Building a basic saber with sound PART 1

A detailed, step by step tutorial for building an MHS lightsaber with Nano Biscotte sound, and a removable 18650 battery
Parts list
Hilt parts
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Electronics
www.thecustomsa...
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or...
Resistor:
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T8 Tube guard
www.thecustomsa...
Other stuff
Ribbon
Fluorescent Tube Guard for T8 size tubes
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[@jhonnythejeccer6022]

We need a updated one

[@rakkiswolfstar4358]

We need an updated updated one.

[@ET_Drums]

You are a combination of Yoda and Bob Ross... I have learned SO MUCH from you so far and your videos are so informative and relaxing to watch... looking forward to building my first saber and I have you and +TheCustomSaberShop to thank for my new-found love for saber building. Thank you @Rob Petkau

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Eric Tysor You are most welcome!

[@funoff3207]

You guys should sell all these parts as a kit

[@zachcowley779]

dude been looking for good video on the basics like this, awesome sauce to the extreme man. Thank you so much! =

[@TheAristoi]

It would be great if the hilts were actually in stock. Thank for the video though.

[@abnergraves3562]

Basically my new favorite KZbinr

[@Jamie-sj4jy]

How do you keep the led module in place if it’s just resting on top of the switch?

[@ryanfriend5155]

"but if youre a wuss" - best tutorial line ever

[@BuildanR2D2byAri]

This is an awesome video for making a saber with sound for a newbie. Sound on a saber is a must in my opinion

[@TheCustomSaberShop]

Here's the resistor for use with a NB sound board and a Tri Cree LED; www.thecustomsabershop.com/Product.aspx?ProductId=1050

[@neptunian6000]

+TheCustomSaberShop Worked for me.

[@DrErickLopez]

+TheCustomSaberShop im also using the tri cree xp LED in blue/blue/white I did the calculation on the LED parallel configuration calculator and it resulted in a 1000mA resistor for each LED.

[@Giocondrix]

+TheCustomSaberShop tri cree led wired in parallel or in series???? and which one would you use for the other?

[@DrErickLopez]

+The Great!!! Parallel (blues) direct (white)

[@gillandro2]

I had taken cues from these two videos and the flash on clash videos to make a basic saber with the nano biscotti... was wondering is it possible to add a recharge port with kill key, and maybe an aux button after the fact or would that be impossible to wire in later?

[@michaelschwartz8001]

Me and my friend are building these and we just want to know where do you get the housing wire harness

[@MadcowGenesis]

Everything is at TCSS: www.thecustomsabershop.com/Connectors-Plugs-C21.aspx

[@totallynotjaxon148]

Suggestions for a beginner build saber

[@medunco]

Super helpful! I just ordered all of these parts. Except I am going to be using a 12V momentary switch with LED ring. I've used these before with sabers with no sound, so just batteries running to the switch to the LEDs, and 6V was enough for this. Now I would have a 3.7V battery going to a soundboard to a switch and speaker to LEDs, and I'm wondering whether the switch will get enough power for the LED ring and the LEDs in the blade to shine bright. Do the switch and the soundboard need to have the same power source? Do you think I could wire some separate batteries to the switch?

[@mr.dinglebop2439]

I'm curious if one could use common plumbing pipe for most of the body of the hilt? I feel that might be a more cost effective method than ordering most of the metal online. I'd assume I would need machined peices for the blade holder and led mount? but other than that will any old sink tube do?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Wesley Churn Wecall them "sink tube sabers". There is an adapter at TCSS for that.

[@mr.dinglebop2439]

+Rob Petkau Thanks for the reply, that's very helpful.

[@GATOR-IS-REAL]

Any chance we can get an updated parts list

[@MrJheath77]

If i Have a 7v Battery what resistor do i need between the battery and the NB3?

[@_dnk]

Have you ever thought about making a video tutorial/build lapse of a higher end saber build? I think that would be awesome for newer guys in the community (me) to get a feel for how the really nice sabers are made!

