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TOPIC: Build Vs Buy - Blades
Build Vs Buy - Blades 2 months 4 days ago #66130
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General questions, pros and cons of building your own blades vs buying?
It looks like PC tubing 1/8" thick can be had for around $13 for 3 feet including shipping, and 1/16" tubing for even less, Cellophane can be purchased fairly cheap depending on the size of the roll, blade tips are around $3-5 bucks. High shipping fees for complete blades aside, it seems like building your own is only slightly cheaper than buying a complete blade. That being said, can anyone way in who has some experience building blades way in with some pros and cons? |
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2005 MR Anakin
2007 MR Joe Jedi 2016 SF Champion Bastion 12w+ purple 2016 Darth Revan custom built (ASP hilt) |
Build Vs Buy - Blades 2 months 4 days ago #66136
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Whatever's cheapest.
I'll usually build my Day Blades unless there's a color I want that I can't get bladestock in (looking at you, Yellow SF Day Blade). Otherwise, if I can score discount standard thinwall blades for ~$10, I'll just pick those up in bulk and sand them down for dual-diffusion. |
Build Vs Buy - Blades 2 months 4 days ago #66137
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If you know how, just build your own. As long as you follow the same steps others do, there should be no difference. Tranwhite tube is good for light colors, like whites, yellows, and light pinks. Clear tube should be used for any other vibrant color.
Only thing to note is that you won't have SF's threaded tip. |
Build Vs Buy - Blades 2 months 4 days ago #66138
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I've never built my own, but always eager to learn new things. I can't imagine it's that tough. Every tutorial I've read or watched makes it seem or look pretty straight forward. Biggest differences seems to be what diffusion material to use.
Threaded tips are very nice. I'm thinking more for "show blades", either for Cosplay or non contact practice. As I was talking with Kouri earlier, I'm planning a build for my 4 year old and was considering building some blades for him in a couple different sizes. |
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2005 MR Anakin
2007 MR Joe Jedi 2016 SF Champion Bastion 12w+ purple 2016 Darth Revan custom built (ASP hilt) |
Build Vs Buy - Blades 2 months 4 days ago #66141
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Thread tips are nice, but definitely not required. Some strong glue will keep our tips on just fine. I believe everyone should have a "show" blade, which is a moniker for thin wall (1/16") blades. Because they're thinner, they are brighter, which is great.
My recommendation is to use what clear polycarbonate you want (thick or thin) and roll up 4-5 feet of cellophane (width) with a dowel rod and insert it. Cut it to length and you're good to go. I like to secure my film with hot glue, but it's not 100% needed. Optionally, you can sand the blade linearly for additional diffusion. |
Build Vs Buy - Blades 2 months 4 days ago #66142
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I think I'll go the build your own route for the next couple of builds.
Three builds in the works, all with "show blades" Anakin MR conversion (possible total gut) Darth Revan Hilt with copper/gold leaf and scarring my son's build (still in the design phase) |
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2005 MR Anakin
2007 MR Joe Jedi 2016 SF Champion Bastion 12w+ purple 2016 Darth Revan custom built (ASP hilt) |