I am a 45 year old man. But this had me feel like a kid again. It is so great that you young ppl working on things I thought I would never see in my life time come true. Plz make a red one. Thank you and your team. May the Force be with you.
Thank you so much! This means a lot to us, will continue improving the design and sharing it 👍 and will also make different color blades in the future :) May the force be with you too!
As a 54 year old man who saw the first Star Wars in theatres in 1977, I completely echo this sentiment. Between this and the Bay Transformer movies......my wife thinks I've regressed. Can't wait to see what you do next, and also wait to see if they become available for production. Take my money, price be damned!
Dude I really wanted to ask this: Why do you think the demonstrations from the disney retractable lightsaber make that version look so fragile? Do you have any idea why they barely moved that thing and hold it like it can break at any second? At the end of your video you're swinging and spinning this saber like it doesn't affect the blade quality at all. My question is if you can spin your retractable lightsaber why can't they?
My best guess is that they're using two opposite tape measure blades for the blade structure itself - unfortunately the problem with that is that they're a bistable structure that can crumple if pushed too hard. Now, they could make the plastic thicker to make it more stable, but the problem there is it would greatly increase the size of it stored inside the hilt and it would affect the light diffusion so the blade would not be as bright. It's a difficult problem because you run up against the material property limits of using a clear plastic as your blade structure, and you can't switch to a metal because then you lose the transparency that lets the LEDs shine through. I think their design is still really cool though, and I don't doubt Disney Imagineering's ability to come up with solutions to these things.
@@herotech That's awesome. Thanx for actually taking the time to reply. Maybe if you guys worked together you both could come up with the perfect saber. But your results without disney/lucasfilm resources are already incredible. I might not know you but I'm really proud of u guys.
When I saw the lightsaber extending in the beginning of the video, I thought _"OK, this is CGI, it must be the goal they're looking to achieve but it will never look that great without video FX"_ I know you want to make it even better but it already looks amazing! Great job!!
Ah thank you so much!! When people say our stuff looks like CGI it's such a high compliment :) Yeah it looks great even now, but I think it can look even better haha
Super dope lightsaber! Regarding the overheating of the LEDs, you could look into individually addressable LED strips, you could then calculate which LEDs to turn on depending on how far they are extended. That way, only the exterior LEDs are turned on and the inside ones are off.
That is a sick idea, thanks!! :) Yeah that is exactly how the first hilt melted, all the LEDs wound on the spool tightly packed and then being overdriven
Awesome job, by a group of talented engineers. I saw Star Wars first run in the theatre in 1977 and it blew us away. We were totally obsessed with it and stood in line for a chance to buy the original Kenner action figures. I am amazed at how this franchise is still captivating minds and spurring creativity. When I see young folks doing things like this it gives me hope for the future. Keep up the awesomeness my young friends.
not to mention all the toys spawned from series! especially like plastic, clay and even metal models and LEGO builds(something I'm actually doing rn! it's a Tie Phantom which is a very interesting Tie model) both from LEGO, knock off brands(which a lot are actually really nice quality these days!) or even some of the wonder MOCs on sites like Rebrickable/BrickVault where there are loads of completely custom MOCs(My Own Creation(s)) which use LEGO bricks to make gorgeous recreations of essentially anything you could imagine
How about building a wall covered in gecko tape and recording a bunch of people climbing on it, with a specific interest in studying their contact points so that you can make a real spider suit?@@herotech
@@herotech Yes, they hold up very well, so much so that the channel "the action lab" has already made a video putting them on gloves and trying to climb walls... However, I don't know if they would still have all that strength when thrown, I think the shot would not put enough pressure to fix it and allow it to swing
There's a Disney Imagineer somewhere very mad you made this. No doubt a DIY is more affordable than what they would charge eventually at Galxys Edge. Great work!!!
Feels like I’ve been waiting on a lightsaber design like this my whole life 😭. As a recent engineering graduate, seeing what you guys do is really inspirational and has me excited about getting into the industry and hopefully be apart of a team just as clever!
Funny enough, spinning the blade with reflective material on it is exactly how they achieved the pulsing, flickering effect on the original lightsabers in 1977.
So impressive. I love that you take such an iconic artifact and use your creativity and ingenuity to create this new millennium version. Wishing you continued success!
Disney's retractable lightsaber was developed in 2018 or earlier and was first demonstrated in March 2023 at SXSW by Josh D'Amaro, the Chairman of Disney Parks and Experiences.
What a fantastic work dear Jacob , congratulations to you and your team, I’m also so glad to finally find a video about the possibility to build my own lightsaber than hasn’t to be 4 years or more old. Like the dream died long ago, and here you are. Young pleople. Probably half my age creating one. A as I’ll keep an eye on your work , I m still trying to build my own one. You are a great inspiration. Big respect and thanks.
Insane that you were the first to do this and that (besides all the brilliant engineering) the design is as simple as an led strip and a magicians wand. Amazing work by all three of you
When me and my friend were graduating high school around 2000, we planned about this. One of my friends did end up building an engineering draft, but we weren’t able to develop it further. Seeing you guys pull it off really fires me up to call my buds up to start working on it again. Congratulations and thanks for sharing your process! And also congrats on graduating! 😊
That's awesome, glad to hear that y'all were thinking about this too and that you want to start working on it again! And thank you for the well wishes :)
I have only seen one Star Wars movie and I am very impressed with your light saber. The sky is the limit for you guys. Keep making your dreams come true!
