Machined Westar Barrels

My current project is to insert Radio Transmitters (like a car alarm keyfob) into my blasters, and for this project would need a pair of machined Westar barrels. I am working with the Rubies plastic pistol grips, since they are already plastic and hollow, and make a good housing for the electronics I’m putting in. Basically, this transmitter will sit inside the grip, and have a button wired to a tactile switch behind the trigger. This then transmits to a receiver connected to my Rom/FX Pro sound system in my jet pack, setting off the blaster sound effects.

So, now that you have an idea of my project, I am wondering if anyone knows someone who could machine westars. I'd only be looking for the barrel, and maybe the palm plate.

I've seen that Starfortress do their own machined westars, and from the pictures I've seen, they look accurate.

I know everyone has certain feelings about starfortress, but since there's no paint, or different sizes, or bits that could fall off, I don't think that there's much that could go wrong with a pair of blasters... is there? However, I dunno if my impatience could handle a variation of 4-15 weeks as advertised on their site.

Has anyone bought these blasters before? Are there better alternatives?

Cheers.

P.S... don't turn this into a SFP flaming thread please, I've read everything there is about them

Adam

How did you get on with this project. Interested to see how you got on?!

i've ordered from them before with no problem. It actually came pretty quick.

My humble opinion, avoid SFP.

At all costs....

The Westars I've seen them offer look very wrong to me, but they might have upgraded their designs since then.

yea, the SPF blasters are no where near accurate

oh definitely with you guys on that.

We all know to avoid SFP like the plague, but the trouble is, there is currently no reliable sustainable alternative. Unfortunately, nobody has stepped up to the plate to say they are willing, and able to make these to a standard comparable to the MRs.

More and more people are having these machined for themselves, but as of yet, nobody has revealed sources, or tried to arrange any bulk deals.

So until someone is able to do this, people will still dredge themselves over to SFP with their tails between their legs hoping that what they order will arrive.

Originally Posted by NOITAIDAR

We all know to avoid SFP like the plague, but the trouble is, there is currently no reliable sustainable alternative. Unfortunately, nobody has stepped up to the plate to say they are willing, and able to make these to a standard comparable to the MRs.

More and more people are having these machined for themselves, but as of yet, nobody has revealed sources, or tried to arrange any bulk deals.

So until someone is able to do this, people will still dredge themselves over to SFP with their tails between their legs hoping that what they order will arrive.

Well, I havent been trying to get caught up in the mess, but I can see what I can do. Apparently from what ive been told is that if you take it to a custom auto shop and ask about getting something machined.

However, if someone has access to a mill and practiced a bit with it enough, maybe they can make a set themselves.

Im not making any promises, and even if I do find a place, I dont know if I can even get a set made, just because I dont have the money to pay for it.

-tubachris

Originally Posted by tubachris85x

Well, I havent been trying to get caught up in the mess, but I can see what I can do.

-tubachris

I was just thinking you needed ANOTHER project

BKBT Helmet
Darktrooper
God knows what else...

i am so not a fan of SFP, but i just looked at the blasters...and they seem pretty good. without actual size comparisons to MR's its hard to tell accuracy but they do look pretty decent for 270 bucks...as aposed to the 700 i say MR for on ebay the other day...here is a shot from their website..



ive heard really bad things about these guys, but have never dealt with them so i really dont know the whole back story..but like it was said..until someone who has the ability to machine...and i know they are out there cause ive got a ton of quality stuff thats machined aluminum...decided to takle the barrel for these blasters, most of us are in a rut. id reuse the rubies handles or resin ones if i could get a machined barrel...but alas...they dont exist

Someone has a pair of SFP blasters for sale (with the whole Jango suit) in the Cargo hold right now. They look horrible.

Like I said earlier - just keep an eye out an a pair of MR's will come up cheaper.

Good news, I may have found a place to get machined blasters.

Im going to try to go by and get a quote if possible

IF YOU FIND SOMEWHERE, THAT WOULD BE GREAT!!!

Well, I stoped by today, and spoke with the machinist, a really cool and nice guy. However, I showed him the WOF templates, and told me that to have these made by hand, really just the barrel would be more then a day and a half's work. Saying that the company charges $70 an hour. He thinks with all the details, that just getting one barrel alone would be upwards of 400 already.

He did give me a few other sources to ask about this, which Im going to look up. I might have to contact an out of state source. We would need a automated, programable mill for this to work and be more cost effective.

