Greetings fellow Jedi, this is the Lightsaber Construction Worshop which has been set up for Padawan's to create there Lightsabers. Knights or Masters can help guide there Apprentice in the construction of their Lightsaber. I wish all padawans and students good luck in your task and hope you create an impressive blade.
May the Force be with you,
Bron Jast
Below is some useful information for Padawans on constructing their Lightsabers:
"Ideally, a Jedi took many months to construct a single perfect weapon that he or she would keep and use for a lifetime. Once you build it, the lightsaber will become your constant companion, your tool, and a ready means of defense."
?Luke Skywalker
The ritual of constructing one's own lightsaber was an integral part of Jedi training, and involved not just technological skill, but also a close attunement to the Force. In the days of the Old Republic, the ice caverns of Ilum were used as a ceremonial site where Padawans came to build their first sabers. It was here and similar places like the caves near the Jedi Enclave on Dantooine that the Jedi would choose the best focusing crystal for them through meditation and communion with the Force, and then complete the assembly of their lightsaber.
Traditionally, constructing a lightsaber took about a month. This includes assembling the pieces, both by hand and with the Force, and meditating to imbue the crystals. A Jedi would often spend weeks or months putting it together, making sure that each part fit perfectly, and that it met their exact preferences in length, color, blade frequency, and so on; though, at the height of the Clone Wars it was reported that one could be built in as little as two days. Corran Horn's first lightsaber, a dual-phase lightsaber constructed during his time under cover as an Invid pirate, is an example of one made using this technique.
The lightsaber's hilt consisted of an alloy cylinder traditionally 25 to 30 centimeters long; however, design and dimensions of hilts varied greatly in part to the preferences and physiological needs of each creator. The hilt casing contained the intricate components that created and shaped the unique blade. High-powered energy was unleashed through a series of positively charged focusing lenses and energizers, manifesting a beam of energy that extended outward from the base to a length of about a meter, then arced circumferentially back to a negatively charged fissure ringing the emitter. A superconductor completed the power loop by feeding the transformed energy back into the internal power cell, where the energy loop began anew. By adding up to three focusing crystals of varying attributes, the blade's length and power output could be adjusted using control mechanisms built into the hilt's shaft.
Two crystals employing a bifurcating cyclical-ignition pulse would allow the blade to be used underwater, but this modification added difficulty to what was an already complicated construction process. As a result, most lightsabers did not include 'waterproofing', and would short out when submerged in water. Rain, however, was vaporized on contact. Generally only Jedi from aquatic races such as Kit Fisto, would go to the trouble of constructing a waterproof saber, as only they had the mobility to use it effectively underwater.
Whether by the fledgling Padawan or the experienced master, construction of the lightsaber began with the acquisition of the necessary components with which to build the weapon. All lightsabers contain some common basic components:
A cutaway of Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber from A New Hope.A handgrip
An activation stud plate
A safety switch
An emitter matrix
A lens assembly
A power cell (for the most part, unlimited in power; requires little recharging)
A power conduit
A recharge socket (recharges the power cell when the lightsaber is off)
One to three focusing crystals
Many lightsabers, such as that wielded by Zayne Carrick in 3,964 BBY, made use of a pressure sensor in the hilt's grip that deactivated the blade whenever it was released. Notably, Darth Maul's double-bladed lightsaber lacked such a security measure. Other lightsabers were constructed either without the pressure sensor or with a locking mechanism to keep the blade activated when thrown or dropped.
Traditionally, the crystal was the last component to be sought. It was the very life essence of the weapon, and gave it both its color and potency. Much scrutiny went into the selection of this final and most important element of the lightsaber.
With all the components in hand, the Jedi would begin the assembly process. Because of the intricacies of the technology used, the Force was employed to bind the components at a molecular level. This micro-manipulation of the components enabled the closed loop design to operate with near-perfect efficiency.
