|
|
|
FAQ
General
|
|
Q
|
Why build this site?
|
|
A
|
This site falls into the "ego site" category, however,
as my ego and my feelings of self-worth took a beating from growing
up and going to school in a gray, northern, English town it's more
of a self-deprecating ego site.
Actually, I put this site here for two reasons:
- For my own interest; to record my progress (or lack of it) on
my projects.
- To share information, tips and techniques with anyone who is
interested.
|
|
Q
|
Why build props?
|
|
A
|
I think it has to do with loving the escapism of the movies (especially
sci-fi) and wanting something physical from that celluloid world
that I can hold and put in my den. I am a man of limited means so
I can't just buy screen used props or some of the beautiful but
expensive replicas some artisans make available to collectors. However,
I do like trying to solve problems such as "I want a stormtrooper
blaster. Toys are far too inaccurate and real Sterling machine-guns
too expensive and difficult to obtain." My solutions usually
involve a lot of time spent at Home Depot and rooting through what
others consider trash.
|
|
Q
|
Who are you?
|
|
A
|
IRL I am a ex-pat, 30-something geek married
to an American poet. I live with my wife and two cats in San Francisco
and work at the worlds second largest software corporation in Silicon
Valley.
|
Hardware Prop Construction
|
|
Q
|
Will you make me a Lightsaber / prop / send
me a kit etc.?
|
|
A
|
Sorry, I don't have the time. I will, however, try to answer any
questions that you might have.
|
|
Q
|
What are solderless connectors?
|
|
A
|
solderless PL-259 UHF-Type Connectors are easy to find in Radio
Shack. They're in the parts section amongst the cable TV connectors
and plugs.
|
|
Q
|
How do you cut the pipe in such a elaborate
shape?
|
|
A
|
Cutting the shape of the end of the Lightsaber took a little time.
I drew the shape out onto the pipe with a fine permanent marker.
The rough outline was then carefully cut using a Dremel rotary tool
with a small cutting disc (they're less that 1" in dia.). The
cutting disc was not used to follow the line but using a series
of small, straight cuts to get reasonably close to the line. I then
used the Dremel again but this time with a sanding tube (about .25"
dia). This will eat through the thin tube and with a little care
you can sculpt the shape. I finished the edges with a grinding stone
again on the Dremel to remove any burrs left over.
|
| |
|
Glossary
|
|
Q
|
What do the abbreviations on your site stand
for?
|
|
A
|
|
ANH
|
"A New Hope". The official title and commonly
used abbreviation of the "Star Wars: Episode IV".
Confusingly, Episode 4 was made first before episodes 1 through
3.
|
|
CAD
|
Computer Aided Design - computer technical drawing and blueprinting
applications.
|
|
ESB
|
"The Empire Strikes Back"
|
|
IRL
|
"In Real Life"
|
|
MIB
|
"Mint in Box" - usually refers to toys (occasionally
"Men in Black" but that is commonly written MiB).
|
|
MOC
|
"Mint on Card" - usually refers to toys, does not
mean that the card is also mint. Also check that the
toy has not been opened. The unscrupulous will sometimes
seal toys back up and still use this description. If
unsure, ask.
|
|
MPP
|
"Micro Precision Products" - manufacturer of the
model of bulb camera flash upon which Vader's lightsaber hilts
were based in ANH & ESB.
|
|
OTS
|
"Off The Shelf" - things you can find in consumer
stores.
|
|
ROTJ
|
"The Return of The Jedi"
|
|
SW
|
"Star Wars"
|
|
THG
|
"The Next Generation". Star Trek
|
|
TOS
|
"The Original Series" usually refers to Star Trek.
|
| |
|
|
|
Q
|
What does XXXXX mean?
|
| |
|
Dremel
|
Is the brand name of the best known of the handheld rotary
tools. Other manufacturers make them too; Black & Decker,
Craftsman, Skill etc. I've seen them for very reasonable prices,
including some tool attachments at big department and home
improvement stores; Target, Home Depot etc. Very easy to find.
Very versatile. Don't by a cordless model. Buy
one with variable speed that runs from the mains.
|
|
flash
|
Flash is superfluous material that seeps into the mold lines
and pour holes when a cast is poured.
|
|
Icons
|
Icons was a company born in the 1990s which started to make
licensed, replica props to sell to the general public. Their
first efforts included Luke, Vader and OB1 lightsabers which
were pretty accurate and now go for a lot more than their
original retail price of eBay. However, the company tried
to grow too fast. They had prototypes of Han's Blaster and
the Aliens Pulse Rifle built among others and collectors paid
them for pre-orders of these products. Unfortunately, the
company went bust before delivering and some customers lost
thousands of dollars without receiving their props.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Star Wars is a registered trademark of Lucasfilm
Ltd. The Star Wars logo, characters, prop designs and names © Lucasfilm
Ltd. This site is not sponsored or endorsed by Lucasfilm Ltd. or any of
its affiliates. The information on this page is for the exclusive use
of fans. Commercial usage of any copyrighted material contained within
is strictly prohibited without the express permission of the copyright
owner.
|
