When George Lucus first came up with the concept that is Star Wars I doubt he'd imagined in his wildest dreams just how successful it would become. The original movie Star Wars IV A New Hope was brought to the big screen way back in 1977, audiences around the world were wowed by the amazing special effects and fantasised about a galaxy far far away.
Despite being almost 30 years old Star Wars is as popular now than ever before, thanks largely to the success of the original films and the recent release of the prequels it seems that people young and old are enjoying the Star Wars Sager all over again.
Having been dragged up during the 70's I was caught up in the original hype of the Force, Jedi's and of course Lightsabers. Used by Jedi's and Sith's alike this elegant weapon has been a must have on every true Star Wars fan wish list since the original movie.
Just imagine how great it would be to have your own Lightsaber. Voooooo-Vooooooo. Come on admit it, we've all done it right? You stand by the mirror with a brush in your hand pretending to swing your weapon back and forth in true Obi-Wan style, prenteding to be the Jedi master that you know lies deep inside. No, well perhaps it's just me then? Well I was only 10 at the time, but the idea to have a Lightsaber has never left me.
Reality check, unfortunately and as much as it pains me to admit it, Lightsabers are not real. So the thought of maiming your worst enemy with a laser sword will have to wait for the time being at least.
Still it did get me thinking about Lightsabers, and although I couldn't make a real one perhaps I could make a realistic prop, just like the ones used in the films? What I did find surprising is that despite the appeal of Lightsabers there is a distinct lack of information with regards to making your own. Most guides at best are patchy and do not provide the detailed information needed.
It's believed that the original Lightsabers were constructed out of a ? Glaflex 3 Cell Flash Gun? but unfortunately these are becoming increasingly rare to locate and are expensive to buy. You could try eBay or other auction websites if you want to go down this route but just be wary of fakes and incomplete parts.
Don't think either that creating your own Lightsaber is difficult, it's not. In fact all the parts needed to make your weapon are readily available at your local hardware store. So what are you waiting for, start feeling the force today and build your own Lightsaber.
