How to make a lightsaber prop for $30

In this video I show how to make an inexpensive lightsaber prop for only $30. I also show how to make a $50 version with a safer and more durable Polycarbonate blade.
Materials list: (I bought all of this at Lowe's)
1-1/2" Sink Tailpiece that's 12" long
1-1/4" Steel Insert Coupling
1-1/2" to 1-1/4" Poly Pipe Insert Reducing Coupling
1" PVC Plug
Pack of #17 O-Rings 1-1/16 inch OD x 7/8 inch ID x 3/32 inch wall
3/4" long #8 Metal Phillips Screw
#10 Knurled Nut
Roll of Duct Tape
5ft piece of 1/2" EMT Conduit
1/2" Foam Pipe Insulator
Silver and Black Spray Paint
Polycarbonate Blade:
Polycarbonate Tubing 3/4" ID x 1" OD x 1/8" Wall, Clear Color 72" L
I bought the polycarbonate tubing on Amazon
amzn.to/2OTUmOH

[@mzov_1724]

0:28 AM Making lightsaber under 30 bucks Me: perfectly appropriate timing

[@taylormoore5098]

Duct Tape is the Force. There's a Light Side, a Dark Side, and it binds the Universe together.

[@White-qw8xe]

XD

[@captaincorundum9788]

The lack of likes on this comment proves that most of the people watching this video don't really know Star Wars

[@tysonm2525]

I made the lightsaber, I did a few different things. I also included the electronics and a blade for a lightsaber. It is pretty awesome! I was kind of funny, before seeing your video I was pretty scared to make a lightsaber but when I saw your video I was like, Oh ya I can totally make my own saber hilt. I just want to say thank you for the great video! I am so pleased with my lightsaber.

[@BrandonFate]

That's awesome man! I'm glad it helped you out. Yeah I was surprised with how simple it can be to build one, just had to use my imagination a little lol. Does yours light up?

[@tysonm2525]

@@BrandonFate yes it does, I used the electronics from a lightsaber I got from China and it's a pretty decent set up.

[@Nerdsphere115]

did you use the same steps but just install the electronics i want to do the same but need help lol ik its a late reply but hope to hear from you.

[@tysonm2525]

@@Nerdsphere115 ya I used the same steps. Just make sure if you don't have the tools go to Harbor Freight, their tools are pretty inexpensive.

[@mr_random1153]

Does it glow

[@undeadknight01]

Build a lightsaber for $30! (PLUS ANOTHER 30 FOR DUCKTAPE)

[@devronkally9545]

One of the best amateur lightsabers I’ve seen; great, detailed instructions! Creative use of common materials. Fantastic!

[@BustsQuick]

Built two of theses for my little brothers for Christmas and they love them, I made one of the blades longer and I weighted the smaller one better for single handed fighting! This video is really awesome and you deserve a ton more subs!

[@BrandonFate]

That's awesome! I'm happy to hear that. That's a good idea to make one of them weighted, I'll have to try that. Thanks a lot for your comment though, I appreciate it.

[@SebVFX]

"How much duct tape do you need for this project?" .. "YES!"

[@toppu10animes]

This joke was funny on the first 30 times it was used

[@prwedros4883]

I see you have constructed a new lightsaber. Your skills are complete. Now join me,to the dark side

[@manaosdeuva2176]

Ok

[@Soulify]

Stup1d_0t4ku username checks out

[@Phoenix-kg1qx]

So Americans really do think duck tape helps everything

[@BrandonFate]

We really do.

[@nicholaspost1141]

it's Duct tape not Duck tape, but I can understand where the confusion comes from. Also it absolutely does fix everything you could possibly want it for, except for ducts, and ducks too i guess.

[@notinuse298]

It fixed Apollo.

[@Iliadic]

Yes.

[@SmasherFreeman]

Of course, just remember The Martian

[@ebear5595]

I’m going to try this but I will build the hilt so it fits over the Galaxy’s Edge hilt and with my own custom design so I can have my own even more unique lightsaber. Thanks for the tips man

[@owentomlinson8045]

EBear More have you had any success with this?

[@rockinHurley777]

Instead of duct tape, use PVC pipe as your main hilt that will snugly fit the blade. Use a retention screw. Then use the metal tubing as the covering of the hilt

[@lurnfitness572]

Whelp, looks like im stopping at Home Depot on the way home...