Heyyy!!! good to see you back! And face reveal??!? What!!!?! super crazy bro! This was such a clever idea. I bet Disney is taking notes as we speak! Can’t wait to see more videos from you!congratulations on graduating!🎉
So, @9:48 you brought tears of joy to an old man's eyes! I've considered some of the other options mentioned for various reasons but the idea of hiding the tube until just the right moment (Cons and such) never appealed to me. Now, I'm glad I waited! This is doable and much more appealing to my "DIY" self. I'm sure my wife will understand why I suddenly had to purchase a 3D printer. "Subbed" of course!
Dude as someone who has watched star wars for about 28 yrs. And watched episodes 4 when I was 6. I have to say this is the kewlest damn thing I have seen. Even compared to the tungsten lightsaber that actually gets hot. I would Def like to get my hands on one of these....keep up the killer work!
Hey the video is super cool, congrats on solving the challenge. Didn’t go through all of the other comments but 1 suggestion would be to add an accelerometer and tie that input into the hum of a lightsaber when it gets waved around. It would be a real enhancement and give a totally engaging sensation and compliment the great light effect that you achieved. Cheers on such a great project. Interested in the final finished item. Best of luck.
Thank you for the kind words and suggestion! Our proffieboard actually has an accelerometer, we just need to make use of it :) will continue improving this!
Without visionaries like you 3, and with the know how to bring it to fruition, we wouldn't have even half the incredible things that exist. You did a fantastic job so far and cant wait to see how much further you all take it. Congrats on your graduation 🎓 and keep aiming high. You will change the world in truly wonderful ways.
We will watch your career with great interest! That's awesome! Being able to swing it like that already seems to surpass the prototype Disney showed off some time ago, which while it is impressive, didn't seem to be capable of moderate swinging. I can't wait to see how this project goes, along with anything else you guys have! I'm on the hook! You are all absolutely going places... and congratulations on graduating! I'd love to see a short choreographed duel with two of these sabers, just for the fun of it!
Thanks Chancellor :) and thank you so much for the kind words. Yeah I kept waiting for footage of the Disney prototype being swung or even light dueling but sadly I'm not sure if their design can take the forces. We'll keep improving our design and keep everyone updated. Once we have two of these sabers a choreographed duel is definitely in the cards!
@@herotech It was really cool to see a retractable lightsaber but it almost looked as if the blade swayed back and forth, and he looked very careful not to move it too much. That's to be expected on an early prototype, but I really wonder what their goal is with it! Hopefully they will be able to refine it well enough for some light dueling! I can't wait to see future updates on your projects, give everyone on the team a pat on the back hahaha
Fantastic work. Had to drop out of highschool to take care of my grandmother. Had i made to college, i feel like this is exactly what i would have attempted to do. Definitely earned a sub, and look forward to future developments!
Thank you for the kind words! Hope your grandmother is okay, it’s great that you take good care of your family. Will continue improving this and sharing the design!
This is incredible. I can't wait to see where this project goes, it looks like it could be the future of consumer cosplay & trick sabers for sure. Excited to see progress on the web shooters too! Keep it up 😊
Spinning is actually what they did in the original lightsaber effect. They used fluorescent tape on a long rod, attach that to a Dremel and the dremel to an old camera flashlight and put a light directly over the camera. This is a huge step to actual realistic lightsabers with no vfx!!!
it's what they TRIED to do to keep it as an in-camera effect. They ultimately decided it didn't work and roto'd an optical effect over it in post. There's some footage floating around of the un-roto'd shots and it doesn't look great.
I’m always amazed by engineering folks who do what they do. The amount of left brain work these geniuses do is just incredible. I am totally not inclined that way and have awe and respect for these folks. My own brother is one!
Disney can't do shit to them unless they commercialize the product. Even then they can just call it "lazer sword" and Disney legally can't touch them. There's a reason Disney couldn't touch Gundam series' beam sabers, as long as the hilt design is different they're SOL.
I was 10 years old when the first Star Wars movie came out. I dreamed of a lightsaber in my hand. I built a cardboard into a long cylindrical hilt with a small flashlight inside. Sadly, no blade, lol. It was fun!! Until I saw this and you brought back my dream again. I would love to see this happened so I can get my hands on your hilt with expandable and retractable blade. I am hoping to see in aquagreen/aquamarine color blade, if that's possible. Thank you for building it!! Star Wars rules!!! HeroTech rules!!!
Well, the lightsabers in the Acolyte are pretty much right on par with the size seen here. So, I am all for it. The only improvements beyond what HeroTech mentioned in the last part of the video would be increasing the extension/retraction rates and reducing, if possible, the gear noises. I see that as like a 4.0 model, but man this looks awesome.
I like how you actually did cool things with the saber instead of holding it and swinging like you've never held one like disney does. Also I'm exited to see were this goes already on camera looks AMAZING. Waiting for when i can break my brothers fingers in a duel with one of these!
The props in the original Star Wars had spinning blades to reflect light for their very basic effects. FYI; Disney hilts might be official, but they are not screen accurate to the ones used in the movies. The movie ones are between one and one and a half inches in diameter.
Someone knows their stuff :) The original spinning blades were one of the inspirations to have the blade structure not only be reflective metal but also to spin and create the POV effect. Yeah still trying to make the hilt thinner, making them out of metal should help with that but it will also take longer and be more expensive haha
This is amazing! One thing I would love to see is a faster retraction, a smaller hilt, and a silent retraction as well. I can't wait to see what you guys do next.
