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TOPIC: US Apprentice Overhaul
US Apprentice Overhaul 2 weeks 20 hours ago #89645
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If you have a Covertec clip, I'd recommend just using that as they are very secure and the saber doesn't "flap around" like they do with D-rings. But, there's also something to be said for that original trilogy look with the D-rings. And, if you don't have the clip, that's one less thing you have to buy if you do the D-ring thing, since I'm assuming you're buying a belt hanger for that.
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US Apprentice Overhaul 2 weeks 19 hours ago #89648
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scifidude79 wrote:
If you have a Covertec clip, I'd recommend just using that as they are very secure and the saber doesn't "flap around" like they do with D-rings. But, there's also something to be said for that original trilogy look with the D-rings. And, if you don't have the clip, that's one less thing you have to buy if you do the D-ring thing, since I'm assuming you're buying a belt hanger for that.
The D-Ring vs Covertech thing is definitely all about the specifics of a particular saber's aesthetic for me. This was kind of a special case I feel, as I can get a much better two-handed grip without the Covertech on the US Apprentice. However, the Xiphos Covertech is both unobtrusive to saber handling and looks like it belongs with the saber, and I do indeed have a Covertech clip already (I did have to buy the D-Ring belt clip), so I was more or less just throwing the idea about. Speaking of which, my new LED retention screw hole is now drilled. 
I'm not sure whether I should be impressed for tapping my first screw hole as well as I did, or disappointed and appalled by the angle at which the Covertech knob hole was drilled. |
 Xiphos, Eris, Oracle Shoto
The following user(s) said Thank You: For Tyeth
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US Apprentice Overhaul 2 weeks 19 hours ago #89649
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The hole is probably better than I could do.
 There's definitely no correct answer for Covertec VS D-Ring. It's all about personal choice. I do like that Saberforge puts some device for belt hanging on all of their hilts, which is something other companies charge extra for. Some of my Ultrasabers hilts have Covertec wheels, some don't. That's one reason I've been interested in that pommel insert. I got a keychain belt clip at Walmart for under $2, it works great for hanging sabers with D-rings. |
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The following user(s) said Thank You: Eddlyss64
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US Apprentice Overhaul 2 weeks 18 hours ago #89650
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It is kind of a shame that the $14 put into the Covertech wheel on this Apprentice is kind of going to waste, but it did serve its purpose before the end.
Update: Trying to file out the ID of the switch hole on this thing without an actual round file sucks. |
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Xiphos, Eris, Oracle Shoto
The following user(s) said Thank You: scifidude79
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US Apprentice Overhaul 2 weeks 18 hours ago #89651
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$10 of the $14 is the hole. I've seen people use those for D-rings before.
Yeah, I definitely wouldn't want to try opening one of those holes with a flat file. |
US Apprentice Overhaul 2 weeks 18 hours ago #89652
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Hello Master Eddlyss,
There is a drill bit that you could use called a "Step Bit" that is cone shaped and drills a wider hole the deeper it travels into the material being drilled. Maybe you could get one of those to help widen the switch hole and it should also help you keep the hole centred and true. For Tyeth p.s. I think you are doing well so don't be too hard on yourself. |
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US Apprentice Overhaul 2 weeks 18 hours ago #89657
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A step bit, of course! Much obliged for the advice, Master Tyeth, I completely forgot about such a tool! Thankfully, I knew where ours was kept in the toolbench, and I've now widened the switch hole until the switch can just wiggle down inside. I'll file down the edges of the recessed area next, and then I think the saber will be all set for painting and weathering!
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Xiphos, Eris, Oracle Shoto
The following user(s) said Thank You: For Tyeth
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US Apprentice Overhaul 2 weeks 17 hours ago #89661
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Hello Master Eddlyss,
Fantastic! Those bits are invaluable in any workshop. They make this sort of job so much easier and they help keep the hole centred and true. I'm just glad you had one and didn't need to buy one. For Tyeth |
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US Apprentice Overhaul 1 week 21 hours ago #89871
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Today, my Apprentice went from a glorified Maglite...to a really beaten-up glorified Maglite
 
For a first time and not really knowing what I wanted to do, I think this came out okay. I tried to really emphasize more shattering at the emitter and switch like I wanted to, which is where I figure that the most Force Lightning damage would occur, between the blade itself and the focusing crystal. 
Emitter close up. Those itty-bitty fibers here and there are from the cloth I've been using to wipe it down, any tips on getting rid of those before painting would be much appreciated. I should also note that this WIP pictures are giving me some excellent saber glam shot practice!  
Speaking of which, I figured this saber needed some asymmetry, besides the obvious shattering, so I gave it a nice little dual-claw gash on the side. Feedback is much appreciated! |
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Xiphos, Eris, Oracle Shoto |
US Apprentice Overhaul 6 days 20 hours ago #89897
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That looks awesome
 How did you make the scratches and cracks? |
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The following user(s) said Thank You: Eddlyss64
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US Apprentice Overhaul 6 days 19 hours ago #89899
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Every bit of weathering there was done with a couple different diamond bits on my dremel tool. I used a round one for the "Force Lightning" effect and a cylindrical one for the gashes on the side.
Painting is next. A coat of black primer, and then a metallic coat to make the saber look like it was once a powerful Sith masterpiece. Then a light spray of textured black and a sanding job to make it look ancient. Finally, I'll touch up the gashes with silver and clear coat the entire thing. |
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Xiphos, Eris, Oracle Shoto |
US Apprentice Overhaul 6 days 36 minutes ago #89926
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that looks awesome dude!
cant wait to see it with paint! |
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You can not hold me to the Jedi’s rules....
The following user(s) said Thank You: Eddlyss64
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