Build a basic saber

[@solarissuns]

You’re like the dad we all need but don’t deserve

[@mhalo5]

21:44 It's things like that that make me love these videos even more! I already knew how to build a stunt saber and yet I still watched the whole thing! It's because of the little tips and tricks you can learn. It is amazing what you can discover every day in this hobby! Thank you Madcow!

[@MadcowGenesis]

My pleasure!

[@Cyberdyne_research]

I've been ordering stuff from you guys for years. Ty so much for what you do. Don't ever change.

[@justmutantjed]

Excellent stuff! I want to build one now. I'll have to wait till my budget recovers from the last one I purchased, though...

[@ronisworld2916]

this is soooo good! specially for someone like me who is just really starting. thank you for your videos and sharing it!

[@aguitarandapiano1621]

Thank you very much, sir! I am repairing and simplifying an old lightsaber with a really cool hilt design and this video was very helpful. I'll update how it goes.

[@TheCustomSaberShop]

Glad it helps! We know the components being used a bit outdated and if you come across any issues-- we have your back! Feel free to reach out to us!

[@aguitarandapiano1621]

​@@TheCustomSaberShop Thanks! I have an old Ultrasabers frankensaber that I got on Ebay because it had started to break down. I took one of the two LEDs out of the circuit since it was just in the way. I'm hoping the blade LED won't burn out, but the module is obsolete and I can't find the forward voltage anywhere, so just throwing my best guess of the resistor on it. Ordering replacement parts from you just in case. That LED calculator was extremely helpful. If all goes well I will definitely be making my own stunt saber, it's such a great group activity! Thanks a bunch! :)

[@tardif66]

Excellent video, really helpful. Might now brave buying some electronics along with my saber!

[@froddobaggins]

Was looking forward to building my own, but a lot of parts are out of stock, including all 5 types on hilt bodies.

[@djshark9826]

Frodo B. BOMBUH

[@ericprimrose7369]

This is excellent. Thank you. However, it'll be hard to build a saber from parts that CSS doesn't have in stock

[@ralphlitabia1484]

okay this is helpful, broke one i purchased from ultrasabers, but i look forward to smithing it back to performance. but i also intend to install sound. thank you

[@Antebellum1860]

Very good video. Good explanations. Great job at editing out the repetitious parts of the job.

[@titousa1137]

Can you make a video on how to add sound to a already Assembled basic saber.

[@commandercameron9189]

I didn’t get one with a retention hole or screw. Is there any other way to keep my blade in? Like some sort of other way to add to my hilt to hold it in? I don’t have power tools to make my own hole

[@vntryx]

Should I use electrical tape throughout the interior so the electronics don't conduct through the handle of the hilt? That way I won't get shocked

[@jeaneastwood4791]

This is great..Thanks to this vid Im gonna give this a try..BTW: How does TCSS blades stack up to UltraSabers & Master Replicas stock sabers?Just curious.Thanks

[@MadcowGenesis]

MUCH stronger than MR/Hasbro FX. I have not compared to US or others. This might help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/maKsgmuioL92ack

[@WoFDarkNewton]

Last time i wanted to use this site I was so lost... glad there are tutorials now :)

[@michaelgagnon97]

Ok i understand this video is old but what if i wanted to add a crystal housing chamber with led set up can i still use the triple a batteries or do i need to switch to lithium reason i ask i have never done electronics i have no clue about what output i would need and lithium batterys scare me because any resistance and it explods

[@quag1481]

good work young padwan you did

[@michaelkish9931]

Hey Rob, I was wondering if you know which resistor type is best for a 16mm Av red ring momentary switch from TCSS would be. It is 2.0v and runs on 20ma. by the way, the video was a big help for a beginner like me.

[@TheJEdwardPaul]

Great video! It's given me the confidence to finally try my own build. I was wondering if it would be possible to do a lit AV latching switch instead of the guarded latching? Would much need to be changed?

[@MadcowGenesis]

J. Edward Paul Hi, Thanks for the feedback. It is possible to sub in a lit AV latching switch, but the better solution is to use the Momentary to latching converter, and a momentary AV switch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2eyhqp9ntCKgck

[@TheJEdwardPaul]

Thanks for the response, I really appreciate it. Watching the vid now

[@Guitarguyct]

Should you use a resistor if you are using a rechargeable 18650 instead of four AAAs?