[@MadcowGenesis]

It's a great idea, but it would be hard to do.

[@mtaberquin]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@andrewshie224]

+Rob Petkau which wires were the green wires and would it have mattered if the green wires were switched around? (They switched their soldered places on the soundcard)

[@MadcowGenesis]

+NuclearAirsofters the two green wires to the switch can be reversed no problem if that's what you are asking

[@commandercameron9189]

So how do I do the blade now 👀

[@pat3000721]

What's the diameter of that heatsink? Could I fit it in a 1 inch tube?

[@TheArtpimp36]

Thank you, I just watch one of your videos and you mentioned that it comes with the blade holder. I have ordered it already and it should be here soon. I really wish I can contact you to ask some questions. I do believe I am going to get pretty serious with the blade making hobby, if you can consider it a hobby lol.

[@MadcowGenesis]

That's what the forums are for - lots of great people who help each other.

[@ronisworld2916]

could you kindly do an assembly with an open crystal casing like of StarKiller motif as well, pls???

[@MadcowGenesis]

I'll keep the idea in mind, Thanks

[@ronisworld2916]

great!!

[@lukerope1906]

So I'm planning on doing crystal chamber in my lightsaber and I'm going to run my accent LEDs in parallel with my main LEDs. Should I put one resistor before both LEDs or one for each LED? ie resistor-LED-resistor-LED---------or resistor-LED-LED?

[@DonKorny]

i played jedi the fallen order...now its time to build my own saber 😆 DIY neopixel with sound. Can you make a video about that? The connection from blade to saber, adjustments etc.

[@SpiderPopo2001]

Question: I have an ultra saber stunt saber and im about to upgrade with sound. Im going to make it like you did in this video, but where does the resistor goes, on the positive or the negative? And why?

[@AvianSavara]

Hi Rob, thanks again for all your time and knowledge. I'm wondering if there is anything I could use to prevent the LED module from sinking from the blade holder into the saber hilt. Would the same MPS Clip we use with speaker assemblies work? Thanks!

[@Mizzourox1007]

Don't know if i missed it in the video. About how much wire will i need for all the electronics? Just want to make sure I order enough to save a trip to the hardware store later.

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Mizzourox1007 I can't say for sure. I would order extra

[@JackSilver1410]

I WOULD love to try this... if nearly all of the hilt parts weren't out of stock... As is the soundboard and a lot of other things.. Are you still in business?

[@jannik7354]

Out of Stock til These days 😂

[@poicolleshiguredesu2629]

About how much time can the saber be powered on before needing a new battery?

[@MadcowGenesis]

Depends on the battery and led. Could be over an hour straight. The ones I build and show at the con last for two days being constantly turned on/off

[@Charlestuckernorton_]

Fourth link down under the electronics tab goes to TCCS home page, where is it supposed to link to?

[@MadcowGenesis]

It was the lens holder, but since the Cree LED's are newer and better, there's a different lens holder.

[@ded1y]

Hello I’m wondering if this would work on the nano biscotte v4. Are there any additional changes to be made or do I simply follow the same steps to get a new result.

[@jackczagas4912]

if I use that battery chassy can I some how wire it to work with an in hilt recharge or is there a chassy and battery holder that are designed to accomodate in hilt recharge

[@Da_Swifta]

There's another tutorial on the channel titled "Basic saber with sound 2" or something like that

[@colethomson2601]

How many strands does the 28 gauge wire have? I'm from the uk and I don't know how thick that wire is

[@MadcowGenesis]

I'm not sure.

[@FaDeDStudios]

I can't find luxeon led holder isn't on the website can I buy the pre built led holder?

[@arandomminecrafter5951]

how big are the heatsinks? The ones that you use more of, fore sealing the joints? I didn't catch the size.

[@MadcowGenesis]

You'd have to email [e-mail] I do not have the dimensions handy. I do not know what you mean by "sealing the joints".

