How to Build a Model of a Lightsaber

Sample flashlight for lightsaber.

The lightsaber first entered the world media with the launch of the original "Star Wars" movie in 1977. The traditional weapon of Jedi Knights, this iconic device is supposed to be created by each knight in turn as he learns the secrets of the Jedi. There is a lot of variation in the handle of each weapon and the color of the blade indicates good or evil. A red saber signifies an owner who is part of the dark side of the Force. Any other color, most often green or blue, indicates an alignment with the good. The universe created by George Lucas has become so popular that kits exist to build a working model lightsaber.

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight
• String or yarn
• Scissors
• Colored acetate sheet(s)
• Pen
• Yardstick
• Clear contact paper

Instructions

Easy Model Lightsaber

1. Choose a large flashlight with a strong light beam. Verify that the flashlight can be turned on and off with a button, not by twisting the head of the flashlight. Measure the circumference of the head of the flashlight by wrapping the string around the head of the flashlight once and cutting where the string meets.

2. Lay the string straight on the sheet of acetate and mark the ends of the string on the acetate with a pen. Add 1/2 inch to one side of the string measurement and mark the spot on the acetate. Repeat at the opposite end of the acetate sheet. Use the yardstick to draw a straight line between the widest marks to indicate where to cut. Cut along the lines drawn. If the acetate sheet is not as long as the desired length of the light saber repeat this process for several sheets of acetate until the desired length has been cut. Roll the acetate around the head of the flashlight to verify it is large enough to completely circle the light and overlap slightly.

3. Unroll the clear contact paper. Lay the cut acetate on the contact paper. If more than one sheet of acetate was used, lay all of them in a row with no spaces in between acetate sheets, so the contact paper will cover them all. Measure 1 inch out from each side of the acetate. Mark the spot on the contact paper with a pen. Use the ruler to draw straight lines and cut the contact paper.

4. Remove the backing from the contact paper and lay it down with the sticky side up. Lay the acetate sheet(s) on the sticky side of the contact paper so that the 1-inch sticky border extends around each side of the acetate and press the acetate firmly in place. Lay the head of the flashlight on its side at the bottom left corner of the acetate with the light facing the acetate sheet so that the sticky border of contact paper extends over the head of the flashlight. Gently roll the flashlight and the acetate at the same time until a complete circle has been made and the acetate overlaps itself. Press the overlapping contact paper to the acetate to hold the saber together. Cut a circle of contact paper large enough to cover the end of the saber. Remove the backing and apply the sticky side to the end of the light saber to cover the end.

Tips & Warnings

• The color of the acetate will give the saber blade its color. Red is usually for villains. Blue or green are common colors for Jedi. Acetate is available in large sheets at craft stores, or you can use overhead transparency sheets.

References

• Supershadow: Star Wars History
• The Lightsaber: Lightsaber Stories

Resources

• The 3D Studio: Lightsaber Parts