[@lightsabers104]

When will TCSS get their parts back in stock almost ever mhs part is sold out and I wanna build a saber

[@skuudigital9346]

This is soooooo good! I part way to finishing my super basic PVC hilt! Now I just need the electronics and stuff! Was thinking of getting the 18650 batt but will hold off. Was thinking of getting those LED strips (144) from ali but I don't know what to do to wire that up. Can you do a tut on a stunt saber with the ws2812b LED strips?

[@jacobmarks8893]

What all does a resistor do? I have googled but I haven't found much that made sense all ive found is that it is a transformer of sorts

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Jacob Marks It keeps the voltage in a target range.

[@KayhoticGames]

wow this seems ridiculously easy. i might do this myself!

[@Furiora]

I'm going to assume that this possitioning of the resistor would work for a stunt saber that also includes a lit switch. The planned wire run goes from the battery to the switch via a resistor then to a buckpuck and the LED before looping back around to the negative terminal. Question is, does that resistor need to be there or is the buckpuck going to take care of that? Switch LED is wired so it turns on when the blade LED is on, not when power is in the saber.

[@MadcowGenesis]

It needs to be 2 seperate circuits. So you may want to put your resistor for the switch LED on the negative leg so that you don't have reduced current for your main blade LED

[@carlosblondiswall4532]

are the customsabershop electronics compatible with ultrasaber hilt parts?

[@lowhangingvegetable]

Any plans to upload videos of more specific things like wiring up illuminated switches to a battery pack or wiring a momentary to latching converter?

[@MadcowGenesis]

Those are great ideas! Now on the list.

[@lowhangingvegetable]

Rob Petkau Great to hear! Loving the series so far, I've watched through them all a few times at this stage and feel about a million times more confident about diving into my first build.

[@tylerhoyt136]

id like to use the 18650 battery with the rest of this setup. what more goes into this setup? anything extra versus the 4AA better setup?

[@RebelChumps]

Appriciate this video alot great stuff! question what do you feel about a retention screw for the LED unit? also personally i feel these universal AA battery holders are super weak for the kind of impacts a stunt endures during dueling/spinning, i feel a 3.7 single battery holder solution + 3D printed chasis/ PCV chasis works so much better for stunts, what is your opinion on this as a saber builder?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+the Rebel Scum channel It really all depends on how you build. With a screw for the LED unit it's not necessary.

[@jasonleibowitz8705]

To make the blade - pink (for my daughter) - do you need a different LED - or does it get bored different? Or a different resistor?

[@marianadiaz4660]

could you guys put a list on the website if all the parts that are required or list them some where

[@jamesdaly750]

So a buckpuck is basically a resistor, but it has wires? Is it wired in the same way?

[@b1akn3ss93]

Do you guys sell those helping hands too?

[@trondragon44]

Would it be possible to wire up a lightsaber like this but leave an option open to be able to add sound to it? Or would that be more difficult

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Aron Griffin Yes- you can always take it apart and put new stuff in

[@kaidemoss3757]

Does getting a different color LED change the kind of resistor I need?

[@superbeegaming3751]

Hey I want to make a yellow saber but can't find yellow(unless amber is yellow)

[@tuyppppppp]

I'm looking in DIY stores for parts. To get the aluminium tubes for the body of the hilt. What is the standard diameter i should use? (the tickness of the tube)

[@randomdood5196]

Canagann I know this is 4 years old but 1” is what most companies use

[@anthonyyang2418]

does it matter what gauge wire you use? if so, what gauge wire is being used in this video?

[@crossy28]

im going to be building one of these in the next few days, but with a 18650 and a recharge port, where would the recharge port go into this setup. Also can i light up the led that is in the switch i have by just taking a feed from the power, put a resistor in place and then feed back to negative?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+crossy28 Yes the second question. For the recharge port, you really need to map out where things will fit and plan your recharge port for your saber. Each is a little different.