I love it, I actually gave up on a similar design that used an extendable staff I'm so happy you made it work it even inspired me to retry (promise I won't steal the same design) Also thanks for introducing the team.
Congrats. Good luck. I am not mechanically inclined and too ADD to tackle this. I'll be happy to buy the finished product when it's ready. I wish you the best.
I wouldn't be surprised if Disney calls you. I know they came up with their own lightsaber, and I wonder how similar it is to your design. Good Luck with everything!
@@CAVECATART how did they? disney who owns the whole brand calls a light up plastic tube on the end on a handle a lightsaber. so this is literally a video "building a real retractable lightsaber" if you think this is "lying" you going to have alot of fun on the internet
around 4 years ago I made this same thing and uploaded it to Reddit I was nine at the time, You took it from my video but you guys are doing so good, And improved on everything I said I would approve upon, good job, I still have the video of me showing the Prototype
@@herotech for some reason it's not letting me send the link so just look up "Sorry for the noise in the back ground, but I hope you like the light saber" on redit
Please. Sell these. What you’re doing. We will be reading of you. You already changed the future. Im a cop in Florida and your in my news feed to read about. I just read your articles. Watches your video. I’m subscribed. You had my money. I need 10 sabers. 5 Jedi. 5 dark side. AND I’m a black guy….do not stop losing sleep to accomplish your dreams. Anything is possible through God. May he bless you! You’re up next.
When seeing those adds for metal retractable personal defense staffs I thought to myself. That's how they should do lightsabers. I was planning on buying one. And making a neopixel type lightsaber for myself. Then I see this video! And you guys did the hard work for me thank you! Saves me a lot time myself by researching videos like this.
The end made me smile so much. Also the spinning is how they made the original lightsabers in 1977! Really cool what I would love to see is you being able to smash two together because even Disney can't do that. But your video is Inspiring and fun and I loved seeing the process.
7:58 Minor suggestion: I think I've seen toy "laser swords" that shave the waving "whoosh" and striking "clash" sounds. I didn't hear those in this video. Nice add, if that board can handle it.
Thanks for the suggestion!! It actually has those already, but I accidentally set the volume output to the speaker too low. Will definitely change that for the next version!
I saw Star Wars on opening day back in 1977 and when I saw Luke's lightsaber I recognized it because I owned a Graphlex Flashgun which was the basis of Luke's lightsaber. I went home dug it up from my basement and started to think about how to make it work like a real lightsaber. It just so happened that my father owned a magic shop and we sold the magician's appearing cane. I rigged it up to the front of the flashgun and made it work by pressing the button on the flashgun so it would release the appearing cane. It didn't light up or make a sound but I brought it to a science fiction convention in NY and sold it to someone for $100. I then went to every camera store in Manhattan and bought up as many old used Graflex Flashguns as I could find for about $5 each and brought them to the next convention and sold them. I still have one of the original flash guns to this day. What you and your people created is absolutely incredible. You should patent it and try to sell it to Disney.
That’s so awesome!!! Always exciting to hear other people had the same idea at different times. What a coincidence that your father owned a magic shop and that you owned a graphlex flashgun!
Very well done. I am very impressed. The only thing that needs adjustment is the speed of the blade, but it seems you guys are working on the major upgrades.
Hey folks, new member here. I am hopeful for the future of humanity when I see young people like yourselves thinking outside the box. Keep up the great work and I look forward to digging into your library and what comes next. Thank you!
Glad to see you posting again! This was an amazing project and I love the thought process break down. The webshooters were super cool but the versatility in doing other projects is something I can't wait to see more of!
Thank you so much and thank you for watching my videos all this time! Very appreciated and happy to know that y'all enjoy other science fiction projects as well
Spinning the blade is a brilliant idea, and would replicate how the saber looked like in ANH more than anything. The original lightsaber prop was a spinning rod of reflective projection screen material that bounced the stage lights making the bright shimmering blade.
Such a great video you guys put together! Seeing it go from planning, testing, brilliant execution... it's inspiring to see ya'll not giving up and creating something that feels unbelievable. Keep it up
A very cool build indeed ! If I'm not mistaken the "spining effect" was the one used during the making of the original trilogy. That would be dope and funny if you could apply it to your saber. A cool hat tip to the past.
This is the most realistic looking lightsaber to date that I've seen.. two things to consider.. need to see a way if you can draw and retract it a little more quickly to make it more familiar and accurate feeling to the movies.. and last but not least they need to be able to be fought with.. battle ready, if you will. But so far this is a very awesome looking product.
INSANNNEE! What editting software do you use? I loved the text screens when you talk about the goals and requirements of the project, it looks so good!!! And amazing job on the saber. Seriously awesome work i wish i knew how to do any of that electrical work there and the coding too
Love Lego technic sets! Great way to test mechanical concepts before streamlining the design and designing custom parts to make better use of the basic Lego based concept.
That opening clip looked so good I legit thought it was CGI until watching the clips from testing. That's nuts.
Thank you!!
Still looks like it has some post FX on top of it.
@@RefractArt Tbh I think the saturation has been increased and contrast decreased but apart from that I think its all practical
It's too slow
lol yeah, looks more like the Schwartz, if you know what I mean #spaceballs MisterPotter
I am a 45 year old man. But this had me feel like a kid again. It is so great that you young ppl working on things I thought I would never see in my life time come true. Plz make a red one.
