I've been commissioned by my University to construct an R2D2 for the Star Wars themed halloween party. I've begun collecting parts from hardware stores but I'm stuck on the dome. I've thought about using trash can lids and ceiling security domes but both are either impossible to find in the right size or very expensive. Anyone know of a good plastic dome that would work? Diameter would need to be around 15-17"
Last edited by fotokid; Oct 29, 2011 at 2:52 PM.
You could use a hard plastic ball and cut it in half. Usually toy stores like Toys R Us or even Walmart or Kmart have just a big bin of different size balls. If they don't have it try a craft store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby they usually have giant Styrofoam balls you could sand down and smooth it out with bondo over it.
How about a plastic punch bowl of some sort. Try the dollar store! Just a thought.
I'm looking at squirrel guards for bird feeders.. getting close!
what about making a dome (out of expanding foam, for example) and vacforming it (if you have access to something like that)? then you can make it as exact as you need it
I'd love to have access to something like that but time/money constraints are high, need to find something pre-made.MadMike said:
mine was made out of a 18" squirel blocking bird feeder dome thingy ??...it was years ago...but I only paid 25 bucks for it ...dont know if they make them anymore....I made this guy years ago mostly out of foam/wood, and plastic posterboard for the skin...(never did finish legs)
Some great ideas here. I guess that the dome you choose will define all the other dimensions, so you need to decide on it before you can do pretty much anything else?
One day I must make an Artoo.
Got an Ikea near you?
IKEA 365+ BRASA Pendant lamp, black
Honestly, a budget R2 was my first thought when I saw these.
That looks incredible, congratulations.buckettt said:
mine was made out of a 18" squirel blocking bird feeder dome thingy ??...it was years ago...but I only paid 25 bucks for it ...dont know if they make them anymore....I made this guy years ago mostly out of foam/wood, and plastic posterboard for the skin...(never did finish legs
What did you use for the blue metal parts?
Be cautious of the bird feeder domes. The company that makes them has changed the design, and they're not a full dome anymore... but many places that sell them still use the old photo.
Locate an inflatable exercise ball or kids toy ball, inflate to proper size... Layup a shell of paper mache over half the ball, let cure... Deflate and remove the ball, and you will be left with a paper mache dome...
For fast setting paper mache use watered down plaster of paris...
I always thought I would do this someday to make a mold for a base dome.exoray said:
Blue metallic /foil paper from michaels...Mr Webber said:
That looks incredible, congratulations.
What did you use for the blue metal parts?
An rpfer suggested this in a similar thread....
BALLS PLASTIC BALLS FROM COMPLEX PLASTICS 1-888-PLASTIK 1-800-363-2870 SUPPLIERS OF INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS
That is simply incredible!buckettt said:
mine was made out of a 18" squirel blocking bird feeder dome thingy ??...it was years ago...but I only paid 25 bucks for it ...dont know if they make them anymore....I made this guy years ago mostly out of foam/wood, and plastic posterboard for the skin...(never did finish legs
Great build bucket, i hope to get somewhere near that! I'll start posting WIP photos soon!
Definitely in to see this done on a budget, my son would love this.
Worst case scenario, what about using the budget to just rent one for the night? I'm sure there is an R2 owner looking to make some extra cash.
nstevic01 said:
Good point, although my payment for the build is getting to keep whatever I make!
I checked with the company and they confirmed their squirrel domes were actual domes so I went ahead with this one. Photos are cell phone quality but I'll use a real camera to document the build.
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