Lightsaber from trash! (and less than $20.00 worth of hardware)

Ok, someone on this forum gave me some sage advice.  Each Jedi had to build their own Lightsaber.

DOH!  I didn't have to copy ANYONE!  I could make my own!

Step 1:

So, here's how it all started.  I found a camera lens in the garbage, and I'm going to apologize right away for not taking a picture of it BEFORE I took it apart.  I thought I was going to fix it.

But upon dis-assembly, the inner lens was cracked.

Comments

[jgderuvo]

Nice project. Great detail. Just wish your tutorial was more clear.

[monkeywork]

How so? If you have any questions on any of the steps, I'll gladly go into more detail.

I didn't intend to gloss over anything, help me clarify.

[jakobus9]

classy!
I like it :D

[monkeywork]

Thank you! It came out really well and inspired me to make more prop pieces from scrap objects.

[Covert Koala]

Nice job, using the drawer mat for the grip was inspired and really makes it look professional.

[monkeywork]

Initially I was going to use the ribbed side and cut strips like Luke's lightsaber, but when I flipped the material over and saw the pattern... I was hooked.

[MaskMarvl]

Cool... :D

[darman12]

Sweet! Now I have a use for some of the hard drives I cannibalized...thanks :)

[Advar]

"The Force is strong with this one!"
-Darth Vader

[monkeywork]

and now my Raygun is complete... I have my shield, lightsaber, and now raygun, I should be ready for the zombies.

[wsetzer]

Great 'ible, but a parts list in step one would be nice. Just to give a general idea of what is possible to be used.

[monkeywork]

Sure thing!

1. old camera lens
2. 8" chrome plumbing pipe extension
3. indicator lamp
4. film canister
5. assorted screws
6. mirror hanging hardware or D-ring
7. rivets
8. bit of rubber mat for a grip
9. old hard drive motor
10. imagination!

Number 10 is the most important. I basically look around at stuff people throw away and my brain clicks over into sculpture mode. What can I make out of that!? Right now I'm building a Raygun over at therpf.com and once it's done, I'll create an instructable about that as well. There's a lot of cool stuff hidden inside an old printer, or oscilloscope... take things apart, fiddle with them, build cool stuff! :)

[wsetzer]

Thank you!

[Dream Dragon]

Some say "Imitation is the sincerest form of Flattery" but I think Inspiration is much more important. You took an original idea, used yourown skills and creativity to make something that is inspired by someone else but still uniquely YOURS. Well done indeed, and congratulations on documenting the process to share with the rest of us too.

[monkeywork]

Thank you very much! My projects are usually inspired by finding something that someone else has discarded and seeing the possibilities.

I can't wait to see what I find next... (I have an old oscilloscope with tubes and cool knobs that was on the curbside.) We'll see...

[Nicola Tesla]

Good job padiwan.
-Obi Wan

[BrianHuntley]

Nice! Does it make a suitable "Vrrrrrrtz" sound when waved about?

[monkeywork]

so far behind closed doors I've made all sorts of Vrrrrrtz sound effects! There's enough room inside it, and it's easily taken apart, that I could get a toy lightsaber with all the electronics and stuff it inside to get the noises. But for now it will remain a static hero prop to be properly displayed in my studio. (next to my Captain America WWII shield)

[The Green Gentleman]

I think some sort of warning about the inherent dangers of light sabers is in order. I have LITERALLY seen one of these take a dude's arm off.

Otherwise, this is an AWESOME instructable!

[monkeywork]

do not stare into lightsaber with remaining eye... fair warning.

Thank you!

[Xolin]

A good job you have done; great skills do you have.

[monkeywork]

an honor it is

[Penolopy Bulnick]

That lightsaber is pretty amazing! I can't believe that you were able to create it with trash :)

[Kiteman]

Well done, youngling!