Thank you and your team.
May the Force be with you.
Thank you so much! This means a lot to us, will continue improving the design and sharing it 👍 and will also make different color blades in the future :) May the force be with you too!
As a 54 year old man who saw the first Star Wars in theatres in 1977, I completely echo this sentiment. Between this and the Bay Transformer movies......my wife thinks I've regressed. Can't wait to see what you do next, and also wait to see if they become available for production. Take my money, price be damned!
@@wickedwarlock1 I would love to have a couple myself.
I will add my name to the list. At 59 I was there for Star Wars and was hooked! I have always wanted a light saber and no it might be possible.
Check you the hacksmith lightsaber, it'll blow you're socks off
The spinning gives it an electric looking glow, so awesome.
Right?! Ahahaha it looks so good in person too
Dude I really wanted to ask this: Why do you think the demonstrations from the disney retractable lightsaber make that version look so fragile? Do you have any idea why they barely moved that thing and hold it like it can break at any second? At the end of your video you're swinging and spinning this saber like it doesn't affect the blade quality at all. My question is if you can spin your retractable lightsaber why can't they?
My best guess is that they're using two opposite tape measure blades for the blade structure itself - unfortunately the problem with that is that they're a bistable structure that can crumple if pushed too hard. Now, they could make the plastic thicker to make it more stable, but the problem there is it would greatly increase the size of it stored inside the hilt and it would affect the light diffusion so the blade would not be as bright. It's a difficult problem because you run up against the material property limits of using a clear plastic as your blade structure, and you can't switch to a metal because then you lose the transparency that lets the LEDs shine through. I think their design is still really cool though, and I don't doubt Disney Imagineering's ability to come up with solutions to these things.
@@herotech That's awesome. Thanx for actually taking the time to reply. Maybe if you guys worked together you both could come up with the perfect saber. But your results without disney/lucasfilm resources are already incredible. I might not know you but I'm really proud of u guys.
Thanks and no problem! A Disney collab would be awesome, their resources and engineering talent are really next level
When I saw the lightsaber extending in the beginning of the video, I thought _"OK, this is CGI, it must be the goal they're looking to achieve but it will never look that great without video FX"_
I know you want to make it even better but it already looks amazing!
Great job!!
Ah thank you so much!! When people say our stuff looks like CGI it's such a high compliment :) Yeah it looks great even now, but I think it can look even better haha
Saaaame I thought it was a test footage or a reference footage or something.
@@herotechwas it enhanced using vfx, even if it was still impressive
Finally a retractable blade, barely anyone did this before. Awesome work and hope to see the improved v2.0
Thank you!!
Super dope lightsaber! Regarding the overheating of the LEDs, you could look into individually addressable LED strips, you could then calculate which LEDs to turn on depending on how far they are extended. That way, only the exterior LEDs are turned on and the inside ones are off.
That is a sick idea, thanks!! :) Yeah that is exactly how the first hilt melted, all the LEDs wound on the spool tightly packed and then being overdriven
You could seriously make a lot of money if you could manufacture and sell these to the people sign me up for pre-orders
Awesome job, by a group of talented engineers. I saw Star Wars first run in the theatre in 1977 and it blew us away. We were totally obsessed with it and stood in line for a chance to buy the original Kenner action figures. I am amazed at how this franchise is still captivating minds and spurring creativity. When I see young folks doing things like this it gives me hope for the future. Keep up the awesomeness my young friends.
Thank you so much for your kind words!!! It means a lot to us and has made my day :) Will continue working on this
not to mention all the toys spawned from series! especially like plastic, clay and even metal models and LEGO builds(something I'm actually doing rn! it's a Tie Phantom which is a very interesting Tie model) both from LEGO, knock off brands(which a lot are actually really nice quality these days!) or even some of the wonder MOCs on sites like Rebrickable/BrickVault where there are loads of completely custom MOCs(My Own Creation(s)) which use LEGO bricks to make gorgeous recreations of essentially anything you could imagine
keep up the "web shooter that actually lets me swing" project, I'd love to see the completion
Thinking of ways to move forward! Built IRL has done a fantastic job with his already though
How about building a wall covered in gecko tape and recording a bunch of people climbing on it, with a specific interest in studying their contact points so that you can make a real spider suit?@@herotech
@@herotechthe most important question: will it keel?
Interesting! Not sure if gecko tape would hold people tbh
@@herotech Yes, they hold up very well, so much so that the channel "the action lab" has already made a video putting them on gloves and trying to climb walls... However, I don't know if they would still have all that strength when thrown, I think the shot would not put enough pressure to fix it and allow it to swing
I’m honestly fine with the side looking semi like a darksaber cause the design is SICKKK 🔥🔥
Ahahaha thank you!!! Maybe we'll actually make a darksaber version lol
There's a Disney Imagineer somewhere very mad you made this. No doubt a DIY is more affordable than what they would charge eventually at Galxys Edge. Great work!!!
Thank you!!! Hopefully they aren’t too mad 👀
@@herotech meh.. who cares Disney has made millions of people mad 😡
Feels like I’ve been waiting on a lightsaber design like this my whole life 😭.
As a recent engineering graduate, seeing what you guys do is really inspirational and has me excited about getting into the industry and hopefully be apart of a team just as clever!