Hopefully the other source will work out

-tubachris

This is most likely because they don't have the right equipment. There is NO reason other than that, where they should be that much. this essentially means, they only have hand lathe capabilities, which is far more labor intensive. A company that is CnC capable, will charge MUCH less after the initial start-up cost (getting the model entered into the computer and creating the program). So you may want to look into other sources for this.

FP

Originally Posted by fettpride

This is most likely because they don't have the right equipment. There is NO reason other than that, where they should be that much. this essentially means, they only have hand lathe capabilities, which is far more labor intensive. A company that is CnC capable, will charge MUCH less after the initial start-up cost (getting the model entered into the computer and creating the program). So you may want to look into other sources for this.

FP

Yea, thats what I was thinking from the get go. I wasnt so much expecting him to be able to do the job, it was pretty much a starting point.

I just sent an email out to the other recommended source, once again, Im not expecting that person to be able to make these, but work up a chain of sources until I find someone that can. The source I just emailed is a gun maker, apparently made his own pistol out of aluminum, using an automated mill

-tubachris

I have a client with 4 giant cnc machines. He builds custom aluminum for choppers. Theoretically he could do just about anything, but I doubt he would have the time to make the cad designs for them.

So with cad designs provided provided for him, I could go to him and put him in contact with some of you.

I know that he is always looking for new business opportunities.

Shoot me a pm if you want me to make some connections. Just be sure you would have proper cad designs for anything to be made Because I dont have the time at the moment to do any cad/3d.

I too have been sourcing engineers today.

Turns out an old school pal now own an engineering firm, I've sent him some rough plans to see what he thinks.

very cool leads...i'll be watching this as the real part of my costume that needs better stuff now is blasters...i hope something pans out...like i said id be uber happy with barrels and attach them somehow to my plastic rubies grips..lol

Here's a couple prototype barrels still under construction. What do you think?

Not bad westarsmith, but the barrel tips need to be tapered more as the end is too thick.

Originally Posted by westarsmith

Here's a couple prototype barrels still under construction. What do you think?

Wow, looking very good! Are you using the WOF templates?

those look pretty good...the butt end of the barrel seems wrong to me though...it seems a bit long and also seems to have an extra section to it. if i recall it should only be a round slotted, then a threaded area then the butt cap. and it should only be about 3/8" in fron the angle part near the handle too..

unless that last section on the end is just extra material that needs to be cut off? im guessing...

Nice work!! Man I wish I had the tools to do metalwork!!!

Yes man,looks **** good,great work !!!

Dude I want some!

Looking really good there Westarsmith. This is a breakdown I made based on Wizardoflight's westar template. shows the different sections the MR one can be broken down into, but it also shows you the correct detail on the flash suppressor, unlike the SFP ones which are pretty much a cone. Hand-machined, this'd be a real *****, but if you're CnCing, this curve should be easy

So, just to clarify something I've noticed, the barrel should have two points of contact with the handle, correct? The StarFortress blasters don't appear to have the barrel in contact with the back of the handgrip. Am I wrong, or is this something that's just overlooked? Oh, and if someone gets a good price for machined blasters I'm in!

Well I got some good news.

I just recieved a reply from one person. This is his email to me:

"Christopher,
I will appreciate the opportunity to work with you on this project.
Do you have a target price? Quantity? What type of finish?
And when do you need them.
Let me know!"

Im going to reply right now!

Also, his website, he has a cnc mill:

http://www.dctechs.com

oooOOOOOOOooooo!

Just went through his site, he has the automated lathe and cnc mill. I think this is our guy

No John, thats one thing that WOF's original template does show that mine does not. The back part of the handgrip has a sort of recessed curve under the rear section "power cell." This curve lines up with the curve required at the attachment point further up, where the section I've labelled as B attaches to the grip.

I modified the template this way to show the features of the barrel, ignoring the detail of the grip, as the Rubies grip is an adequate alternative to machining the grip along with the barrel

Oh man!!! I'm definitely down for a set!!!

Im getting ancy now. Im hoping to get a response soon. Im going out of town tomorrow till saturday, I hope he responds soon.

I have to let everyone know first, that should he be able to do this (most likely from what Ive seen so far) is that I personally do not have enough money to put down in case he asks for it. I told him that members here might not put a pre-payment down, unless they see a prototype, or a finished set.

Im hoping to get a guestimatated price from him too

Originally Posted by tubachris85x

Well I got some good news.