[@MackJeezy]

Doing the same haha

[@joshlawrence236]

When he says that there is going to be no duct tape and 10 seconds later he uses more duct tape

[@sharky5131]

Because its the poly carbonate version xD

[@rimrodi7]

Best tutorial on KZbin! Thanks for making this. A fair bit duck tape yeah but come on the stuffs super cheap.

[@one6803]

you have to add glow to it light is important in light saber

[@mzov_1724]

Blue LED light, replace the screw and cork thing with a button to toggle it.

[@theobscurity9392]

@@mzov_1724 ive thought about using a high powered multi color option bulb that normally plugs into your car's headlight socket. It would be plenty bright enough to illuminate the entire blade, and only 12 volts required to power

[@LegoGamer5502]

Definitely using this in the near future- I’m makin this lightsaber one day.

[@Tracks777]

Great! Keep it up!

[@frkn3856]

Im watching how to build lightsabers at 2:55 AM...even my cat is already sleeping.

[@toca_boca-b9w]

How does this man only have a few hundred subs

[@glidershower]

I wish I had seen this video 15 years ago ='( Ah, well, it's never too late!

[@toasty715]

this really helped me out and i enjoyed this very much thank you for this!!

[@DIYGene]

Great video, very nicely shot and great information.

[@BrandonFate]

Thanks a lot!

[@joshuawaddell6640]

Great job man. They turned out really good and you have fantastic video editing. Subscribed!

[@BrandonFate]

Heyy thanks a lot Joshua! Great to have you as a sub.

[@therebel2187]

You need more subs

[@jacksonnightmareluner]

I love this I can do a prequel/new triliogy blade or original trilogy/rebels blade

[@DelnorShinobu]

You should have more subscribers for what you do

[@christopherdrekr1078]

If you wrapped the whole 'blade' in that purple duct tape it would be mace windus light saber ! Genius !

[@Shaw4Life]

I’m going to DisneyLand in a few months and I’m building a lightsaber and I can’t wait.

[@tysonm2525]

Awesome video! K know what I'm going to be doing tomorrow!

[@gabe1775]

Hey, I like the video I think you should make some more like this

[@Tracks777]

Awesome video,Keep it up!

[@kornfreak78]

Awesome build! Thanks for sharing. I subscribed to you. May the Force be with you!

[@wonkamywilly2456]

Got me thinking about making my own Darth Maul inspired dual blade version of this

[@anonymousr1918]

This looks so great, I can never make these hilts I’m so bad at it can’t even get materials.

[@adelcamac8681]

Great video !. Thanks . the end was epic.

[@Razor_Wing]

*0/10 Not enough Duct Tape*

[@LegoGamer5502]

Razor Wing lollll

[@LeoTheMuppet]

Cmon at least give him a one, he used 0.03 the tomes of duct tape

[@Glorindellen]

I went to Restore, a building supply thrift store which benefits Habitat for Humanity and bought a box full of miscellaneous plumbing parts, bits of light fixtures, and chrome bath towel rod holders for $10 including 8 pipes in a few different styles, ranging 10-14 inches in length. the pipes are all very shiny. I figure if I mess up, it's no great loss. There are a few things I have no idea what they might be, but they looked like they might be interesting so I threw them in my box.

[@White-qw8xe]

Great job! It looks kind of dull, though. Once I make this this weekend I'm going to add a few parts and maybe spray paint the emitter of the saber gold.

[@benpena4740]

Instant sub Love all of your content

[@BrandonFate]

That's great to hear! Happy to have you as a sub!

[@svenskatabbar1519]

Would love to make this. Can you make a video for us not mesureing our fingers and feets(outside the us)? :)

[@92000]

just use google calculator...

[@rimrodi7]

Svenska Tabbar Sorry you’re a spastic.

[@captaincorundum9788]

Theres a shop called "TheCustomSabershop", they sell blades for half as much that are the best thickness for dueling. I made my featherwing sound and light enabled saber with one and have never had an issue with it, though i recommend the blade to only enthusiasts.

[@jessemast5319]

This is REALLY cool. Thanks!

[@MollowXIV]

Yo this is great except for the part where it’s a clear plastic baton that doesn’t light up!