Thank you! And congrats on graduating as well!!
Disney: we have the world’s first fully retractable, LED light saber. You have to pay to see it.
Herotech:
🥳🥳
Yeah you just schooled Disney
I like the Disney version a lot too!
Disney can't even swing theirs around they just hold it gently straight up
@@themedinamediayall hating on the brand like the engineers that actually made it did anything wrong to yall lmao
Funny enough, spinning the blade with reflective material on it is exactly how they achieved the pulsing, flickering effect on the original lightsabers in 1977.
Paying homage to the OG design 🫡
So impressive. I love that you take such an iconic artifact and use your creativity and ingenuity to create this new millennium version. Wishing you continued success!
Thank you!! Will continue improving it :)
The Mouse ain’t gonna like this one.
What’s this I hear about the purity rings?????
IYKYK
They should not have ruined Star Wars
@@Niaaal They own it.
They can do whatever they want with it
Disney's retractable lightsaber was developed in 2018 or earlier and was first demonstrated in March 2023 at SXSW by Josh D'Amaro, the Chairman of Disney Parks and Experiences.
@@DisneyCorpsmannow what haha
The end product is very cool! Fantastic video as well. Can't wait to see where the lightsaber and channel goes from here
Thank you so much!!
Ok, this is just too good. I am so excited to see what comes next!!
Thanks man!!
What a fantastic work dear Jacob , congratulations to you and your team, I’m also so glad to finally find a video about the possibility to build my own lightsaber than hasn’t to be 4 years or more old. Like the dream died long ago, and here you are. Young pleople. Probably half my age creating one. A as I’ll keep an eye on your work , I m still trying to build my own one. You are a great inspiration. Big respect and thanks.
Thank you so much! Will continue improving this design, making it better and easier to make at home 🫡
That is coming along amazingly, can't wait to see more from this project. The force is strong with this one.
Thanks so much! Happy to keep working more on it :)
Insane that you were the first to do this and that (besides all the brilliant engineering) the design is as simple as an led strip and a magicians wand. Amazing work by all three of you
Thank you!! Happy to see people appreciate all the engineering that makes simple designs work
They weren't the first, Hacksmith already made one about.. three years ago?
@@Anixerusyou mean that blowtorch thing 😂?
@@dutchuniverseas if this is any better😂
@@OfficialGw22 at least it extends to a consistent length
When me and my friend were graduating high school around 2000, we planned about this. One of my friends did end up building an engineering draft, but we weren’t able to develop it further. Seeing you guys pull it off really fires me up to call my buds up to start working on it again. Congratulations and thanks for sharing your process! And also congrats on graduating! 😊
That's awesome, glad to hear that y'all were thinking about this too and that you want to start working on it again! And thank you for the well wishes :)
I have only seen one Star Wars movie and I am very impressed with your light saber. The sky is the limit for you guys. Keep making your dreams come true!
Thank you so much! Will keep working at it :)
Heyyy!!! good to see you back! And face reveal??!? What!!!?! super crazy bro!
This was such a clever idea. I bet Disney is taking notes as we speak!
Can’t wait to see more videos from you!congratulations on graduating!🎉
Thanks so much man! I appreciate it and looking out for more videos from you too!
@@herotech we still gotta do our collab on the TASM 2 shooters. 😢
True!! Been so busy lately but now that I've graduated I should hopefully have more time in the coming months haha
So, @9:48 you brought tears of joy to an old man's eyes! I've considered some of the other options mentioned for various reasons but the idea of hiding the tube until just the right moment (Cons and such) never appealed to me. Now, I'm glad I waited! This is doable and much more appealing to my "DIY" self. I'm sure my wife will understand why I suddenly had to purchase a 3D printer. "Subbed" of course!
Thank you so much!!! That means a lot, glad you liked the project and we’ll continue making it even better 🙏
i def gotta show this to my dad, he is such a big star wars fan. i know he will LOVE seeing this! this is just amazing!
Thanks so much, glad you like it!!
You can also do a light pike. Larger piece to work with which means you have more room for inner workings
True! I personally prefer the lightsaber small form factor but the pike is pretty cool
Has to be the coolest thing i've seen all year! Keep up the amazing work Herotech!
Thank you so much!!
Dude as someone who has watched star wars for about 28 yrs. And watched episodes 4 when I was 6.
I have to say this is the kewlest damn thing I have seen. Even compared to the tungsten lightsaber that actually gets hot. I would Def like to get my hands on one of these....keep up the killer work!
Thank you so much!!! That means a lot, will continue improving this design :)
Hey the video is super cool, congrats on solving the challenge.
Didn’t go through all of the other comments but 1 suggestion would be to add an accelerometer and tie that input into the hum of a lightsaber when it gets waved around.
It would be a real enhancement and give a totally engaging sensation and compliment the great light effect that you achieved.
Cheers on such a great project.
Interested in the final finished item.
Best of luck.
Thank you for the kind words and suggestion! Our proffieboard actually has an accelerometer, we just need to make use of it :) will continue improving this!
Without visionaries like you 3, and with the know how to bring it to fruition, we wouldn't have even half the incredible things that exist. You did a fantastic job so far and cant wait to see how much further you all take it.
Congrats on your graduation 🎓 and keep aiming high. You will change the world in truly wonderful ways.
Thank you so much for your kind words!!! It really means a lot to us. Will continue working to turn fiction into reality :)
I was born May 25 1977 ❤ I'm absolutely blown away.