[@MincraftBlood]

if i used this build to make a custom colour from a multi-colour led would I have a separate resister on each line or one based on the full voltage needed?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Samuel Jurewicz It depends - but most likely one resistor for each dice one the LED

[@MincraftBlood]

+Rob Petkau thank you for the quick reply. I see in the list of supplies a socket head but I don't see in the video it being used. Did I just miss it or is it something that didn't make the cut for this video? Thank you for your time.

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Samuel Jurewicz Blade retention screw

[@n.lawrence456]

How easily could I do this build in a sink tube? I want to see if I would enjoy it and dont want to get to invested.

[@StopAskingMyNameGoog]

would it be advisable to also pre-tin the contact area on the led as well?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+GOOGLE STAHP PLZ Yes

[@jamesodowd5928]

Is it necessary to use a resistor if you have an AV switch with a light up ring wouldn't that be a resistor already ?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+James O'Dowd The light-up ring is in fact an LED. The switch info should tell you the properties of the LED and you can calculate the right resistor for your battery.

[@bradyinman6588]

I ended up with a 12v 24w led strip. What should I do for power?

[@blakehoffman6291]

what resistor would you use for a red led when using two 3.7 trustfire batteries

[@MadcowGenesis]

It depends on the spec sheet for the particular red LED you are using. Then you can use ohms law, or just cheat and go here: led.linear1.org/1led.wiz You'll most likely end up with a 5.6 ohm 5 watt or close.

[@carlosblondiswall4532]

dude thank you so much im only in high school but i want to acquire my lightsaber as close to how the jedi did it. Building it themselves. i know next to nothing about electronics but im so exited

[@dr.dork7560]

Does the led come with that metal peace that he screwed the led into?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+DR.DORK75 If I understand your question - no. The Heatsink and blade holder are sparate

[@dr.dork7560]

Ok in the MHS builder it does not allow me to change the pattern of the powder coating it only gives me the option of solid coloring. is there any way to get it to show me different options?

[@nihaalspeaks]

Can I use like a laser sword soundboard so I don’t have to spend 50 buying one

[@stevendodson5418]

I watched this video and felt confident but my soldering work is crap. Got the job done but it's there a "right" temperature?

[@b0nked]

instead of the light turning on instantly like a flashlight, how do you make it fade in like the MR lightsabers?

[@MadcowGenesis]

That is a function of the Plecter Labs sound card

[@rowangallagher4579]

Any way to get higher output batteries to run more, brighter LEDs? I'd like to make a 12 watt total unit eventually.

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Rowan Gallagher Try a single 18650 Lithium ion

[@simonsays9998]

+Rob Petkau what type of resistor is that

[@simonsays9998]

+Rob Petkau please help me with this. You're my only hope

[@leecason9468]

+It's all for comments use ohms law

[@matthewbrown8391]

Use of resistors on these LED’s is hella simple. Yes, ohm’s law, but if you just spend a little bit figuring that out, you’ll realize you only need like... 2 different ohm-age resistors (Assuming we are using a 3.7v 18650... I generally use a 1.25 ohm/3 watt for red Cree diodes... and 0.5 ohm for blues... and nothing for Greens - however you could use a 0.5 ohm on the greens as well to be ‘safe’). Rob has a video concerning resistors from these video series too.

[@gumbunch]

Where do you get the heatsink.

[@Vinchezno]

I have an arbiter initiate from saberforge, it's just a chassis. Can I use that. Their is nothing in it.

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Vincent Dandrea I'm sure you can, may have to be creative.

[@Vinchezno]

+Rob Petkau I maybe can I just have to be careful cause the top hilt doesn't come off

[@shawntannehill]

So you can use a 1ohm resister rather than a buckpuck? What's the difference? If anyone knows. Thanks

[@Antebellum1860]

+Shawn “Gun Nerd” Tannehill. Note that the resistor value (ohms) and power rating (watts) is determined by driver voltage & current. Resistors will work fine however as you move into higher power leds, the resistor circuit becomes more and more inefficient. A buckpuck (led driver) will have very high efficiency (90 - 95%). A resistor circuit will drain the battery faster than a driver circuit.

[@robdogs3641]

Hi Rob. If these LEDs need 4 volts, why would a 3.7 volt 18650 cell be better than the 6 volts provided by four AAA batteries? Thanks!

