# New Blade Idea **URL:** \ **Category:** Sabers\ **Created:** [October 20, 2021, 8:28pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862 "2021-10-20T20:28:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/mcarcher/32/1185_2.png) [@mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/mcarcher)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2021, 5:07pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/121 "2021-12-18T17:07:34Z")
Those did turn out nice! I like that name too…😕 Yeah, I was worried about the wide strips in your previous pictures. I have 4 spare 7.2 mm wide 3535 strips that I ordered over a year ago, so I am going to use those…although that orphans the fourth strip. 😓 The “cores” are printing out now, so I should have a blade to test today and we can see if the narrower strips have less cobbing and shadows. ---
**Author:** ![Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/driftrotor/32/379_2.png) [@Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/Driftrotor)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2021, 5:15pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/122 "2021-12-18T17:15:06Z")
sounds like the orphaned strip could be used of a short blade? possibly a small saber knife? good luck with the smaller strips! ---
**Author:** ![mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/mcarcher/32/1185_2.png) [@mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/mcarcher)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2021, 5:26pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/123 "2021-12-18T17:26:30Z")
I actually already have a small neopixel blade that I made for Ahsoka’s small saber! I’ll just have to convince my wife to let me order another two strips so I can build two tri-strip blades 😛 ---
**Author:** ![mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/mcarcher/32/1185_2.png) [@mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/mcarcher)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2021, 6:29pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/124 "2021-12-18T18:29:30Z")
The edges of the print could be better, but I got most of the tolerancing right, so it stays together without any glue. I probably won’t glue it for assembly. ![20211218_122655](https://crucible.hubbe.net/uploads/default/original/2X/1/16625d8bdb6ef078b08a786eab2430dcf5bc05c1.jpeg) ![20211218_122753](https://crucible.hubbe.net/uploads/default/original/2X/0/0c0e33a16123d5107aa4d93526dd14cdf230fa12.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/mcarcher/32/1185_2.png) [@mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/mcarcher)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2021, 6:35pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/125 "2021-12-18T18:35:55Z")
Here is a sample with PVDF heat shrink over it: ![20211218_123404](https://crucible.hubbe.net/uploads/default/original/2X/8/82bbe559a518c052175d6fe2ce980af42b90a61a.jpeg) It slides perfectly into the foam, no play, but not hard to push in either: ![20211218_123423](https://crucible.hubbe.net/uploads/default/original/2X/d/ddb4cefa2a194ffac50a9dc87f0a68ab8d03ba4f.jpeg) I’ll probably not get to assemble until later tonight. ---
**Author:** ![Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/driftrotor/32/379_2.png) [@Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/Driftrotor)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2021, 7:32pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/126 "2021-12-18T19:32:40Z")
Looking great there, should be much better than mine. Is that for a 1" or 7/8"? ---
**Author:** ![mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/mcarcher/32/1185_2.png) [@mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/mcarcher)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2021, 7:56pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/127 "2021-12-18T19:56:43Z")
I’m going to try both diameters. The foam in the picture I have no idea. It was just stuck in my shelf and I’m not sure what diameter it is for. ---
**Author:** ![Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/driftrotor/32/379_2.png) [@Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/Driftrotor)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2021, 9:13pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/128 "2021-12-18T21:13:13Z")
what are the sk9812 mini strips like? not used them yet and have been looking into getting some in. possible RGBW… ---
**Author:** ![mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/mcarcher/32/1185_2.png) [@mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/mcarcher)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2021, 9:20pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/129 "2021-12-18T21:20:21Z")
I’ve built both sizes, and while the wider strips with 0505 leds are slightly brighter, the narrower 3535 strips give much more even light and are easier to assemble. KR strip is okay, but it gives some shadow. I’m hoping the narrow tri-strip blade will be both bright and even. ---
**Author:** ![Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/driftrotor/32/379_2.png) [@Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/Driftrotor)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2021, 9:29pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/130 "2021-12-18T21:29:45Z")
fingers crossed!, i wait with baited breath! if it turns out good i may try the twisted tri core… 😬 ---
**Author:** ![mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/mcarcher/32/1185_2.png) [@mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/mcarcher)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 6:28am UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/131 "2021-12-19T06:28:54Z")
Assembly finished: ![20211218_175229](https://crucible.hubbe.net/uploads/default/original/2X/c/cd1117af62bc8f80bc3127105aa77f0703b2c232.jpeg) Wiring complete: ![20211218_232949](https://crucible.hubbe.net/uploads/default/original/2X/2/234a4c20dc454f1b8be41bea2146ff8560d6542f.jpeg) Initial power-on: ![20211219_000040](https://crucible.hubbe.net/uploads/default/original/2X/7/714b7e889379f4a31cb1770be40f5e1858b0378b.jpeg) So with a 7/8 inch blade, foam, but no cellophane, cobbing is not bad, but the shadow is definitely there: ![20211219_000659](https://crucible.hubbe.net/uploads/default/original/2X/5/509b8212e6a40e9a0589fc2dbb70a9fbdbf1113e.jpeg) However, with 1 inch blade, foam, and no cellophane, cobbing is non-existant and the shadow is not any worse than a normal blade: ![20211219_001019](https://crucible.hubbe.net/uploads/default/original/2X/d/d33f69537ec0a18757e4f305222d2a4b43e5295f.jpeg) Even though the cobbing and shadows are disappointing, the blade is significantly brighter than the two-strip blade next to it in the pictures. Edit: the pictures seem to say the opposite of what I typed, so you’ll just have to trust me on how they looked in person…😬 ---
