More power

My steampunk lightsaber requires a power source. Like the lightning foils in Girl Genius, I want to have something to hold in my off-hand that is providing the power to the Jacob's ladder-like electrodes. I could have tried building something from scratch but I suspect that I would be forced to rely on modern materials, mostly plastic plumbing fixtures. I didn't want it to look like I got it at Home Depot so I started looking for something a little more period.

When I was living with my grandfather, he had a number of space heaters that would have worked but we through them out a long time ago because they were older than I am and inherently dangerous. I've been dropping by a nearby flea market every few weeks or so keeping a weather eye out for something appropriate.

Coleman Catalytic Heater

This week, after getting a haircut, I again took a run through the outdoor aisles. There were a lot of space heaters but none were quite right. Then, I saw a Coleman heater. It's a bit heavy but once I gut it of its heating elements, I'm sure I can lighten it up and thus replace that weight with appropriate mechanical stuff.

In the base, where the fuel would go, I'll place an electric motor and battery. This will drive a rotating generator in the upper part. I will add strobing lights to simulate electrical arcing. I'll need to replace the handle with something more substantial. Some gauges, meters or dials would be good. I should also add some Victorian feet to give it the proper period look.

In fact, now that I think of it, I wanted to go to Construction Junction to look for stuff. I haven't picked up my comics from Phantom yet this week so maybe I'll go out again now.