[@arandomminecrafter5951]

Sorry about the confusion. That is just what I call it. A more accurate description would be,for all the times you solder.

[@darkshadows65]

To use these instructions, but with a tricree LED... how many things must be done differently?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Dark Shadows It's all the same except how you wire your LED.

[@darkshadows65]

Thanks. Found the LED wiring tutorial. Nice.

[@hahshfghj7457]

is it strong enough for full kontakt duell of course with the heavy blade?

[@padawan-fd2jx]

On the saber forge website you can buy an empty hilt. Can I buy this instead of all the pieces of the hilt?

[@padawan-fd2jx]

Instead of the pommel and body and emitter

[@MadcowGenesis]

I have no idea if/how TCSS parts would work with a saberforge body.

[@djhotwire]

Heya Rob. Followed the tutorial links for buying the parts but muffed it up somewhere.. Can you create a wishlist/cart with all these bits and wang up a link in your forums or here please? That would be rad as :)

[@MadcowGenesis]

I don't think I can do that as it will not work if any of the parts are out of stock at any given time.

[@ryu3180]

Quick question. I'm a saber noob, and just got my first saber yesterday, a SF Sentinel Warrior Tier - and want to install sound/other bells and whistles... The question at hand, is has anyone had experience with the above tutorial and this chassis SPECIFICALLY? As, does the V6 holder fit inside the handle of the SF Sentinel? Looking for answers that are a) not snark, and b) PDQ Thanks so much!

[@Zm598]

PLEASE ANSWER: what wire gauge should use for the LED and switch?

[@ltsmash1200]

Would this setup fit in a Graflex with the LED Graflex adaptor?

[@chachdanko]

would this tutorial work if I wanted to use different MHS pieces? for example I would use all the other steps and pieces of equiptment but if I wanted my Saber to look a little different externally would this video still be helpful?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Casey Ellington Correct.

[@colinquinton474]

Question, I have heard a number of guys from the USA talk about Solder, is it just the way I'm hearing it or do you pronounce it without the L? In the UK we pronounce it as in Soul with the L included. Stupid question but It may just be the way I'm hearing it. Oh and top quality tutorial by the way

[@DrChattan]

Colin Quinton I commented on this recently (before I saw you’d already commented) and someone (from America I’m guessing) tried to tell me “in actual English the L is silent”. 😂😂

[@herringtonoso4064]

A majority of the parts are out of stock, are there any easy substitutions or do I just have to wait for the parts to be back in stock?

[@thorbostrom5883]

I really enjoyed this video, extremely informational. I am planning a saber build and I want to know if the battery and speaker holder contraption can be modified to fit into a hilt with a smaller inner diameter. I was thinking to make it about 1.125" for an inner diameter to have a 1.375" outer diameter. Any help on this project would be appreciated. I love your work

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Thor Bostrom I expect that is too small for these components. But you can experiment and see.

[@thorbostrom5883]

+Rob Petkau thanks a lot. I will probably stick with the MHS dimensions then to make it easier on myself.

[@lightsabers104]

Is this build more cheaper than the V2 version of this video (the one with the chassis parts) or would it be around the same price?

[@shawnjumpy497]

the bob ross of mechanical engineering

[@blackthornejoshua2929]

I ordered what the link was in the description and got a luxdrive endor 7040 red led. it has 2 positives on the top and 2 negatives on the bottom. I'm unsure how to solder this correctly, could you give me some advice on what to do. it's my first build so I don't wanna mess it up.

[@MadcowGenesis]

Pick one (+) and one (-) and solder to those.

[@andremarroquin4267]

Can I request for the switch hole to be aligned with this kind of blade holder?

[@MadcowGenesis]

yes

[@StealthTiger99]

Just wondering can this setup fit a 1 inch pvc saber build? hop you answer soon so i can order! great video btw

[@MadcowGenesis]

+StealthTiger99 Unfortunately no.