[@ronisworld2916]

hello there. i would like to have a StarKiller motif, please advice as to what to get in order to have this 2 pieces connected as close as possible: Blade holder: MHSV1 STYLE 23 with Extension Double Male w/slots style 23??.............. please help, thanks!

[@joelespique8315]

Rob, I know most Sabers are built for Dueling but I would like to know if you can do an instructional video on how to hardwire a saber so you can use it as lamp. I know it would require a step-down converter but it would be nice to see it visually done.

[@MadcowGenesis]

I would ask on the forum. I've not experimented with that idea.

[@joelespique8315]

Rob Petkau Thanks Rob! If you ever get the itch to experiment, I'd like to see a video!

[@wheresyourcave3412]

Were would you have the hole for the switch drilled? 2 inches from the top of the hilt?

[@MadcowGenesis]

It depends entirely on your design and your plan for the internals.

[@obiwanthahomie9482]

How do i get the cap under the Collimator Lens 8.7 Of?

[@ScudPG]

The lens holder link is set to the default.aspx page. I think that's the only part I will need to be set on working my first saber!

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Scud The lens holder is no longer required with the new optic holder. but you can also use this: www.thecustomsabershop.com/CreeRebel-Lens-Holder-P999.aspx

[@carlosfunez4036]

sooo can you use the electronics on a saberforge hilt?

[@carlosblondiswall4532]

and an ultra saber one too?

[@nunchuckerz]

can you make a basic saber with a 16mm light up switch without soldering using a buckpuck and jst connectors

[@MadcowGenesis]

+nunchuckerz I don't think so - you'll need to solder

[@giorgiobedolla2281]

Quick question, Do the Custom Saber shop parts work with the new Disney legacy sabers? Because ive been interested in converting my Rey/Anakin lightsaber to make the sound and motion tracking better.

[@evanbringold7241]

Can I use my own custom hilt and improvise a little and use the same wiring and stuff

[@MadcowGenesis]

Evan Bringold Absolutely!

[@ataruDev]

Rob Petkau if so, will we need a heatsink?

[@MadcowGenesis]

chompy101 Yes

[@ataruDev]

ok, thanks.

[@steveymcskibbins2569]

could i do this with an empty maglite flashlight?

[@HungLikeScrat]

Would you be willing/able to do a video on how to do a purple LED blade?

[@MadcowGenesis]

Done! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnS6en6DnpJpacU

[@HungLikeScrat]

+Rob Petkau I don't know why I never got a notification that you replied. Oops. Guess it's a good thing I didn't try to build my saber until now. Thanks for the video.

[@joehartman5543]

how do I know which kind of wire I need, and which wire goes where?

[@MrWFDooley]

What was the 4th link under Electronics/Wiring supposed to be the link is broken/dead.

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Will Dooley Lens holder. Use this now: www.thecustomsabershop.com/CreeRebel-Lens-Holder-P999.aspx

[@MrWFDooley]

Thank you

[@Bun-E225]

Nice tutorial

[@Rohnon]

Hey, I was wondering what kind of Standards you use for the Threads? I guess ISO. I'm Asking because I wanted to machine a few custom Parts for my lightsaber, however it is hard to get Threadcutters that are not DIN in Germany.

[@MadcowGenesis]

I don't know the specs. You can email TCSS and ask.

[@tylergaylord]

Where would you get thermal tape since The Custom Saber Shop is sold out...

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Tyler Gaylord It should be back in stock very soon

[@adkins235]

So if I wanted could I take this wiring and put in in my a lightsaber design made of pvc different than yours and have it still work? (Its a saberstaff) Anyways great video I really liked it.

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Andrea Adkins absolutely - assuming it fits in your saber

[@1mranonymous1]

+Rob Petkau Thinking of doing the same thing, where could i find/make a suitable heatsink for the Luxeon star? what purpose does it serve? thanks

[@ET_Drums]

So the LED module just rests between the switch and the blade holder?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Eric Tysor No - the MHS parts are designed to hold it tight when threaded together

[@ET_Drums]

+Rob Petkau OK thanks! Since the hilt parts are sold out at TCCS, I'm looking at other materials to make a hilt... (PVC, Sink Pipe, etc) guess I have to get creative. :)

[@purplecowgaming6882]

Is there a video showing how to do this with the clips instead of soldering it?

