Virgo: Zodiac 8
Around 2019, I challenged myself to machine a saber from scratch in under 24 hours. The challenge was a success, and the hilt came out great. However, that was four years of experience ago. This year, I wanted to challenge myself further, increasing the detail of the design, and installing the electronics all in under 24 hours.
In December of 2023, I attempted the challenge again, and completed The Mayfly. The owner was enthralled, and challenged me to complete one 24-hour saber build each month in 2024. This is the third of twelve, which I am calling the Zodiac Challenge.
All parts are handmade from scratch (except screws, though they are modified to fit the holes better). There are tons of little details hidden. The knurling is single on the emitter and double on the “pommel”. The claws have polished beveling on the upper flanks and light anglage on the inner flanks. The chamber sports two crystals but are assembled in such a way to appear as one that changes/fades color. The leather is one piece assembled without glue, and scorched for weathering. The entire saber has a thick patina and was weathered after assembly for the most realistic grit wear.
The install is unique for this build. The bottom of the saber utilizes a modified Smuggler's Outpost 16-pin connector, bored out to fit a USB-C connector in the center for data and charging. Hidden above the connector is a High-Amp kill switch toggle. The build is powered by a single Proffieboard v3.9, a 24mm bass speaker, and a 3.7v 15a 18650 battery. The blades are connected with the SCW NPXL V4 Connectors.
Total Build Time: 14hr 47 minutes.
Chamber Details:
-Style: 0
-Motion-works: none
-Animation: none
-Radiator: none
-Accents: none
-Premium Materials: none
-Premium Finishing: none
-Unique Attributes: dual crystals