While many lightsabers appear similar at first glance, closer inspection reveals many differences (subtle or obvious) in design. Because each Jedi personally constructed his or her own weapon from scratch, no two lightsabers were the same. However, some Padawans built their lightsabers to resemble those of their Masters as a sign of respect.
The knowledge of lightsaber construction largely disappeared during the extermination of the Jedi, but Luke Skywalker found the records and the materials he needed to construct his own lightsaber in Obi-Wan Kenobi's hut on Tatooine.
It is also important to note that Wade Vox and Jaden Korr were one of the few capable of successfully constructing a lightsaber without any formal Jedi instruction.
Crystal variants
Lightsaber crystals
"The crystal is the heart of the blade. The heart is the crystal of the Jedi. The Jedi is the crystal of the Force. The Force is the blade of the heart. All are intertwined: the crystal, the blade, the Jedi. You are one."
?Luminara Unduli, during a lightsaber construction ceremony ? Listen
Crystal color, type and number contributed to some of the variations often found in lightsabers. The color of the crystal used decided the eventual color of the lightsaber "blade." Adegan crystals, also known as Ilum crystals, were some of the most popular ones used in lightsabers. These crystals could be imbued with the Force, helping Jedi become one with the saber. The crystal's weak Force signature could be felt by Jedi a short distance away.
During the Great Sith War epoch, many lightsabers were created using Kunda Stones, a natural geologic formation from the planet Kadril. These stones boasted numerous practical applications in medicine and communications; however, when added to other focusing crystals, they produced a broader beam.
After discovering the Kaiburr Crystal on Mimban, Luke Skywalker added a small shard of it to the focusing crystal assembly in his lightsaber. The fragment of the crystal made the blade more powerful and efficient. Other people, such as Leia Organa Solo and Lumiya, also utilized shards of the Kaiburr in their respective weapons (Leia's in a lightsaber and Lumiya's in a lightwhip).
Other natural crystals, like Nextor and Damind crystals, could be found throughout the galaxy, and could be used in the shaping of the lightsaber's energy blade.
Some types of pearls or ingots of certain ores could be used instead of crystals, though this was an arcane and ancient craft dating back to before the Battle of Ruusan. Following his adventures on Taris, the Jedi once known as Revan discovered that a krayt dragon pearl could be utilized as part of a lightsaber, greatly enhancing its power.
Corran Horn notably used a Durindfire Gem as his main crystal, giving his blade a silver hue.
Hilt variants
"One can do things with a lightsaber that cannot be done with a mere firearm, Luke. But more than that, the lightsaber is a discipline for the mind and a schooling for the body and spirit. It's one of the ways in which a Jedi contacts the Force."
?Obi-Wan Kenobi to Luke Skywalker
Lightsaber ? Known only by this name, it was the most common variety of lightsaber, a two-handed hilt of 20-35 centimeters, using one or two crystals. It was likely the earliest variant of the lightsaber to be developed as a personal weapon. It was a trademark of the Jedi Knights.
New Jedi Order ? A number of hilt varieties of this lightsaber type existed during the time of the New Jedi Order, but it is unknown if Force-sensitives of other eras conformed to these standardized hilt options.
