For Star Wars über fans, Tested.com released a video late last week showing Adam Savage and Norm Chan doing a build of Han Solo's DL-44 blaster. Documented on the Replica Prop Forum and summarized in Norm's article, How Obsessive Fans Built a Better Han Solo Blaster, the replica kit comes straight from the machine shop of Tormach PCNC 1100 owner Dave Chalker of North Massapequa, New York. With over three decades of machining experience, Dave formed Dark Energy Creations a year and a half ago and focuses on general and specialized machine work, 3D solid modeling, CAD/CAM, and 3D printing. He calls the Han Solo Blaster Replica Kit one of his "cooler projects," selling the kit in a full-scale production version as well as a 1/3 scale key chain size. Dave did all of the milling and engraving for both kits on his PCNC 1100. The kit is featured starting at 8:58 and the bulk of the build starting at 10:02:
“When you get into the accuracy of a Hans Solo Blaster your delving into an area of esoterica and specificity that I have never even traipsed into. This is a level of detail oriented fandom that’s actually beyond me. I mean, I am totally gobsmacked by what people know.” ~ Adam Savage For more information about Dave Chalker, Dark Energy Solutions, and a back story on his decision to purchase a PCNC 1100.