[@StealthTiger99]

that stinks, thank you for your reply!

[@leecason9468]

+StealthTiger99 Most blades are typically one inch. So your saber would have to be bigger.

[@pascalrob2301]

hello Rob I have a question about this saber. where do buy the metals parts for the this Lightsaber please? I live in France and we don't have that in my country for build our own saber. Thanks by advance for your response.

[@MadcowGenesis]

www.thecustomsabershop.com

[@DaFlyingMusubi808]

Since I'm really lazy how much would it roughly cost to buy all the necessary parts shown in the vid. Not including the tools.....

[@shipey188]

can u use copper tape instead of solder? dont have any solder or anything

[@jannik7354]

That's risky

[@herringtonoso4064]

Also would a 4AA battery pack fit in that speaker holder you are using?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Michael Batten No, 4AA pack is too large. Stock is coming soon.

[@dkidd46277]

Hey Rob, I have a MR AOTC Anakin that I want to do a conversion with. Can you lead me the way with how to start. Id like a board that can do foc and light LEDs. Thanks for your time.

[@MadcowGenesis]

David Kidd I would start with one of these conversion kits: www.thecustomsabershop.com/FX-Conversion-Kits-C56.aspx And a Nano Biscotte sound board with PEx

[@dkidd462]

Rob Petkau I have a NBV2 and I read that a Mace conversion kit is the one to use. But what housing would I use for the NB so that it would be a good fit. Also I have a Korbanth Luke Ep 6 that I might want to do. Really I just need a link to where everyone gets their housings. There has to be different sizes because the inside diameter of the saber hilts vary. Thanks again!

[@MadcowGenesis]

Dsd1rty I really can't help you. Most of us just make something out of plastic pipe or blade stock. You can ask on the forums for anyone who has done a similar conversion.

[@TheArtpimp36]

One question sir and I really hope you get this. The heat sink is placed on a copper base. I have selected everything that you listed but I didn't see that copper base. Is included in with the LED or the heat sink?

[@MadcowGenesis]

It's listed when you buy the blade holder.

[@ToxicNova5]

with the 18650 be enough to power a 12w led unit that has 4 3watt Cree XB-D LED dies and a NB?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+T0xicN0va Yes

[@FrostyFrodo]

From my knowledge, yes.

[@vammpirros3181]

yo where on the site can i pick up the led holder in pieces? im wanting to put a rebel 3 led so i dont want to buy your pre built holder im really worried abuot the size of the case, i would hope it fits into a 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 pipe, also would you recommend the buckpuck 1000ma 4 wire or just the resister you used? id like the blade to look fully powered until the second it dies. Another question, would i be better off getting a basic sound board and just buying the clash and swing sensor?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Alex Tucker Try this www.thecustomsabershop.com/Heatsink-module-for-1-ID-tubes-P1027.aspx

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Rob Petkau NB sound board has all the sensors built in

[@screamindemon06]

It's like listening to the "happy trees" painter explain how build a lightsaber. "We're just gonna tight these up a bit, maybe just add a little solder... thaaat's nice."

[@joelittle6323]

Hey Rob, is it possible to add a recharge port to this set up? if so what modifications would need to be done?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Joe Little It would be tricky, but could be done if you did not use the connector, and added a switch box to house the switch and RC port

[@joelittle6323]

Which connector are you referring to? I have the set up ready for the switch and RC port. The wiring is where I'm lost. Do have a video with that in it? Thanks for the reply!

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Joe Little www.thecustomsabershop.com/NB-V2-MWS-Header-and-Wiring-Harness-P961.aspx

[@gptourchannel]

could you just sell the led/sound ready to go kit so anyone can just build his own hilt and put the electronic part inside?

[@MadcowGenesis]

gptourchannel Working on it. But it might not be just that simple

[@gptourchannel]

really hoping you can make a rgbw led, sound, battery, charger port kit to put inside any hilt. Let us know!! too difficult soldering everything, and no rgbw/card guide!