Electrum ? A lightsaber with a hilt forged from gold-like electrum was often called an "Electrum lightsaber." The electrum finish gave the lightsaber a majestic, regal appearance. In the last days of the Old Jedi Order, golden and electrum lightsabers were reserved for senior members of the Jedi Council. Mace Windu's and Darth Sidious's lightsabers were examples of such kind
Curved-hilt lightsaber ? A standard design during the prime of Form II lightsaber combat, curved hilts allowed more precise movements as well as reasonable flexibility in lightsaber-to-lightsaber combat. The curved hilt also provided a challenge when defending against it, because the wielder would strike a slightly different angle than a normal hilt. It was also more complex and gave the maker more of a challenge in aligning its crystals. This lightsaber was known to be used by Count Dooku, his apprentice Komari Vosa, and later his Dark Side Adept Asajj Ventress. Ventress's lightsabers could combine to make a curved double blade. This was also known as paired lightsabers. The Wookiee Jedi Master Tyvokka used a curved blade, suggesting that he may have been a practitioner of Makashi. Prior to the Battle of Ruusan, the Sith Master Na'daz possessed a lightsaber with a curved hilt. Na'daz's apprentice, Kas'im, acquired that weapon after killing him, and he later presented it to Darth Bane.[7]
Blade variants
"Dual-phase blades seem to be something of a fad among Jedi at certain points"
?Luke Skywalker
Dual-phase Lightsaber ? This rare type of lightsaber used a combination of focusing crystals to create a blade that could extend up to double the original length with a simple activation. Unlike typical lightsabers, which often possessed a manual adjuster for reducing the blade emission, the dual-phased blade could be triggered in an instant, adding an element of surprise to catch an opponent off guard. Additionally, dual-phase lightsabers also had a blade-width adjust. Gantoris wielded such a lightsaber, as did Corran Horn and Darth Vader.
Great Lightsaber or Lightclub ? Special focusing crystals and power systems enabled this rare lightsaber to project a blade up to 3 meters in length. These large lightsabers were generally used only by beings of immense stature. Gorc, a mutated Gamorrean Dark Jedi, used such a weapon.
Short Lightsaber or Shoto ? A lightsaber employing a shorter blade than the more common lightsaber. The smaller blade allowed for easier use in combat by those Jedi who were of a smaller stature, such as Jedi Masters Yoda, Even Piell, Yaddle, and Tsui Choi. Also, a shoto was sometimes utilized in the Niman (Jar'Kai) combat style by individuals of normal stature, for example the ancient Jedi Master Kavar and a number of Darth Malak's dark side minions. The shoto could also be used as an assault knife. Luke Skywalker constructed his own shoto after the Battle of Endor. Master Sora Bulq during the Clone Wars era was known to carry a shoto which he used in combat with Senior Jedi Master Mace Windu. Those not sensitive to the Force could use this type of lightsaber due to its shorter blade.
Training lightsabers ? The training lightsaber was used by Jedi younglings, to practice lightsaber combat. While non-lethal, contact with the blade could cause bruising and even minor burns. This type of lightsaber was often used in conjunction with the basic Shii-Cho style of lightsaber combat. It was also used by Padawans and training droids in the Jedi Praxeum during the New Jedi Order.
Underwater Lightsaber ? While most lightsabers short out when the blade touches water, this blade was made to operate underwater due to two crystals employing a bifurcating cyclical-ignition pulse. It was carried by Kit Fisto during the battle on Mon Calamari, during the Clone Wars. Other Jedi whose lightsabers were functional underwater were Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Qu Rahn, and Asajj Ventress.
Unusual Weapon Variants
Double-bladed lightsaber-also called a Saberstaff, Lightsaber Lance, Doublesaber, or Lightstaff ? A long-hilted version of the standard lightsaber which could emit a blade from both ends. This is the most common of the rarer forms of lightsabers. Each blade could be activated independently of one another or simultaneously. It could be one hilt or two normal lightsabers attached together. This was often even more dangerous to the untrained wielder than to the opponent. It came to be known as a "Sith lightsaber" because it was preferred by Sith and was possibly invented by Dark Lord of the Sith Exar Kun, whose lightsaber was both double-bladed and dual-phase. This made his personal style of lightsaber combat very complex, as he would vary the strength and length of either blade independently; sometimes letting the opponent's blade pass right through his, sometimes blocking. Darth Maul was inspired by Kun and created his own saberstaff which he used to duel Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn simultaneously.
Although double-bladed lightsabers were commonly believed to be aggressive and destructive, Bastila Shan and Shado Vao were two of the few light side Force-users to wield a double-bladed lightsaber. Also, when Darth Vader led the raid on the Jedi Temple, several Jedi were encountered using double-bladed lightsabers.
