I have been wanting to build an R2 for a while now. What I want to do is buy the pieces one at a time till the project is finished, where do I start? Does anyone know of a suplier for the various parts? I thought Logicialy I would start with the frame. Any help would be apreciated.
Last edited by DocTony; Jun 23, 2009 at 4:20 PM. Reason: spelling
Goldenarmor.com offers a full kit, though I think it is all resin and fiberglass parts.
The site is real cautious about openly discussing pricing and stuff, so you would have to email them and inquire - being very carefull as to what you call "it" as to avoid legal trouble.
I've edited this one. That is a banned member's site. The guy makes crap.GeneralFROSTY said:
hm, actually its www.astromech.net , isnt it ?
i've had stuff off him before, was/is really good! i got a pitbull hoverboard, cant comment on his other stuff cause i havent had anything else off him but always thought his stuff looked really nice from the picsQui-Gonzalez said:
Are there makers of parts (to proper specs) in the UK?
An R2 is somewhere on my long list of wanted props but I'd probably pay an extra 25% of the cost of the dude in shipping from the US :-\
razorsharp192 said:
I thought you had one?
Or are you wanting full Bell and Whistle-age?
Yep, the official site is
www.astromech.net
Start off in the wiki / FAQ and then join the Yahoo! Group as well. Be warned the Yahoo! mailing list can be very chatty/OT - maybe 1000-1500 messages a month. There's probably 1500-2000 posts a month to the main astromech.net forums as well.
I don't think GoldenArmor/Chauser parts are to 'club spec', or if you go that route dont expect to be able to upgrade the parts very easily. You may get a 'cheap' droid, but if you're looking to full RC, add gadgets etc, then it's probably not the best place to start - but if all you want is a 'cheap' static droid, then it maybe for you.
HTH
Chris
I had a simple ABS one, Steve. But one day I'd like a full spec one to go with 3PO.
Reverend Scapegoat said:
Astromech.net and the R2builders club in yahoo groups are the most frequented and updated resources for building an astromech unit.
I can help you out with some parts:
http://xenoweb.nl/r2d2parts/index.htm
I'm also in Europe so might save on shipping
here is my R2 site with some info on how to make your own parts and such
www.xenoweb.nl
there are a lot of members in the UK that might be able to help you out, just give a shout on the R2Builder site, or Astromech forum.
but please stay away from Gold*** Arm*** you will regret it for eternity !
Here's another...
http://www.astromechfactory.com/forums/index.php
Try Keith (member here) for resin parts if not going aluminum route.
http://resinparts.com/
Doug
Thanks guys, I have checked out the builder sites and there ar a lot of pdf files but not the one I was looking for, Anyone know where I can find the pdf file for the frame? I wamt o do one in aliumiumium
Jag 5 frame
http://r2-r9.com/Gallery_Drawings_Frame%20V5.0.htm
Doug
Your best bet putting this together is to start on the dome and skin. This way you can compensate for size with the frame. Some really great stuff out there and the A&A frame mentioned is awesome work, especially seeing it is lasercut. Don't be afraid when you get overwhelmed with parts. If you plan to go all aluminum be well prepared to pay several thousand. We're talking 3-6 thousand and up for an all aluminum. Get one piece at a time as doing it in one whack is pretty wallet consuming unless you have deep pockets.
Good luck on your project and don't be afraid to ask the artoo builders group questions, BUT when you get on the message board do alot of research first as alot of questions are already answered. So many leaps and bounds on this project in the past 10 years.
I can't say enough good things about the new all stryrene plans that the R2 Builders Club has put together. I have built an aluminum/wood droid, and have started working on my second one in styrene. The styrene droids are surpisingly strong and capable. You really aren't sacrificing much, and the benefits are huge.
You can have a full sized, fully functional, club spec droid for much less than was possible in the past. All the parts can be build with basic tools... all you need is time.
There are even laser cut styrene R2 domes now.
Check out www.Astromech.net and good luck!
Do yourself a favor though, stay away from any parts from Droidboy.
What utter garbage they are. The one I saw in person was god aweful
looking. The guy who owned it couldn't even finish it, it was that bad.
Gow ith someone more reputable as the ones posted above. You'll be
far happier.
After I finish my aluminum one, I plan on doing an all styrene and resin one. There has been a lot of advancement in the plasic R2 arena lately.HoosierTrooper said:
Doug
Best thing to do is pick up a Visual Dictionary and study the R2 photo every night in front of the TV until you've become familiar with each part. That's what I did.
Some guys start with the dome, while others start with the body. I started building the frame and then the legs. Once the body was complete, I started the dome.
Here's my progress and individual parts photos:
http://astromechbuilder.com/mechload...ellianexports/
I machine R2 parts once in a while (Foot strips, knurled knobs, etc.).
I also cast the R5 dome detail parts (photos can be found above).
If you stick to the R2 Builder's group at Astromech.net and the Yahoo R2Buildersgroup, you will be in good shape.
There are many, many people there making droids and when people have a part machined, they will do multiples and offer them to others.
All parts are done for no profit as part of the deal with LFL and they are made to the same specs so they fit together.
There are plans and lots of help and as much advice as you can take.
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