The 20 Bucks Basic
DISCLAYMER: This is NOT how I build my sabers. I use much more complicated and expensive parts and assemblies involving specialized tools and skill. Showing you my methods would have been beyond the scope of this tutorial. In this tutorial I will show you how to build a very basic and inexpensive hilt. This will be the skeleton on which you can create your very own lightsaber. I have tried to keep this as simple and as cheap as possible. For the first stage, the only tools you will need are a drill and a tap set, a screwdriver and a cutter. Also some acetone, but even some nail polish remover will do. Following are the parts you can buy at LOWES.
12 inch chrome sink drain extension tube. Plumbing Dept.
1.5 inch fender washer. Fasteners Dept.
1.25 x .75 copper reducing coupler. Plumbing Dept.
1.375 chrome hole plug. Fasteners Dept.
8-32 .25 or .5 screws. Fasteners Dept.
8-32 .5 socket head screws. Fasteners Dept.
.75 x 5' PEX pipe. Plumbing Dept.
.875 white plastic chair tips. They did not have the white ones when I went shopping, but the price is the same. I don't remember the department, but there is a wall with nothing but chair tips and furniture sliders. Ask an associate.
.875 white plastic chair tips. Here's what the white ones look like.
.875 white rubber furniture leg tips. Alternately, you can also use these if you don't find the plastic ones. Find them on the same wall.
.875 chrome hole plug. You will use this to cap your emitter when the blade is not installed. Fasteners Dept.