Lightwhip ? The lightwhip was an exotic variation of the lightsaber that only specially-trained Jedi could wield. It could either have a solid core of cortosis or other lightsaber-resistant minerals (see below) or it could be a blade of pure energy. Like the lightsaber, it emitted a coherent beam of energy, but unlike the lightsaber's, it was long and flexible enough to be wielded like a whip. Known users of the lightwhip included Sith Lady Lumiya, the Sith Lady Githany, Nightsister Silri, bounty hunter Vianna D'Pow, and possibly the Black Sun Vigo Xist.
Tonfa-style lightsaber ? A rare perpendicular-gripped type of lightsaber. Maris Brood, a Zabrak Jedi and Sinya, a Twi'lek Black Sun bodyguard, used such weapons.
Fiber-cord linked lightsaber ? A form of dual-blade lightsaber, the hilts of this weapon were joined by a fiber cord. More difficult to control than a double-bladed saber, the fiber cord joint of the weapon gave the wielder the benefit of striking from unexpected angles. Asajj Ventress's lightsabers were modified to accommodate a fiber cord link on occasion.
Lightsaber cane/staff ? The Veknoid Jedi Master Zao carried a weathered wooden cane, upon which he attached a lightsaber emitter. Although blind, Zao could still utilize the weapon with frightening accuracy. The Legacy-era Sith Darth Nihl also used a lightsaber staff.
Lightclub ? Special focusing crystals and power systems enabled this rare lightsaber to project a blade up to three meters in length. These large lightsabers were generally used only by beings of immense stature.
Forked lightsaber ? This form of twin-bladed lightsaber was essentially a regular crystal lightsaber with a second emitter coming out of the hilt at a 45-degree angle to the axis of the lightsaber. In addition to being the most unusual of lightsaber designs, and subsequently the most rare, the hilt was also slightly curved. One of the few known Jedi Knights to use this lightsaber style was Roblio Darté, who fought in the Clone Wars at the Battle of Parcellus Minor.
Lightsaber colors
The color of a lightsaber blade was defined by the focusing crystal used in its construction. The Jedi collected crystals of varying types and hues from natural deposits, whereas the Sith made use of fabricated synth-crystals designed to emanate shades of red. After the purges of the Old Republic's Jedi order, synth-crystals were also shaped and used by Jedi on occasion. Luke Skywalker's green blade and Jaina Solo's violet blade both sprang from synth-crystals.
Prior to the final battle of Ruusan, ancient Jedi wielded blades of every color and hue. Some of the more common colors were orange, yellow, light blue, blue, green, violet, silver, and gold. Some ancient Jedi, such as Sylvar, even wielded blades of red hues, although the order typically avoided any colors that might associate them with the Sith. Red was also avoided since it was the most common representation of blood and violence. After the terrifying end of the Ruusan conflict, however, Jedi turned to more common Adegan crystals of blue or green coloration. Other colors did still exist, but were extremely rare. Mace Windu, for example, braved the terrors of Hurikane to find his violet crystal.
After the Great Jedi Purge, Emperor Palpatine razed many of the known crystal sites, making it more difficult to find crystals of any hue. After the rise of the New Jedi Order, however, the discovery of long-forgotten resources and the use of synth-crystals brought a variety of colors back to the order's lightsabers.
In the era of the Jedi Civil War, the color of a Jedi's blade was a traditional symbol for the path the Jedi chose in his duties within the order, although a Jedi was not required to use a color that corresponded with his or her Jedi class. A green blade was the sign of the Jedi Consulars, scholarly diplomats and negotiators. Blue was the color associated with Jedi Guardians, the physically vigorous defenders of the galaxy. The third color, yellow, was held for those among the Jedi Sentinels, Jedi who found their skills balanced between physical prowess and scholarly awareness of the Force. For the purposes of the lightsaber's strength, these crystals functioned identically; color was the only variation.
