Gather anything that looks "cool", geeky, futuristic, funky, hi-tech, or would seem useful later on. If you have a local Surplus Electronics Recycling store near you (Weirdstuff, Electronics Goldmine), go there and rummage around at the old electronics. Go to your local hardware store and buy parts (some parts will not be available at your local hardware store and must be special ordered). The author will also not be held responsible if an agent of the Dark side decides to fry you with lightning coming out of his/her fingertips* The author is also not responsible for anyone falling into the Dark Side. All legal responsibility or resulting civil action due to said property damage, personal injury, amputation of limbs, decapitation, and or death belongs solely to the builder. * The author of this instructable is not responsible for property damage, personal injury, amputation of limbs, decapitation, and/or death resulting from the building and use of the lightsaber prop. Trust me, it's more fun when you have others to duel against. There is The Saber Guild, The Saber Legion, Lightspeed Saber League, just to new a few. NOTE 4: So you built a lightsaber, what next? Join a group of like minded people and start swinging your sword at each other. I am not affiliated or employed with them. NOTE 3: Most of the parts used in this tutorial came from The Custom Saber Shop (TCSS). Additionally, a lot of new vendors have appeared as well as new forums and online resources. Technology has changed quite a bit since this set of instructions was made. NOTE 2: This instructable is VERY dated (old). NOTE 1: This Instructable is very TEXT intensive. The cost of lightsaber I built for this instructable is about $160.
The wide range in cost all depends of how crazy you get with your design. Total cost of this project is $60 to $1,000 USD. You may end up breaking other things, but the lightsaber will remain intact.* That means, you should be able to wield this sword and bash it against things and other lightsabers with little fear of actually breaking the lightsaber.
What ever side you are on, what follows is how to make a Duel-Worthy Lightsabre.
Does your path follow the Light or the Dark side? (I hear the dark side has cookies). So you have decided to take the final step to embracing the force.