[@handfullofjake]

I can't find the link to the exact wiring harness in this video. Could you help??

[@MadcowGenesis]

Try the new one. www.thecustomsabershop.com/NB-V3-MWS-Header-and-Wiring-Harness-P1144.aspx

[@handfullofjake]

+Rob Petkau I also couldn't find the link for the Lens holder. I ended up getting this www.thecustomsabershop.com/CreeRebel-Lens-Holder-P999.aspx would it work???

[@MadcowGenesis]

correct

[@handfullofjake]

Awesome thanks!

[@UltimateJambo61]

What if I ordered a Saberforge Warriror hilt and want to add my own sound? This same tut. still applies?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Anakin Skywalker Possibly, But I have no idea about the saber's inside dimensions. You could ask on the forums

[@mikegalvez]

i meant is that if i buy all those parts & stuff & build it my own would that save me less money rather than buying the lightsaber?

[@MadcowGenesis]

It's generally less expensive to build your own

[@FaDeDStudios]

Could this tutorial be used to make a custom hilt

[@MadcowGenesis]

FaDelegendz101 Absolutely

[@tylerdaby614]

could I send you my hilt so you could add all the internals that I need ?? do you do that?? and what's you price range?

[@FaDeDStudios]

Could this be turned to make a crossguard lightsaber?

[@MadcowGenesis]

FaDelegendz101 Not without a LOT of mods

[@gustavogoncalves4644]

Rob Petkau in your Project you used led whit heatsink or not you have used motion sensor? ??????

[@harveylansley5713]

Gustavo Gonçalves da Silva basically, the soundcard (nano biscotte) will do that.

[@Neo_Sauron]

Seeing all these Bob Ross comments, I must concur with them. Alas, I have figured out what your nickname should be - Rob Boss.

[@Halflife5555]

I probably missed this in the video. But are these sabers good enough to duel with others? I was trying to find a good build that can withstand a good beating for dueling with others but I can't seem to find any other video on those types. If not, is it possible that you can point to the right video or site that explains how to build this kind? Thanks and awesome video!

[@jannik7354]

I you have a thick wall blade, I think so!

[@smuu1996]

is the wirering with the nb v 3 the same like in this video?

[@MadcowGenesis]

Almost identical

[@TheAeroSpaceTutor515]

can i ask a question? What is the inside diameter in mm of the main body?

[@MadcowGenesis]

Hi, Dimensions in inches are listed on the website. You can do the conversion easily online.

[@j7powndandtrolled]

What is the difference between a low watt low ohm resistor vs a high watt high ohm resistor

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Shoddy Gaming um... lots. Watts is essentially heat it can handle, ohm is resistance

[@UltimateJambo61]

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN GET A NANO BISCOTTE V2 OR V3 WHERE THEYRE NOT SOLD OUT?!

[@bbromfie]

where do you wire the led to for a lighted momentary switch

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Brandon Bromfield It depends on your sound card. In this case most people will wire it to the LED output with the correct resistor (See Nano Biscotte Manual)

[@prevail517]

Almost everything used is out of stock, any ETA on when you guys will be getting parts in?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Robert Fatcheric Stock is being added every week. Thanks for your patience.

[@iglusmulmus2654]

What is the ID and OD of the switch hole ?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+LeeAndie Not sure - it's meant for that particular switch.

