PVC pipe can be a great and solid medium to work with. Cut and sanded well it has a real pro look. The look of a grip can be achieved by using a hacksaw to cut grooves into a black pvc pipe. After much sanding a smaller diameter pvc pipe can be put into the grooved pipe. Then a wooden dowel can be added for weight. Result - a very solid design!
A multi head screw driver makes a great saber grip.
Other parts you can use include "o" rings, chrome tape, and some toilet plumbing parts.
Here is a great solution for an episode 1 style saber clip.-
The clip itself was found at Radio Shack and is part # 21-923. The screw that fits this clip can be found in the same area. At around $2.00 it is a great belt clip option. Other suggestions made have been cell phone clips which can typically be found in camera shops at the local mall. I think these sell for around $4.00.
Mouse pads, cut to fit around a pipe, make good grips. When you cut it, be sure not to cut all the way through the fabric top of the mouse pad. Then just glue it on.
A good emitter shroud can be made from a simple piece of PVC pipe. It is 1-1/4" 160 PSI pipe that is cut to the desired look, then spray painted black.
Another good base/butt is a plastic bathroom sink faucet knob that is painted black.