I just recieved a reply from one person. This is his email to me:

"Christopher,
I will appreciate the opportunity to work with you on this project.
Do you have a target price? Quantity? What type of finish?
And when do you need them.
Let me know!"

Im going to reply right now!

This is great news, Tuba.

I'm sure you'll tell him that the quantity would depend on the price, and he'll tell you that the price would depend on the quantity. maybe once you have a ballpark figure in mind, a signup list could be implemented?

as long as we are talking just the barrels, as i would most likely use my rubies grips, im so in for a set if they are reasonable in price...say around 250 for the pair or less...

Originally Posted by NOITAIDAR

This is great news, Tuba.

I'm sure you'll tell him that the quantity would depend on the price, and he'll tell you that the price would depend on the quantity. maybe once you have a ballpark figure in mind, a signup list could be implemented?

Yea, Im hoping to be able to. In theory, the more people that sign up, the cheaper it should be. But I told him, that each set consists of two blaster each. Now one thing I wasnt too sure about though, is the stunt trigger guard. I gave him a pic of the MR blasters, and told him about this detail, but Im not sure what the general opinions of members here, would want both the same, or include the stunt blaster

Originally Posted by JDFett

as long as we are talking just the barrels, as i would most likely use my rubies grips, im so in for a set if they are reasonable in price...say around 250 for the pair or less...

Im not sure yet what he had in mind, but Im thinking he's wanting to do the whole thing. However, once I get a response, we will go from there. I imagine that he would have to make them in pieces to begin with.

in my opinion, the best option for him would be to make the barrel, the hand-plate, the trigger section, and an extra little greeblie to stick on to the stunt plate, then people have the option of using the rubies grip, which would be great, and leave room for possible electronics, or a stronger resin grip... which could easily be fashioned from a rubies

having said all that, I'd be interested to see if westarsmith plans on mass producing his barrels, and how much they'd run for a pair.

After so long without decent sources for these, it seems that we now have a couple Smiths in competition! They say it never rains harder than after a drought. lol

Originally Posted by NOITAIDAR

in my opinion, the best option for him would be to make the barrel, the hand-plate, the trigger section, and an extra little greeblie to stick on to the stunt plate, then people have the option of using the rubies grip, which would be great, and leave room for possible electronics, or a stronger resin grip... which could easily be fashioned from a rubies

Well, if he can make them completly out of metal, I think that would be great. However, your in a different situation or want just the barrel. Although it may be possible to get you just the barrel itself, I believe everyone else would settle or want a full metal set. Then again, lets wait and see what he says

Gentlemen,
Your comments are much appreciated.
My barrels were not produced on CNC equipment. That's why the subtle curve in the compensator (like an MR) is not there.
To produce a sleek, elegant look, I felt the barrel sould be a bit longer and smaller diameter than most designs, certainly smaller than the Rubies.
Having never seen an MR in real life, I do not know the diameter of their barrel.
The drawing I used was my own.
You are correct, JD Fett, there is a piece of aluminum to cut off the "power cell"
The handle will be a real challenge.
Thanks

put me down as interested as well. I'm looking forward to where this goes...either with tubachris or westarsmith either way, this is good for the community!!

If anyone's thinking of getting a list together, put me down for a pair. Whoever launches this run's gonna get PLENTY of orders methinks.

I'll be watching this thread very closely! woo!

Chris let me know if you go forward. Price Pending I am in.

I will also be very interested in these if they go ahead.

Cheers

Tony

Im trying my best to do this.

I WOULD BE INTERESTED AS WELL. IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE PRICE.

Depending on the price, for sure I'd be in!

Although, I'm in the same boat as JDfett as I'd prefer to get just the barrels can attach them to my current set of resin grips.

i'm in just for barrels as well, just so ya know

I am tentively in based on a reasonible price

Based on price count me down too

Originally Posted by westarsmith

Here's a couple prototype barrels still under construction. What do you think?

Any progress on these, westarsmith?
They were/are some of the best fan made prototypes I've ever seen.

Also wanted to throw in there that I would be interested in the full blaster.

Thanks for the kind words, Cruzer.
The first pic is of the finished prototype barrels for my westars. They do not have the polished finish of the MR's. They even have fine machine marks. I'm not sure this would be acceptable to people who consider the MR the standard. To me, it is a look that is more true to a military weapon.
The greatest challenge is the pistol grip. An all aluminum one will add the heft of a true 1:1 scale blaster. It would also be the hardest part to make without CNC equipment. That is why I'm very interested in the quotes that come back from others in this thread.
A resin handle would make the westar muzzle heavy but be the easiest to do. And probably the least expensive. Adding some weight hidden inside the resin grip could bring it more into balance. I suspect that aluminum powder in the resin might even give a finish that would not require painting.
I'm sure attaching the barrels to a resin grip could be done in such a way that they are secure and all the parts act as one unit.
The second pic is of eight more barrels that I have under construction.