Contrasting the natural hues of the Jedi sabers, the Sith manufactured synthetic crystals that beamed vibrant red. The engineered qualities of synth-crystals afforded them slightly greater power output and were more easily augmented, though they were more unstable, short-lived, and less maneuverable than their natural counterparts. Though it rarely happened, a Sith synthetic crystal lightsaber blade was capable of overloading a regular lightsaber in combat, making it short out, thus giving the Sith a small psychological edge over their opponents.
The Imperial Knights all wielded identical silver lightsabers, while Lomi Plo reportedly used a white lightsaber against Luke Skywalker. It is unknown if these are the same hues.
Jan 10, 2008 5:49 AM | Report Abuse reply
Hey whats going on this was my idea!? I'm kind of pissed but not to much. What happen this was mine and Revan's thing to do. It was going slow but we were going to do it to night. *frown* Well just know this was my IDEA. MTFBWY
Jan 10, 2008 6:38 AM | Report Abuse reply
Yes Fable, this was approved at a council meeting saying you and Revan would take charge of this. Apologies for the confusion
Jan 10, 2008 6:40 AM | Report Abuse reply
It is only that Revan and I had everything planed. All well I will leave it alone. *smile*
Jan 10, 2008 7:18 AM | Report Abuse reply
Hi, I'm Master Luke and I'm a Padawan apprentice. I would like to learn how to make my own lightsaber.
Jan 10, 2008 7:33 AM | Report Abuse reply
OOC: Sorry Fable, I had no idea. I Just thought of it this morning before going back to University. You can look after it and be in charge if you wish. I never took your idea. But as they say great minds think a like ;-)
Thanks Jass Quin-Val
Jan 10, 2008 2:13 PM | Report Abuse reply
Fable told me to tell you that it is ok, and that she is very sorry for the way she acted. SHe said this "Please forgive me my friend I shouldn't have done that."
Jan 10, 2008 5:20 PM | Report Abuse reply
I would like to learn how to make two curved hilt lightsabers much like Asajj Ventress.
Jan 10, 2008 5:58 PM | Report Abuse reply
Well I'm glad thats sorted :-)
Now to constructing!
Hello Master Luke and Jedi Revak, do you have Masters?, as they can help you in the construction of your Sabers. :-)
Jan 10, 2008 6:23 PM | Report Abuse reply
Great, well when you have a chance ask Scorpion if he would help you construct your Lightsaber :-)
Jan 10, 2008 7:17 PM | Report Abuse reply
For a picture of the inside of a lightsaber, you can look at my page in my pictures area. I have a picture listing all the components and how they fit together. Feel free to use if you are interested, and if you are a Master or Knight, it might be a handy training tool! Great idea for this thread from all who thought of it!
Jan 11, 2008 2:49 AM | Report Abuse reply
Any padawans who would like to see cut-aways of different lightsabers chekc out my pictures section.
Jan 15, 2008 7:41 PM | Report Abuse reply
We'll try this again some other time. I guess I barely missed you, Revak.
Jan 15, 2008 7:53 PM | Report Abuse reply
*Practice taking his light-saber a part and putting back to getter*
Hey your info help be put it together faster, thanks.
Sweet, I did not know I could put more crystals, thanks again.
Jan 15, 2008 8:02 PM | Report Abuse reply
*He walks into the workshop and grabs the supplies he needs to buid a curve hilted lightsaber. He places the crystals into the lightsaber and ignites it as a blue blade comes out. He then deactivates it and now proceeds to engrave something on the lightsaber. He finishes the lightsaber and clips it to his belt and walks out of the workshop*
Jan 15, 2008 8:33 PM | Report Abuse reply
Ok, my padawan, as you can see I've taken the liberty of taking my saber apart, already. Even though your hilts are curved, the insides are quite similar, as you can see.
Jan 17, 2008 2:34 PM | Report Abuse reply
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