[@MadcowGenesis]

Not that I'm aware of

[@Not_me737]

would that resistor work to run any color? I noticed on the CSS website it says the reds and other colors need to be run at different mah? just kinda stuck on building a saber that can have the module swapped out

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Eddie Williams All the new Cree XPE2 LEDs can be run at one amp (1000 mA) You have to find the right resistor for your LED

[@Not_me737]

I have a 7.4v battery pack an av switch that already has a resistor and a royal blue led as well as deep red led, what resistor would you use for each led?

[@Not_me737]

And they are both rebels

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Eddie Williams Read up on the max current in mA, and then use an online resitor calculator for LEDs

[@yanitaypillo]

could i use a blade from a different blade if i wanted to, and how long does shipping usually take?

[@MadcowGenesis]

Not sure what you mean. Most 1" blades will fit

[@yanitaypillo]

how long does shipping usually take

[@MadcowGenesis]

Contact [e-mail] for that info

[@brianharris6022]

Can i use a red orange luxeon with 3 aaa batteries?

[@MadcowGenesis]

Brian Harris Sure, but you'll need a resistor

[@assassinguy366]

I am someone who will go the cheapest route aslong as quality does not fault,with the blade will this saber be under 105$?can I spar with it?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+assassin guy It might be close on price, and yes you can fight with it.

[@whitenacho7868]

I'd like to build my own lighsaber but im kinda confused why there are those "or" words in the parts list so i don't know what i need. Can someone link things i need.

[@balanoidbandicoot294]

hi, is there a link to the heatsink you used in the video, i couldnt see it anywhere. Thank you!

[@SchuylerBain]

I was wondering the same thing. I assume www.thecustomsabershop.com/MHS-Heat-Sink-V3-P782.aspx would be the correct Heatsink Module?

[@MadcowGenesis]

Correct

[@brando9781]

so i have a 3w red led and an 18650 battery, what resistor do i need?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Brandon Ball Depends on the max capacity of your specific LED. Look that up and then use an online resistor calculator

[@brando9781]

+Rob Petkau yeah, have since discovered these things but thanks for the reply, appreciate it.

[@sailhatan27]

So I just tried a similar build but I got a momentary switch and the momentary to latching converter. The saber turns on but won't turn off unless I pull one of the AAAs out. If I unplug the blade LED, the LED on the switch will turn on and off, but once I connect the blade LED it turns on but not off. It will dim a tiny bit when I press the switch. Any idea why?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+sailhatan27 Did you buy the correct momentary to latching converter for your 6v setup?

[@sailhatan27]

Yes I bought the 4.5 to 20v converter and I bought the resistor you posted in the description. The one they sent me looks a lot bigger though

[@MadcowGenesis]

+sailhatan27 I'm not sure, but it sounds like there might be an issue with the wiring, or the switch. Please post on the forums and a few of us can try and help.

[@anthonyschlessman1848]

would it be possible to install a recharge port with this setup?

[@bjarnehansen1101]

I think he made a Video about that but i dont know exactly.

[@LTDLimiTeD1995]

Under what circumstances do you put a resistor on the negative wire? :O I've seen some people do stunt sabers with the resistor on the negative side and it confuses me.

[@MadcowGenesis]

You can place a resistor on either leg.

[@HUNTER3902]

Hi, i'm using a Luxeon led (3 watt) with 4 batteries AA. Can i ask you what kind of resistor should I use and where can I buy it? Thanks!

[@joelespique8315]

HUNTER3902 I use the same battery set up and I used 0.47 ohm 5w 10% wire wound resistor. bought from radio shack.

[@fernandoflauto5554]

Can they be shipped to Brazil?

[@ozonoboy]

Thanks Rob!!!!! What kind of blade are you use? How can i made a blade for dueling?