Those look great! If you start a list, please put me down!

Originally Posted by westarsmith

Thanks for the kind words, Cruzer.
The first pic is of the finished prototype barrels for my westars. They do not have the polished finish of the MR's. They even have fine machine marks. I'm not sure this would be acceptable to people who consider the MR the standard. To me, it is a look that is more true to a military weapon.
The greatest challenge is the pistol grip. An all aluminum one will add the heft of a true 1:1 scale blaster. It would also be the hardest part to make without CNC equipment. That is why I'm very interested in the quotes that come back from others in this thread.
A resin handle would make the westar muzzle heavy but be the easiest to do. And probably the least expensive. Adding some weight hidden inside the resin grip could bring it more into balance. I suspect that aluminum powder in the resin might even give a finish that would not require painting.
I'm sure attaching the barrels to a resin grip could be done in such a way that they are secure and all the parts act as one unit.
The second pic is of eight more barrels that I have under construction.

If you could just capture the right curve in those tips pieces, it'd be a huge step towards the screen accuracy of those beauties.
I'm thinking solid resin handles would be your best bet.
Have you figured out what you're going to do for the trigger piece?
Looking good

awesome!!! it's nice to finally see some progress on these things...been a while since i followed this thread. keep up the good work, and can't wait to see the end product.

..keep it up

Oh I want a set! Those are nice looking. Keep it up!

-Matt

Those are sweet in deed. Can't wait once the project is
complete. I'm in as well.

I'm with you too!

nothing new here? im so in for some barrels or even the full blasters...those look great, even without the curve they are miles ahead of a rubies!

I'm working on the curve.

Awesome. Interested when they are done . .

I hope you brought extras!
If you make these as accurate as they appear to be turning out....your going to have a huge interest.

Id love to get a set

Left one has curve. Too subtle?

The camera angle doesn't really show it off that much so it's kinda hard to tell that theres a little curve to it

It is quite more subtle than the curve on the MRs, but it is better than nothing at all. It's your project so you get to decided ultimately, but if it were mine I'd go with a little more curve if it's something that's easily done. Either way, looking good. Like I've said, best fan made blasters I've ever seen!

very nice! i would definitely be interested in picking up a set!

HOW MUCH FOR A PAIR IF YOU DO SALE

you should post some update shots in this thread bro! im still very interested in getting a set...did you ever decide on what you wanted to do with the handle and trigger situation? im still in for the barrels if you stop there..

Agree with JD. I'd be up for some barrels too.

Just an update. Barrel on bottom is my prototype. Barrel on top is current. It's not finished but you get the idea.
Westarsmith

I see the difference in the tips, it looks good.

looking real good WS! did you use the westar template to get the sizes?

No, these are not built to the WOF templates. I sat out on the deck one sunny saturday last summer and scaled my own drawing from a bunch of photos. Even so it is close to the WOF measurements. The biggest difference is in the diameter of the barrel and the flash suppressor. Mine are about 20% less than WOF in those areas. The barrel is slightly longer ,also. I believe it looks less bulky that way. The major difference will be in the finish. The MR's look highly polished, these will not be, as befitting a military weapon.
Westarsmith

Loving it dude. The slim barrel and narower tip look spot on. I enjoy the brushed finish too.

Any predictions on a run yet?

I was just browsing older threads and came across this one....Did a run ever happen for these (maybe it was in another order thread or something) Just curious

Here's some I'm still working on.
Trying to finish these and come up with an "open seasons" version.
Westarsmith

Originally Posted by westarsmith

Here's some I'm still working on.
Trying to finish these and come up with an "open seasons" version.
Westarsmith

Wow, those look awsome! Outstanding work!

Those look great! I would be very interested in getting a set from you

Are the handles resin?

Put me down for a set por favor.

the westar 34s I see up there from westarsmith look like the best ones i've seen... and I've seen many copies. Oh yeah, the SFP ones are nice with a lot of work, but i bought mine on resale on ebay so i don't know about dealing directly with SFP... sold 'em

Did these get sold or are you still making them? I would be interested in a pair!!