[@dennisconnors2178]

Magmarashi u can just spray paint the clear plastic rod.

[@dennisconnors2178]

Just get those blade builder lightsabers

[@JamesGarage06]

The generic Marvel lover (80 bucks later)

[@jo_naash]

Just stick a strong led diode of your preferred color inside. Also, I reccomend buying the actual transparent plastic blade part from somewhere like Ultrasabers. It will rise the price substantially, but it's made essentially from the same material police riot shields are from. And it carries the light better.

[@lue64]

Remember me when you become popular.

[@classicclaire5247]

editing skills on point

[@310DaynceCentral]

Thid was great...but how do you light it up? I was waiting for that part.

[@BrandonFate]

It's supposed to be a prop used to rotoscope a lightsaber effect over. Like the example I show in the beginning and end of the video.

[@Cow_Tipper_629]

Brandon Fate couldn’t we technically stick some leds into the tube?

[@jadenwalker2052]

@@Cow_Tipper_629 yes but it would probably be difficult unless you know how to do wiring(that's my guess at least)

[@ronisworld2916]

thank you for sharing this!

[@Ultimate32126]

Would there be a way to make a curved hilt from this build? Like count dookus us lightsaber.

[@kalinwatkins5917]

Two questions, Can you put a belt clip on it? If so can you do a tutorial? And Can the blade come in and out

[@LegoGamer5502]

Watkins Channel the blade won’t be able to go in and out, unless you do some serious reworking, and it would probably make it much more expensive. Tbh I’m not sure how I would go about doing something like that, but it’s not the biggest necessity for me.

[@chom6096]

Wow, the editing are as good as the prop.

[@iwasthatperson8030]

Awesome video man!!!!

[@sutomuarashi]

doing this for a cosplay!! TYSM

[@katelynwebster1186]

i know this vid was three years ago, but is this good for lightsaber combat? Also thanks for making this very helpful

[@lukeskywalker8543]

General Grevious wants to know your location

[@garrettgacita4519]

Really awesome! I have built a couple so far, a lot of good inspiration in that video. Have you thought about using a leather or something on the body of the hilt?

[@BrandonFate]

Sweet! How are your builds holding up? Yeah, next time I make one I'm going to customize the hilt more aesthetically, but build it the same.

[@patrickkarrow]

You deserve more subscribers, this is awesome! I’m going to make a version of this in a sith style!

[@BrandonFate]

Hey thanks a lot! I would love to see your build after you're done!

[@patrickkarrow]

Brandon Fate no problem! Yeah I’ll have to contact you and send you a photo!

[@KBENTERTAINMENTMEDIA]

You deserve more subscribers.....

[@BigD321]

Ok, I need to make this

[@leeseth.07]

Cool

[@abenpr.]

You could put some system leds....you rock anyway

[@devynwyma3153]

if you have an insert coupling (the one used for the emitter) and another saber made the same way, could you take off the reducing coupling on both and attach the insert coupling to make a dual bladed lightsaber?

[@BrandonFate]

That's a great idea. I'm actually going to try it out and see how well it works!

[@thicc6785]

All these need are some LED’S and it’s perfect (as it can be)

[@NuevoOfficial06]

What outro music is that, it sounds too familiar, I’ve heard it from somewhere else but I can’t remember

[@BrandonFate]

The song is called Sunny Days by Stanley Gurvich. He's a great composer.

[@jtrocks9992]

Thanks

[@DarkWolf-et3dx]

if i'm going to go that far i'm going to go all in with an LED kit and sound kit.

[@FlowerKimonoCaptain]

Is there a piece I can attach to the bottom of 2 of them so that they can connect For a dual lightsaber that will disconnect into 2 lights

[@colerobinson4507]

Joel Corriveau double ended male threaded connector

[@grock610]

Sumteeng at 9:28 lol

[@AdamCanDoIt]

Does anyone have the link for the 1-1/2" to 1-1/4" Poly Pipe Insert Reducing Coupling. Preferably at home depot.