May The Force Be With You!
Glad you liked it!!! Thanks for watching
We will watch your career with great interest!
That's awesome! Being able to swing it like that already seems to surpass the prototype Disney showed off some time ago, which while it is impressive, didn't seem to be capable of moderate swinging. I can't wait to see how this project goes, along with anything else you guys have! I'm on the hook! You are all absolutely going places... and congratulations on graduating!
I'd love to see a short choreographed duel with two of these sabers, just for the fun of it!
Thanks Chancellor :) and thank you so much for the kind words. Yeah I kept waiting for footage of the Disney prototype being swung or even light dueling but sadly I'm not sure if their design can take the forces. We'll keep improving our design and keep everyone updated. Once we have two of these sabers a choreographed duel is definitely in the cards!
@@herotech It was really cool to see a retractable lightsaber but it almost looked as if the blade swayed back and forth, and he looked very careful not to move it too much. That's to be expected on an early prototype, but I really wonder what their goal is with it! Hopefully they will be able to refine it well enough for some light dueling!
I can't wait to see future updates on your projects, give everyone on the team a pat on the back hahaha
@@corellioncrusaderproductio4679 Totally agreed! Excited to see what Disney comes up with, with their infinite resources ahahaha. Thank you again!
Fantastic work. Had to drop out of highschool to take care of my grandmother. Had i made to college, i feel like this is exactly what i would have attempted to do. Definitely earned a sub, and look forward to future developments!
Thank you for the kind words! Hope your grandmother is okay, it’s great that you take good care of your family. Will continue improving this and sharing the design!
This is so well done for the difficulty it presents! Can't wait to see how it turns out on the upgrades 🌌
Thank you!!
You just laid the foundation for others to build off of your idea. Kudos to you. I can only imagine how excited you are! Good luck in your career.
Thank you so much! Yep excited to see what people come up with with the shared designs
Dude sick build! always a pleasure watching you man!
Thank you!!!
That's very awesome! Way to help level up the sci-fi world of Star Wars!!
Thank you!! Will continue to do so 🫡
This is incredible. I can't wait to see where this project goes, it looks like it could be the future of consumer cosplay & trick sabers for sure.
Excited to see progress on the web shooters too! Keep it up 😊
Thank you so much! Excited to keep developing this and pushing it further :)
Omg can’t wait for a version that will extend and retract faster ! Awesome work guys !
Thank you! Working on it :)
Spinning is actually what they did in the original lightsaber effect. They used fluorescent tape on a long rod, attach that to a Dremel and the dremel to an old camera flashlight and put a light directly over the camera. This is a huge step to actual realistic lightsabers with no vfx!!!
Paying homage to the 1977 original 🙏
it's what they TRIED to do to keep it as an in-camera effect. They ultimately decided it didn't work and roto'd an optical effect over it in post. There's some footage floating around of the un-roto'd shots and it doesn't look great.
@@Fafhrd42 Damn, at least they had reference 😂😭😭
I honestly am glad you put videos of the build...I would not have known it was not CGI. Amazing job once again!
Thank you, glad you liked it!
Wow! This is definitely a turning point in lightsabers. I can't wait to see how yall improve the lightsaber! 👍
We're going to make it as real as possible :)
I’m always amazed by engineering folks who do what they do. The amount of left brain work these geniuses do is just incredible. I am totally not inclined that way and have awe and respect for these folks. My own brother is one!
Thank you so much!!!
The boy did it!!!
hehehe
Cant wait to see your Hacksmith collab, i feel like some essential discoveries were made here
Would love to collab with hacksmith!!
10:38 God dang bro. You got some moves.
Ahahahaha thank you!
Do not put the Lord's name in vain
Sweet! So glad to see y'all finished the project! It's come a long way from PIE! Thanks for letting me work on it a little bit in the early days :)
Thanks so much Kat!!! Was really great working with you
I really hope Disney doesn't step on these kids for outdoing them
If Disney is smart they’ll hire these kids or buy them out.
Disney can't do shit to them unless they commercialize the product. Even then they can just call it "lazer sword" and Disney legally can't touch them. There's a reason Disney couldn't touch Gundam series' beam sabers, as long as the hilt design is different they're SOL.
@@benjaminperez7328lmao except they have prototypes that far exceed this home made kit.
@@icisz
Was it really that funny what I said?
Are you dumb?
I was 10 years old when the first Star Wars movie came out. I dreamed of a lightsaber in my hand. I built a cardboard into a long cylindrical hilt with a small flashlight inside. Sadly, no blade, lol. It was fun!! Until I saw this and you brought back my dream again. I would love to see this happened so I can get my hands on your hilt with expandable and retractable blade. I am hoping to see in aquagreen/aquamarine color blade, if that's possible. Thank you for building it!! Star Wars rules!!! HeroTech rules!!!
Thank you so much!!! Will continue improving this as much as possible 🫡
The funny part is their hilt is just as gigantic despite him saying it’s to scale 😂
Ahahahaha still trying to make it thinner 😭
Well, the lightsabers in the Acolyte are pretty much right on par with the size seen here. So, I am all for it. The only improvements beyond what HeroTech mentioned in the last part of the video would be increasing the extension/retraction rates and reducing, if possible, the gear noises. I see that as like a 4.0 model, but man this looks awesome.
