Hilt Design

Limitations

Lightsaber Terminology

The Design Process

Process 1

Process 2

Things to keep in mind

Sketch Your Design

Limitations

The following are not possible with our default saber design:

Chokes
Curved hits
Cross Guards Blades

These lightsabers would require custom builds.

Lightsaber Terminology

Emitter - Top of the hilt where the blade comes out of

Switch - Hole where the button slots into

Pommel - Bottom/end of the hilt

Body - Rest of the hilt

The Design Process

Here is your opportunity to design your very own lightsaber! We encourage you to be ambitious and imaginitive. There are many things that can go into a lightsaber's design. Here are a couple of ways to go about finding inspiration and settling on a rough design.

Process 1:

Find lightsaber hilts you like
Identify what you like about them
Combine bits and pieces

Process 2:

Start with an aesthetic
Identify themes/design motifs
Incorporate into basic shapes

Process 1

Step 1: Find hilts you like!

Look up hilts on the internet. You can even search beyond lightsaber hilt designs and look at swords, staffs, etc.

Step 2: Identify parts you like

Pick out emitters, bodies, switches, and pommels you like from various hilts.

Step 3: Combine them to create a new hilt

Process 2

Step 1: Choose your aesthetic

Ex: Steampunk, Futuristic, Organic, Medieval

Step 2: Identify themes/design motifs

Ex: Industrial

Heatsink with holes
Gas canister
Hexagonal regulator
Some sort of clip

Ex: Dwarven

Brown, Silver, Gold
Angular, sharp edges

Step 3: Incorporate into basic shapes

Things to keep in mind

Pommel
Button location
Set screw placement
Length
- 1-Handed Sabers: 10-11in
- 2-Handed Sabers: 11-14in
Crystal chamber (optional)

Think about your hilt material(s)

The material used for your hilt will add different capabilities and constraints.

3D-Printed
Maximum freedom in shape, form, and color. If you can CAD it, you can do it. However, consider the sanding and painting process the parts will require. Highly detailed parts will take much longer to sand, and very fine details will be dulled or lost.

Aluminum
If you choose to make your hilt out of aluminum (likely through the Hacksburg course), you should opt for a much simpler, lathe-friendly design. All of the shapes should be cylindrical.

Additional Materials
Consider incorporating add-ons such as leather wrap, ribbon, string, or foam. These additions can add unique textures, colors, and style to your hilt.