Riley Kids Sabers

A little over a month ago, I was contacted by an individual who just might have the coolest job in the world. He works for Riley Children's Health hospital in their technology department; and part of what they do is print models for the kids (for fun, demonstrations, models of prosthetics, etc.)

Every May 4th, they have a celebration for the kids; and this year, he wanted to do something special for them. This individual had seen some of my models on Printables and asked if I could assist them with some designs. Lightsabers for sick kids?! How could I say no?!!!!

The goal was to come up with something that could be easily assembled by a child, with fun shapes and colors so they can make it their own. His team is currently mass producing these parts in preparation for May 4th.

I figured I would share this out to anyone else looking to do something similar for May 4th. While most of the parts are done, this is still a work in progress. I am working on a belt clip, blade adapter; and a few other odds and ends. I will post those parts once they are available.

Assembly notes:

• To assemble the sabers, you will need a ¼"x20 threaded rod (cut to whatever length you decide) and nuts like this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-4-in-20-tpi-x-36-in-Zinc-Plated-Threaded-Rod-802217/204274011
  • The rods are cut to about 10" - this gives room to make the saber and add a blade.
• All parts are support free.
• The Emitters, Pommels and Handguards have hex holes in them for ¼" nuts to be pressed fitted ahead of time.
• The emitters can be flipped around to be used as part of the grip.
• These are made to work with a @3DPrintingWorld's collapsible blade found here: https://www.printables.com/model/3721-collapsing-lightsaber-removable-blade/files
  • There is a blade adapter that I have included (BUT HAVE NOT TESTED YET)