I like how you actually did cool things with the saber instead of holding it and swinging like you've never held one like disney does. Also I'm exited to see were this goes already on camera looks AMAZING. Waiting for when i can break my brothers fingers in a duel with one of these!
Thank you!! Still working on improvements!
I would love to see something like this be finalized and mass produced.
Easiest sub of my life. I can't wait until you guys add to this project.
Thank you! Working on it :)
The props in the original Star Wars had spinning blades to reflect light for their very basic effects. FYI; Disney hilts might be official, but they are not screen accurate to the ones used in the movies. The movie ones are between one and one and a half inches in diameter.
Someone knows their stuff :) The original spinning blades were one of the inspirations to have the blade structure not only be reflective metal but also to spin and create the POV effect. Yeah still trying to make the hilt thinner, making them out of metal should help with that but it will also take longer and be more expensive haha
I wonder if you’re gonna need such powerful leds now that there will be a spinning factor.
I wonder too! Will definitely test and see :)
I have been working on something like this for the last 5 years now. Nice to see a different approach.
Would love to see yours too!
By far the most impressive lightsaber I’ve seen thus far! Great job guys
Thank you so much!!
Hacksmith’s is better ngl
@@slipperyant7199 Been watching Hacksmith for years, but it’s just a big plasma cutter, it doesn’t look like a lightsaber, this does
This is amazing! One thing I would love to see is a faster retraction, a smaller hilt, and a silent retraction as well. I can't wait to see what you guys do next.
Totally agree, working on all those right now :)
spinning the blade to make the glowing effect was the first way of making a lightsaber in the movies.... funny that its sort of like poetry they rhyme
Paying homage to the OG!
I love it, I actually gave up on a similar design that used an extendable staff I'm so happy you made it work it even inspired me to retry (promise I won't steal the same design) Also thanks for introducing the team.
Thank you!! And you’re totally welcome to use the same design/modify or improve upon it! Super cool to hear you had a similar idea with this
Disney already did this with some tape measures 😂
Hearing the coming fixes at the end sounds really promising! Can't wait to see
Thank you! Working on them currently :)
Gotta make it extend and retract faster and quiet down the sound of the motor.
Agreed :)
Congrats. Good luck. I am not mechanically inclined and too ADD to tackle this. I'll be happy to buy the finished product when it's ready. I wish you the best.
Thanks for the well wishes! Will continue improving it and sharing the design!
I wouldn't be surprised if Disney calls you. I know they came up with their own lightsaber, and I wonder how similar it is to your design. Good Luck with everything!
Thank you! Would love to collab with Disney haha
Too cool. Definitely worthy of a subscription. Cannot wait to see the next iterations.
Thank you so much!!
I find it strange that Disney is now releasing their retractable lightsaber shortly after this video has blown up…
Incredible 🤯! The three of you managed to accomplish what other established first and third party companies failed at. Amazing!
Thank you so much!!! Will continue improving it :)
@@herotech no problem 😉!
“This is a real lightsaber!” *isn’t a real lightsaber*
Make one yourself then and see how you do
@@wolfsorrow100 what does this have to do with anything 😭
@@CAVECATART well you are criticizing others work lets see you do better
@@wolfsorrow100 I’m not criticizing it I’m saying he lied in the title 💀
@@CAVECATART how did they? disney who owns the whole brand calls a light up plastic tube on the end on a handle a lightsaber. so this is literally a video "building a real retractable lightsaber" if you think this is "lying" you going to have alot of fun on the internet
around 4 years ago I made this same thing and uploaded it to Reddit I was nine at the time, You took it from my video but you guys are doing so good, And improved on everything I said I would approve upon, good job,
I still have the video of me showing the Prototype
I moved on to being a Harry Potter fan so I never completed the project, But I'm still excited someone took inspiration or had the same idea as me.
Oh thats sick! Would love to see the video if you have the link!
@@herotech it's nowhere close to what you made but I still like it
@@herotech for some reason it's not letting me send the link so just look up "Sorry for the noise in the back ground, but I hope you like the light saber" on redit
HACKSMITH WHO?
Hahahah
After a few months Disney will steal your idea and then copy strike you guys 😂 .
😭😭
Making it spin and come out faster will literally make this so good. Subscribed! I can't wait to see the next vid.
Thank you!!! Working on it :)
Please. Sell these. What you’re doing. We will be reading of you. You already changed the future. Im a cop in Florida and your in my news feed to read about. I just read your articles. Watches your video. I’m subscribed. You had my money. I need 10 sabers. 5 Jedi. 5 dark side. AND I’m a black guy….do not stop losing sleep to accomplish your dreams. Anything is possible through God. May he bless you! You’re up next.
Thank you so much!! Will keep working and improving this 🙏
Hats off to you, you did what disney couldn't. May the force be with you! 😉
Thank you!! May the force be with you too, will continue improving it :)
making the speed faster and spinning the blade will make it PERFECT!! this is awesome!
Agreed!!
When seeing those adds for metal retractable personal defense staffs I thought to myself. That's how they should do lightsabers. I was planning on buying one. And making a neopixel type lightsaber for myself. Then I see this video! And you guys did the hard work for me thank you! Saves me a lot time myself by researching videos like this.
Glad that we could help! Will continue improving and sharing the design :)
Incredibly impressive! Congrats on this build. Looking forward to see your progress as you refine the design.
Thank you so much! Excited to keep refining it.
