All Lightsaber components fit into the handle which is usually around 24 to 30 centimeters long. The energy which makes up the Lightsaber blade is focused by special jewels, up to three of them, depending on the type of Lightsaber you are making. Natural jewels are the best. I think the best ones are Kellian Crystals, but they have been difficult to get hold of since the Empire took over the Kellian Alliance.
     If you cannot get hold of any suitable natural crystals then you will have to make one for yourself. This process is a long and difficult one and if anything goes wrong, minute defects in the crystal could cause your Lightsaber to blow up when you activate it.
     

All information on the making of a Lightsaber jewel based on the information based in "Shadows of Empire" by Steve Perry.

Information about training with a Lightsaber comes from the Jedi Academy Trilogy by Keven J. Anderson and also from The Star Wars Trilogy by George Lucas.