Easy DIY 'lightsaber' or Sword

Here's a really simple, yet fun project to do for the kids, the DIY lightsaber! This one is so simple, the kids could even do it themselves (with a little supervision on the cutting, of course).

Watch the video here for a 2 minute summary and check out the steps for more details.

-1 pool noodle (image shows only 1/2 of a pool noodle)

-Scissors or knife

-Duct tape

-Electrical tape (optional)

Begin by wrapping the noodle with duct tape on one end and then wrap the rest of the end to create a hilt (fancy word for sword handle). The covered hilt portion should be just a little longer than the width of your hand.

Now, make another one to defend yourself, and that's it! But you could.....

You can dress up your lightsaber hilt to be a bit more realistic by adding any number of doodads, doodles or duct tape colors. Depending on what level of detail your child requires to achieve full immersion in a lightsaber duel.

I simply add a few strips of electrical tape to cover the duct tape seams an add a little touch of character to the blade.

This project is straight forward, but after making a number of these, there are some other things I've learned:

1) Boys ages 0-5 tend to eat these if left unattended

2) Foil tape looks awesome but rips quickly

3) Pool noodles with a circular cross-section are stiffer than the star shaped

4) A full-length noodle can be wrapped in the middle to create a double-bladed saber (think Darth Maul :-) )

5) It hurts to get hit in the eye - perhaps suggest no head shots!

6) I can "force throw" pillows

Happy dueling! If you make these, I'd love to hear your comments on how much fun you had and any improvement you made on this basic design.

-instructodad_

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