[@LaggyTaco]

Can you fit a flashlight or LED light so the polycarbonate blade can light up

[@rockinHurley777]

That's how they're made. Led string inside the tubing

[@carlosjimenez8102]

Make a ligthsaber without ligth

[@paintrvp474]

Can you do a Darth maul saber tutorial (full saber)

[@Thomas-ss1iu]

Do you know where you can get this tailpiece in the UK? Any help and advice would be great thanks :)

[@BrandonFate]

I would look at your local hardware stores in the plumbing section, that's where I always see them. Good luck!

[@Thomas-ss1iu]

@@BrandonFate Yeah I have tried but they only sell PVC sadly. I have found parts I can use on amazon for the UK but just need to come up with a design :)

[@CheddarMannn]

"I made lightsaber, but it has no lights"

[@mightyshiteyanyo6652]

Imma bout to make a darth maul saber

[@iwasthatperson8030]

I do not even understand that you have only 45 subscribers

[@acheron9515]

Good thing I work at home depot

[@Gentleman_Ghoul]

Can you make a double blade next?

[@КостяБонд]

I made a cardboard Kylo Ren's lightsaber handle. Can i fight with this handle and polycarbonate blade or I must make strong metal handle?

[@anthonygarcia2147]

Can you use a pvc pipe for the blade

[@BrandonFate]

It depends on what you want to use it for. PVC pipe will work if it's just for dueling. But it won't work that well if you're going to film it and add an effect later. This is because on impact with another blade, it bends too much and makes it difficult to rotoscope accurately.

[@willwalker3150]

Once you got to fifty you may as well put25 more with it and get a saber that lights up and is battle ready

[@Prozakc.O]

Is there a way to make it light up

[@FuRiA_CC]

Nice lightsabers but they have no "light"

[@BrandonFate]

Thanks for the comment! This build is intended to act as a prop in a video where you'll add the effect later while editing. I'm working on a version of this saber that does light up though. Experimenting with it now to make it as affordable as possible.

[@skywalkeredits7170]

Could I build this with a PVC blade I feel like if someone gets smacked with metal conduit it's gonna hurt pretty bad.

[@BrandonFate]

Sure! I decided against it since I used the blade for reference where to overlay the lightsaber effect in After Effects. With the PVC it bent too much on impact and made it more difficult. So depends on what you want to use it for. Just using it for fighting will be fine.

[@skywalkeredits7170]

So would I follow the metal conduit instructions I'm assuming same diameter and stuff.

[@BrandonFate]

@@skywalkeredits7170 I would follow the polycarbonate blade steps so you have a more sturdy pipe. Use PVC that's closet in diameter, then adjust your duct tape wraps accordingly.

[@CG2006_yt]

Can i buy it off you for £30

[@LaserMade84]

Does the Purple Kyber Tape make you Mace Windu..?

[@MZeteny]

Me: Wraps the paper around the blade 20 times instead of 19 Brandon: Wait that’s illegal

[@steinvanderveer9294]

what program do you edit with

[@BrandonFate]

I edit with Adobe Premiere and do all of my effects in After Effects.

[@magnusbejerholm6386]

How do u make it with light

[@BrandonFate]

I'm working on a video now to show that.

[@magnusbejerholm6386]

Thankyou!

[@mr_random1153]

What about the colour and glow of the blade

[@danc2014]

I don't know If you are allowed to carry a metal pipe around in all places even if it is a "toy"

[@92000]

*WHAT IS THAT PCV BLADE AND WHERE TO GET IT??*

[@BrandonFate]

I have a link in the description for the Polycarbonate blade.

[@kratosgaming1766]

How to make a 30$lightsaber 1. You need 80$Ae

[@MrWildbillproduction]

You... Pretty soon, they will be trying to ban Duct Tape. Make JEDIs great again!!!

[@burger7088]

DOUBLE BLADED TYPE NOW

[@justsomeguywithoutalife230]

How long is ur blade tube?

[@LegoGamer5502]

Son Goku he said he cut it to 45 inches or something, and put that in the (about) 10 inch blade and that’s just about a 35 inch blade

[@AnasAnsari-ee7ok]

Hi I am from India I want to know how to make light

[@colton2073]

sumteeng

[@cookiestudios2565]

would pvc pipe work for the blade

[@LaggyTaco]

Can you deconstruct the lightsaber

[@owenortiz1742]

I just went to Home Depot to buy the parts and it sucks because they don’t have a lot of the parts