ライトセーバーはジェダイそれぞれが自分用にカスタムを作成すると聞きますが、この動画で一人のジェダイがセーバーを組み上げる素晴らしい軌跡を拝見しました。若きジェダイ・マスターよ、フォースと共にあれ。
Thank you so much! I hope one day you too will assemble your own lightsaber
The end made me smile so much.
Also the spinning is how they made the original lightsabers in 1977!
Really cool what I would love to see is you being able to smash two together because even Disney can't do that.
But your video is Inspiring and fun and I loved seeing the process.
Thank you!! Will keep improving it, and paying homage to the original 1977 ones :)
That looks not only awesome but brilliant looking forward to see more of this
Thank you! Will continue improving it!
That’s what’s up! Thought I’ve never see the day someone actually makes one that retracts from its case.
Thank you! We’re still making it better :)
Congratulations Team!!! Very excited work and result!!!
Thank you so much!!
Hollywood will be calling! Bravo to you guys!
Thanks so much haha!!
You've made something amazing. I'm amazed that it can stretch while glowing. You're a genius.
Thank you!! Will make it even better!
I've been waiting my whole life for this!!
:)
7:58 Minor suggestion: I think I've seen toy "laser swords" that shave the waving "whoosh" and striking "clash" sounds. I didn't hear those in this video. Nice add, if that board can handle it.
Thanks for the suggestion!! It actually has those already, but I accidentally set the volume output to the speaker too low. Will definitely change that for the next version!
I saw Star Wars on opening day back in 1977 and when I saw Luke's lightsaber I recognized it because I owned a Graphlex Flashgun which was the basis of Luke's lightsaber. I went home dug it up from my basement and started to think about how to make it work like a real lightsaber. It just so happened that my father owned a magic shop and we sold the magician's appearing cane. I rigged it up to the front of the flashgun and made it work by pressing the button on the flashgun so it would release the appearing cane. It didn't light up or make a sound but I brought it to a science fiction convention in NY and sold it to someone for $100. I then went to every camera store in Manhattan and bought up as many old used Graflex Flashguns as I could find for about $5 each and brought them to the next convention and sold them. I still have one of the original flash guns to this day. What you and your people created is absolutely incredible. You should patent it and try to sell it to Disney.
That’s so awesome!!! Always exciting to hear other people had the same idea at different times. What a coincidence that your father owned a magic shop and that you owned a graphlex flashgun!
Very well done. I am very impressed. The only thing that needs adjustment is the speed of the blade, but it seems you guys are working on the major upgrades.
Thank you!! Yep, working on that as we speak :)
Hey folks, new member here. I am hopeful for the future of humanity when I see young people like yourselves thinking outside the box. Keep up the great work and I look forward to digging into your library and what comes next. Thank you!
Thank you so much for joining! Will continue making new projects and let us know if there’s anything in particular you’d like to see!
this is impossible!! until someone does it! Great Video! Greater Work! Congrats for this idea and working Lightsaber!
Thanks so much!! Will continue improving it
Glad to see you posting again! This was an amazing project and I love the thought process break down. The webshooters were super cool but the versatility in doing other projects is something I can't wait to see more of!
Thank you so much and thank you for watching my videos all this time! Very appreciated and happy to know that y'all enjoy other science fiction projects as well
Brilliant work guys!!!
Thank you!!
Spinning the blade is a brilliant idea, and would replicate how the saber looked like in ANH more than anything. The original lightsaber prop was a spinning rod of reflective projection screen material that bounced the stage lights making the bright shimmering blade.
Thank you! Yes really happy with the effect it could produce. Paying homage to the original 🙏
Such a great video you guys put together! Seeing it go from planning, testing, brilliant execution... it's inspiring to see ya'll not giving up and creating something that feels unbelievable.
Keep it up
Thank you so much!!! Your kind words really mean a lot to us. Will continue improving it and sharing it!
A very cool build indeed ! If I'm not mistaken the "spining effect" was the one used during the making of the original trilogy. That would be dope and funny if you could apply it to your saber. A cool hat tip to the past.
Exactly what we were thinking! Paying homage to the original 🫡
This is the most realistic looking lightsaber to date that I've seen.. two things to consider.. need to see a way if you can draw and retract it a little more quickly to make it more familiar and accurate feeling to the movies.. and last but not least they need to be able to be fought with.. battle ready, if you will. But so far this is a very awesome looking product.
Thanks so much! I totally agree with both points, actually working on the faster extension and retraction as we speak :)
INSANNNEE! What editting software do you use? I loved the text screens when you talk about the goals and requirements of the project, it looks so good!!! And amazing job on the saber. Seriously awesome work i wish i knew how to do any of that electrical work there and the coding too
Even the engineering and 3d printing designing is skills I wish I had too dang I have so much to learn lol
I feel like maybe if I could just work along side someone with all these skills maybe it would teach me a thing or two
Thank you so much! Really appreciate all the kind words. We use Final Cut Pro for video editing :)
You can learn a lot from the internet! Not gonna lie most of what I know is learned from UA-cam tutorials/various project documentations
Love Lego technic sets! Great way to test mechanical concepts before streamlining the design and designing custom parts to make better use of the basic Lego based concept.
Thanks so much! Love them too, definitely saved on design time and got us to testing much faster
awesome vid and i love how you guys show the entire process and acknowledge the faults of the lightsaber
Thank you!! Still working to improve it 🙏
That is so awesomely amazing. You all did an amazing job on that.
Thank you!!!