've done the schematic, I will enclose it in this post. I have one view-angle left, I shall add that some other day.
This was the single most exhausting computer drawing I have ever made, I have never felt such a challenge. The angle calculations were terrible. It nearly broke me. For an instant the mouse left my control and began to move! I had to speak a word of command. That proved to great a strain. The mouse burst in pieces. I was thrown backwards down the stairs. All the wall gave way, and the roof as well, I think.
*sigh*
Anyway, after that adventure, everything went dandy! After I had gotten down the lines for those tricky grip panels, it was downhill.
Follow us next time, where we will learn how to fry bacon without our shirt on, how to pick up girls in the ATM-line and solve the mystery of the missing turnip.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Giant red or otherwise.