[@MadcowGenesis]

1 inch, trans white, thin wall. Blades are in the shop at TCSS www.thecustomsabershop.com/Complete-Blades-C13.aspx

[@kathcronk]

What is the need for the heatsink? I'm wanting to do this on a budget, and by that I mean the heatsink is my budget. How could I do this with something like a flashlight LED?

[@MrJoelthesu]

LEDs usually dont need heatsinks cause they dont heat up that much

[@kathcronk]

thank you! I have another question if you know: I already have a battery pack that fits perfectly in my hilt, but it only has 3 aaa. My LED is 3.5-4v max. Do I need a resistor and is that enough power?

[@MrJoelthesu]

you can use a 10 ohm resistor on your positive line but just experiment to get the best results

[@kathcronk]

ok. so you think 3 aaa batteries is enough power?

[@MrJoelthesu]

not really sure but it should be, but trial and error should do the trick

[@FaDeDStudios]

If I'm using this tutorial for my Graflex 2.0 and I want to use the switch that comes with the kit do I need to change the resistor?

[@MadcowGenesis]

Nope

[@FaDeDStudios]

+Rob Petkau can you check if I did my calculation correct for my resistor I need a 4ohm? (6-3.2)/(700/1000)=4ohm

[@MadcowGenesis]

4 ohm for 700 mA, 2.8 for 1000 mA

[@FaDeDStudios]

+Rob Petkau I'm using a royal blue luxeon led and graflex 2.0 switch and 6 v 4 triple a battery holder? Did I do my calculations right?

[@MadcowGenesis]

yes

[@amaninator9985]

hello again, I just need some help with the resistor I'm using a rebel star green led and using four AAA batteries, what is the best resistor for that? thanks.

[@MadcowGenesis]

+amaninator Hi. look up your LED VF, find your total battery voltage (6v) and look up ohms law. Or simply use an online resistor calculator

[@amaninator9985]

+Rob Petkau thanks so much, new to wiring so I needed help thanks again

[@bushidobrown3952]

I have a couple of questions for creating these (im asking before fully watching the video so i apologize if anything is answered already) 1. I'd like to know if the blade holders are able to use blades from other companies such as say ultrasabers or saberforge 2. If i were to build a lightsaber hilt through TCSS would it be durable enough to participate in heavy dueling such as other company hilts that are made for dueling I'd really like to make my own design and any information anyone can give me regarding my questions would be greatly appreciated. Im new to this hobby and i really want to make a decision I'd be satisfied with for my first saber

[@TheCustomSaberShop]

1. Some people have had issues with Ultrasabers blades being slightly oversized in the past.. not sure currently but generally a 1" blade should be a 1" blade.. 2. Our MHS system is plenty strong enough to dual with.

[@joshuarodriguez7804]

What would that basic set up cost because, in the video you say it's under $100. I am wanting to get it for my boys.

[@JoeFDio]

Could I make a little crystal chamber inside?

[@MadcowGenesis]

Certainly

[@busload_uk]

Does anyone know the typical battery life with a saber of this kind?

[@FaDeDStudios]

What type of set up do you use to test the led?

[@MadcowGenesis]

I have a 2xAAA battery holder and an 80 ohm resistor.

[@maryrue7065]

I can't find where u put where u got dat stuff

[@MadcowGenesis]

mary Rue What stuff?

[@gitchellgitchell9505]

Hey Rob, does the mps pommel insert come with the item that you used to make sure it stays in, or do i have to buy that separately?

[@MadcowGenesis]

Gitchell Gitchell You buy the clip separately. It's here: www.thecustomsabershop.com/MPS-Clip-P72.aspx

[@gitchellgitchell9505]

Rob Petkau Thank you so much, im just double checking my list to make sure i have everything i need, also do you know when the Shroud Material will be back in stock?

[@MadcowGenesis]

Gitchell Gitchell Sorry - no. You can email Tim for that info (email address on the site)

[@DavidLeatherhoff]

So I plan on building my own lightsaber but my only problem is, I'm just starting to do this and I have no clue about electronics so I'm kind of in the shitter in here. any help?

[@MadcowGenesis]

You can do it. It's why I made these vids. You can also get a lot of help by joining the forum at TCSS

[@conoid21594]

For building a basic saber in 2020 is this video still accurate considering it was 5 years ago?