[@georgerosipko4176]

hello do you work for the custom saber shop? i have ordered some parts from your parts list but they are not right i am need of some help please let me know the best way to contact you or someone thank you so very much

[@MadcowGenesis]

[e-mail]

[@MariaRodriguez-ho2gr]

thanks for teaching me

[@teejay411]

Is there any word on when these items will be back in stock?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Tony Eclavea soon

[@nathanbejnarowicz7393]

What heat sink should i use. Its not in the discription

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Nathan Bejnarowicz any of the choices will work with most star backed LEDS

[@aarongreve7287]

Why is the shop down ?😕

[@linussebz1234]

how do i know witch resistor to use to witch coulor?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+linus serrby You need to learn Ohms law, and the Vf of each LED. You can also ask on the forums if you need help

[@aarongreve7287]

Does the thermal tape come with the heat sync?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Aaron Greve nope: www.thecustomsabershop.com/Star-thermal-tape-pad-P483.aspx

[@aarongreve7287]

+Rob Petkau thanks planning the saber now

[@Da_Swifta]

would this work with a latching switch or an AV switch?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+TheLegendOfBeyBlade Requires a momentay switch not latching

[@Da_Swifta]

+Rob Petkau can you use an AV switch?

[@chrisgraham8717]

hey customsabershop, what kind of soldering iron do you use? mine that I had ended up breaking. anyway, I would like to buy one that works very nicely

[@MadcowGenesis]

+chris graham I use a Hakko. Weller is also good

[@chrisgraham8717]

Thanks

[@amaninator9985]

this is what I've been looking for! I have some questions though...I don't want a sound board in my light saber.. so how should i wire it? i am getting a luxeon rebel it requires 1000mAh and I'll be using two AA batteries and would the heat sink fit in a 1 1/2' PVC pipe? thanks

[@amaninator9985]

and I am using A guarded switch

[@MadcowGenesis]

+amaninator There's another vid on this channel for a saber with no sound

[@amaninator9985]

+Rob Petkau OK thanks so much

[@thissmithymanga7119]

do you ship to the uk

[@jannik7354]

He does

[@markpryborowski5246]

do they sell kits like this for me to build or do need to search for the parts

[@jannik7354]

Jq Sabers has some kits

[@TravisRamage]

Hey Rob, We just built a saber with CFv7 with the colour extender. Due to the hilt I chose from the TCSS, we had to go with 2 14500 cells instead of the 18650s. Was just wondering, How long should it take for a full charge and how long should it last?

[@MadcowGenesis]

Charging depends on your charger, but expect 3+ hours. Batteries that small will not give you very long use. Off and on for a good day at the con should be fine.

[@TravisRamage]

Thanks. I've charged them for at least that long and they don't last much more than an hour it seems. Wondering if I need to redo it with new batteries. It keeps cutting out when I use RICE too.

[@MadcowGenesis]

I would be surprised if you got more than an hour from 2 14500's

[@TravisRamage]

Yeah, that's about what we were getting. Thank you! Luckily, we figured out how to get the 2 18650s in there. It's a tight fit, but working much better.

[@benmoore1097]

planning on getting into the business. I notice almost everyone uses Aluminum. Would there be any problems with steel? As far as you know, at least. Thank you

[@MadcowGenesis]

Steel is harder to work with and much heavier

[@PLAYDAYLEGO]

Awesome

[@exorislevaithandeath1067]

well I know want do for christmas

[@lightsabers104]

Was that a nano biscotte v1 or V2? Idk cuz they look the same to me

[@MadcowGenesis]

V2

[@Red-cc4yl]

How much would it cost to buy everything for a custom saber with sound?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Edward Fabian approx $200

[@Red-cc4yl]

+Rob Petkau thanks

[@anastasiaeverdeen4987]

can i use a 1.5ohm 5w resistor instead?

[@MadcowGenesis]

+Anastasia Everdeen Sure, but the LEd will be a little less bright

[@jamesdaly750]

For me the hardest parts are stupid things like lining up the thermal tape and LED and putting the MPS Clip inside of the pommel...

[@michaelpluto2288]

Dude same here. I think it’s because the thermal tape is so thin and flimsy and the C clip you need to have like have the right kind of needle nose pliers or a certain tool plus they you really need to use strength to squeeze them

[@EndlarStudios]

Anyone know how to make a double sided saber?