Props R2D2 Build

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BenStreeper

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After reading the Astromech forum for a while now I can finally say that I've started my Astromech Droid. I am currently fabricating a modified Jag v5 Frame. Here are pictures of the first parts. These are not cleaned up yet, and still have some work to be done, but I'm just to amped up right now so I had to share. I will post more progress pics as I fabricate more parts. I still have a long way to go even with the frame, but I'm very eager to continue
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And I'm sure all of us will be eagerly waiting for the progress! I'm excited to see how this comes out, good luck!
 
R2D2 SWEET!!!! Def going to watch this one, what materials are you using for your build? I've only seen one in person and it was a static prop that the guy made out of plastic and turned into a computer tower.
 
R2D2 SWEET!!!! Def going to watch this one, what materials are you using for your build? I've only seen one in person and it was a static prop that the guy made out of plastic and turned into a computer tower.

Right now everything is t6 structural aluminum. The first pictures are 1/4" parts cut to spec. The rods are 3/4" also cut to spec. These parts will be used to construct the "frame" for r2
 
Not a lot of work but I got home early enough to do some machining on the frame parts. Here are some shots of me machining down the "Jag 11" arm assembly parts. This is mostly clean up work to smooth out the pieces. That way when I put the skins on there wont be any imperfections :)

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More Minor weekday progress.

since I don't have any 1/2" Aluminum I started milling out parts thicker than 1/4" in wood today. Here is a shot of my first test part.
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I think the knot hole ads character ;p

I also Kept working on the aluminum parts. I managed to get the "Major" frame parts cleaned. I now have the obvious holes countersunk on each frame ring. May need to do more as I continue to make parts :confused. I also cleaned up all the round rod ends from where I cut them. They are now all drilled tapped and cleaned. Tomorrow, after work, I will get some hardware and start the frame assembly :)
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I still have some "clean up" work to do on the bottom ring. My jig saw cuts aren't exactly the best, but I can get them better looking this weekend. As for the hole I'm not doing a 2-3-2 on this build so I may or may not Pretty it up to spec for that.

Side not on my actual build.
I got my "Budget Skins" ordered from Chani LaCombe last week so hopefully they will come in soon. That way I can start mocking up this Astromech on the frame :) I have also started autocadding up a Design for the Legs. Hopefully it will work and those will be made next.
 
Double post ;)

Just got the hardware. Had to cut down some 1/4-20 All-thread since I could find any 1-1/2" Threaded studs locally. Here is the Frame so far. Still have to drill and tap the Front 1/4 x 1 Parts and the utility arm parts but the main frame is coming together nicely.

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My son seems to think that the R2 frame would make a better race track , but my daughter is excited to see him being built. She can't wait to play with her very own life-size Remote control R2-D2...
 
Well I decided that I didn't quite like how the arm brackets parts turned out so I made some tweaks and routed out some "testers" from particle board. I like the fit so I'm gonna go get some stronger wood to make the final parts. Check em out...

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While I'm routing out the rest of the frame parts, I've started Cad-ing up a leg design. I'm kinda just using what I have laying around the shop to build this droid, so I've come up with what I'm dubbing the mixed media leg version 1.0 Here is the basic design. [Any comments and constructive criticisms are welcome as I haven't built these yet.] I plan to secure the Alum parts with counter sunk screws, and to bondo/ resin jelly the seams. It's a 5 layer leg design. The top layer and bottom layers are 1/8 alum. The 3 mid layers are 1/2" wood routed to spec. The leg itself is larger than it should be so that it can slide into the "ankle" and secure using the 4 holes located at the bottom. I have used several design elements that are littered throughout the R2D2 forum, but I think my two main influences for this design are the Senna legs, and the Jag legs. Layers from bottom to top are

Bottom/ Rear/ Inner = Blue
Bottom 2/ Rear 2/ Inner 2 = Green
Mid = Yellow
Top 2/ Front 2/ Outer 2/ = Red
Top / Front/ Outer = White

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After some thought, and some carefully collected Alum scrap, I decided to go ahead and do all Alum legs. Started the welding process today. Will have more pics tomorrow of a completed set of legs (I hope).

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Awesome!!! what gauge metal are you using? This build makes me giggle... and I havent giggled in a long time! I love R2, will be watching.
 
Nice! I was wondering, because I spose it be easier to just make a cylinder and a dome...This lil guy is gonna roll around right? I'm making more of a statement, why else would it need all that frame? Awesome work!
 
Wow is starting to come together. Looks good, Can't wait to see it when its finished!
Thanks me either. I'm hoping to have the "Static" droid done by sept 29th. for a birthday party. Then I will move into the electronics.
Awesome!!! what gauge metal are you using? This build makes me giggle... and I havent giggled in a long time! I love R2, will be watching.
This build has:
1/8 alum
1/4 Alum
1/4 x1 Alum
and 3/4 Alum round rod so far.
Nice! I was wondering, because I spose it be easier to just make a cylinder and a dome...This lil guy is gonna roll around right? I'm making more of a statement, why else would it need all that frame? Awesome work!
Correct. This will eventually be a remote controlled moving astromech. Complete with rotating dome, opening doors, and other various goodies ;)

And now...Here is an update on the build so far.

I have the frame mostly done. I am still drilling and tapping holes (which is super boring...) with frequent breaks to work on other parts :). I have completed the two outer legs. I still need to do some clean up work on the welds, and polish them up, but here are some shots of them and the frame. The Legs are pretty much stock. I based them off of the prints from the files section, and pictures of other members Alum Legs. I also added an access hatch to the inside of the legs in case I have to add extra wiring later on.

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Next big project part will be welding together ankles...
 
More minor progress. Got the Front skins cut out and glued. However i will be re-gluing them since the super glue didn't hold very well. Planning on using acetone to plasti-weld them together. Also cnced a new set of shoulder hubs. I kinda liked the Imperial Cog look on my dome plate so I branched it out to the shoulder hubs too. Planning on staining these cherry then wrapping the outside (visible) edge with ALUM tape. You will only see it when the legs are removed, but It's still cool ;p

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How much would something like this cost any idea yet? Not counting the man hours put into making it just materials alone?

Love the work by the way, Cant wait to see the final product. :)
 
How much would something like this cost any idea yet? Not counting the man hours put into making it just materials alone?

Love the work by the way, Cant wait to see the final product. :)

don't know (as I'm not done yet) but I'm already a couple grand in on it making it out of alum
 
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