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Mark Rutley built this one-off, 1950s-inspired ray-gun prop from discarded objects and spare parts, aiming to spend nothing. The result pairs shiny, futuristic forms with the patient work of fitting wood to a curved metal body—a project Rutley estimated took about 30 hours across two months of occasional evenings and weekends.
A ray gun assembled from found objects
Rutley says he was drawn to the clean curves and polished shapes of golden-age science-fiction equipment. Rather than buy materials for a replica, he looked to objects he already had or could reuse. The build brought together bicycle axles and nuts, an air-hose nozzle, hard-drive platters, a shower-curtain rod, an old drink shaker, discarded paintball-gun parts, several kinds of wood, and assorted screws, bolts, and nuts.
“I set out to fabricate my own piece of nostalgia, but didn’t want to spend any money at all on the project,” Rutley wrote in his 2016 account for Make:. The no-spend goal shaped the choice of materials; it did not mean the work was quick. Rutley’s roughly 30-hour estimate covers this project alone, worked on intermittently over two months.
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The difficult fit was between the walnut grip and the drink shaker used as the body. Its changing curve made a simple flat joint unsuitable, so Rutley shaped the wood to follow the metal.
#1 Best Overall
- Win any intergalactic battle and protect the galaxy with the cosmic shock blaster
- Pull the trigger and the barrel spins and lights up creating an incredible visual effect
- Just the right size for any interplanetary Warrior, simply squeeze the trigger to start the show
- Requires 3 AA batteries, included
- For ages 3+
- Make a template. He trimmed a piece of cardstock until its upper-to-lower curve matched the shaker.
- Transfer the outline. He traced the template onto walnut for the grip and lower receiver.
- Shape the mating surface. Using a rotary sanding drum in a Dremel, he dished the upper surface of the walnut to match the shaker’s radius.
Rutley says this sanding was probably the most time-consuming part of the project. The template provided the curve to follow; the sanding drum let him gradually remove material from the wood until it fitted the body.
What Rutley learned while working the metal
Rutley had not worked in metal before this build and had limited metalworking tools. Drilling and tapping stainless steel and other metal pieces became part of the learning process. He reports that, for his work, drilling more slowly with good cutting oil gave better results than increasing drill speed.
Rank #2
- 🔫 Authentic Sci-Fi Design – Inspired by classic retro-futuristic alien blasters, this foam gun features a colorful 13" barrel and bold post-apocalyptic styling.
- 🎯 Perfect for Cosplay & Display – Whether you're heading to a convention or decorating your shelf, this replica is an eye-catching centerpiece
- 🌈 Vibrant Multicolor Detailing – The detailed barrel and contrasting red & silver grip bring a high-impact look straight from a wasteland fantasy world.
- 💪 Lightweight & Durable Foam – Made from safe, soft foam for easy carrying, posing, and long-lasting use in cosplay or themed events.
- 🎁 Collector’s Favorite – A must-have for sci-fi fans, gamers, and costume enthusiasts—great as a gift or addition to any post-apocalyptic collection.
He also found step drills useful for some holes: they allowed him to enlarge a hole without repositioning the workpiece or switching among drill-bit sizes. These are Rutley’s project-specific observations, not universal metalworking instructions; appropriate tooling and technique depend on the material, hole, and setup.
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What was—and wasn’t—finished
The knob and trigger were described as functional electronic components, but Rutley said they had not yet been wired into a sound maker when his article was published on August 5, 2016. He also described a glass-bubble detail and a display stand as future plans. That account does not establish whether those additions were completed later.
Rank #3
- Miniature Toys: Experience the excitement of galactic warfare with these World's Smallest Space Guns from Playmaker Toys, a 2-pack of miniature blasters.
- Light and Sound Effects: Bring the battle to life with realistic light and sound effects that simulate the energy blasts of futuristic weaponry.
- Collectible Stormtrooper Design: Inspired by the iconic Stormtroopers from the Star Wars universe, these tiny toys capture the sleek, white armor and distinctive helmet design.
- Portable Fun: Compact and pocket-sized, these miniature space guns are perfect for on-the-go play or displaying in your collection.
- Durable Construction: Crafted with high-quality materials, these tiny toys are built to withstand the adventures of intergalactic combat.
Rutley’s piece is best understood as a maker’s account of a single prop: its appeal comes from repurposed hardware and the careful shaping needed to make the parts feel like one object, rather than from a tested pattern or a general-purpose set of fabrication instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- LIGHT UP SPACE GUN PARTY FAVORS: These mini ray blasters feature bright flashing LED lights and 8 retro sci-fi sound effects, making them a hit for kids party favors, goodie bags, and prize boxes.
- 12 PACK MINI RAY BLASTERS: Get a bulk set of 12 light up toy space guns perfect for birthday parties, classroom rewards, carnival prizes, treasure chests, stocking stuffers, and giveaways.
- RETRO SOUND EFFECT FUN: Press the trigger to activate classic space blaster sounds and flashing lights that spark imaginative play, pretend space adventures, and hours of screen-free entertainment.
- SAFE & POCKET-SIZED DESIGN: These miniature toy blasters are lightweight, easy to carry, and sized for little hands, making them great for indoor play, outdoor games, travel, and party activities.
- PERFECT PARTY FAVOR VALUE: Surprise guests with unique space-themed party favors that stand out from candy and stickers. Great for birthdays, events, rewards, gift bags, and holiday celebrations.
Rank #4
- DOUBLE THE SPACE ADVENTURE: This 2-pack set of toy guns brings double the fun for kids and space enthusiasts alike. Each cosplay gun features flashing LED lights and thrilling sound effects, making every intergalactic mission more exciting. Perfect for imaginative play with friends or siblings!
- IMMERSIVE LIGHTS & SOUNDS: Watch their faces light up with joy as they pull the trigger! Both space prop guns are equipped with bright LED lights and realistic sound effects that create a fully immersive space battle experience. The perfect addition to any toy gun collection.
- EASY TO USE, READY FOR ACTION: No complicated setup required—simply pull the trigger to activate the dazzling lights and sounds. These space guns are designed for easy handling by kids of all ages, so they can jump straight into hours of fun and imaginative play.
- SAFE, DURABLE & KID-FRIENDLY: Made from durable, non-toxic ABS plastic, these space-themed toy guns are designed to withstand epic space battles while ensuring safety for children. The ergonomic design provides a comfortable grip, making them perfect for long play sessions.
- PERFECT FOR COSPLAY & PARTIES: Whether you're gearing up for a space-themed birthday party, adding to a prop gun collection, or looking for the ultimate toy gun gift, this set is sure to impress! Ideal for costume play, themed events, or everyday adventures. Batteries included for instant fun!
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