**Author:** ![mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/mcarcher/32/1185_2.png) [@mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/mcarcher)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 7:44am UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/132 "2021-12-19T07:44:25Z")
I couldn’t go to sleep. So I messed with some cellophane wrapped directly on the strips: ![20211219_004215](https://crucible.hubbe.net/uploads/default/original/2X/2/2983f268ac10f5167bddfaa3654161f9bc32ace6.jpeg) The reality is that the pixels are just too darn directional! That gave me an idea: file the side of the LED to expose some of the optical epoxy, instead of the white plastic. Still far away from the LED dice or connection wires. Like this: ![20211219_013905](https://crucible.hubbe.net/uploads/default/original/2X/a/ae7b989b0fd444a55bede5fb3cdc8a58c75e2cb0.jpeg) Chck out the first test (the first four LED’s on the right are filed) : ![20211219_013824](https://crucible.hubbe.net/uploads/default/original/2X/0/04af185a449475609350c80c5cabaa6540ac065e.jpeg) It would be an hour or so worth of work to file them all, but it might be worth it… ---
**Author:** ![NoSloppy](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/nosloppy/32/3865_2.png) [@NoSloppy](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/NoSloppy)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 9:42am UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/133 "2021-12-19T09:42:57Z")
OMG that is tedious, and dangerous (to break a pixel)…but looks like totally worth it!! ---
**Author:** ![NoSloppy](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/nosloppy/32/3865_2.png) [@NoSloppy](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/NoSloppy)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 9:49am UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/134 "2021-12-19T09:49:36Z")
ooo how about these? > **[LENS For 5050 SMD LEDS WS2812 WS2811 SK6812 30 60 140 Degree Angle | eBay](https://www.ebay.com/itm/232389668184?chn=ps&var=531666664012&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=531666664012_232389668184&targetid=1262779893529&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=9004510&poi=&campaignid=14859008593&mkgroupid=130497710760&rlsatarget=pla-1262779893529&abcId=9300678&merchantid=101739469&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzfuNBhCGARIsAD1nu--10SZlDxDHTj-_QWAtzNjHXQq1O1tzF3oPAifTnF4kDnaWtkiVfqcaAhMYEALw_wcB)** > > The LEDs that these fit can be any of the following popular options, or any other 5050 LED size Angle: 30, 60, 140 deg. Temperature:-30 to +100 degree. LED LENS Refletor Colimador. Size: 7.6X7.6mm. ---
**Author:** ![Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/driftrotor/32/379_2.png) [@Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/Driftrotor)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 9:50am UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/135 "2021-12-19T09:50:02Z")
OMG dude, talk about going above and beyond! Excellent thinking though batman. The results speak loudly too. The question is… are you going to talk the blade apart and file all the pixels? ---
**Author:** ![NoSloppy](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/nosloppy/32/3865_2.png) [@NoSloppy](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/NoSloppy)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 9:52am UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/136 "2021-12-19T09:52:06Z")
180 degree! > **[50pcs led lens for 5050smd 180 degree convex optical lens reflector collimator~...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/203699969022?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1vD-kk_niTgaIkmQi-yZvsA60&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=203699969022&targetid=1262376588936&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=9004510&poi=&campaignid=15275224983&mkgroupid=131097072938&rlsatarget=pla-1262376588936&abcId=9300697&merchantid=101492889&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzfuNBhCGARIsAD1nu-8DzmmAbiJFWsTQGxO1JANmtqDsnVS10pTjOXnf8qukxy4-GzD0BxsaAol_EALw_wcB)** > > 50pcs LED LENS Reflector Collimator. optical transmittance: 93%. Angle: 180degrees. ---
**Author:** ![astromech](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/astromech/32/52_2.png) [@astromech](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/astromech)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 10:55am UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/137 "2021-12-19T10:55:15Z")
I had a thought… wouldn’t the slight twist idea you had earlier mitigate some of the shadowing, since, with diffusion, pixels would be slightly overlapping around the blade? ---
**Author:** ![Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/driftrotor/32/379_2.png) [@Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/Driftrotor)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 1:40pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/138 "2021-12-19T13:40:02Z")
That was my thought with @mcarcher. Would have to test it though to see how it would compare to a normal setup. ---
**Author:** ![Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/driftrotor/32/379_2.png) [@Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/Driftrotor)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 2:09pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/139 "2021-12-19T14:09:46Z")
Wow, these might just do the trick with 2 strips, would save all the hassle of multiple strip blade builds ---
**Author:** ![mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/mcarcher/32/1185_2.png) [@mcarcher](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/mcarcher)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 4:01pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862/140 "2021-12-19T16:01:56Z")
@NoSloppy I like the idea of the lenses, but will they fit with the capacitor right next to the pixel? Maybe there is a way to use a drop of epoxy to act kind of like a lens? @Driftrotor I didn’t actually build a blade…luckily…I just slid everything into the foam and blade tube. It would not be that big a deal to slice the heat shrink, peel the strips off, and put a new core in place. I think we should go with @astromech 's suggestion and use the helical core, and maybe combine that with the modifications to the LED (filing, or lenses) to get closer to the ultimate blade. [Previous page](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862.md?page=6) [Next page](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/new-blade-idea/862.md?page=8)