Yup it's another Astromech (Always Cool Though)

Started building everyone's favorite Droid this month. Now that I've got some actual progress I decided to bring the thread over and share it with the Rpf.

It Starts...


Frame Construction:
Based on the Jag v5 Astromech frame, I started construction. THe frame is made of 1/4" 6061 Aluminum, and 3/4 inch 6061 Aluminum Round Rod. It also has 2 wood components to mount the legs to (didn't have any 1/2" Aluminum). I won't bore you guys to much with the construction details, but lets just say it took some time to fabricate.



(also tapping holes for hours on end suxs)

After the basic frame construction (and during the tapping of holes) I took a break from the body to start construction on the legs. The legs are accurate to scale, and are based on several other leg designs from astromech.net, but are mostly designed after the Jag legs.



I now have the frame mostly done (need to start adding inner component pans). 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.



Next big project part will be welding together ankles...

Nice!

Somewhere down the line I'm going to do one of these. I want to make sure I have the skills, equipment, and money to throw at it though!

Cnc'ed out some Shoulder hubs. They came out pretty nice but I think I'm going to cnc out a pair with the empire cog instead. Also cnc'ed out some more minor parts, and continued to break taps while tapping out holed for the frame



ok, now I'm just getting carried away. I drew up some dome plate designs for the rebel alliance logo. Let me know what you think. All the plates below are functional although the large rebel logo will need to be drilled and tapped to keep it's look. The white ring is Ted's design (which is what I based mine on)



Got my rockler in today . I was so excited I broke out the 1/4 - 20 tap and went to town.



Also got my "Budget" skins in, and the dome. I've got a long weekend coming up but I'm super excited.

sploosh!

Always love seeing these builds. Great start!

I like seeing what you kids come up with on the aluminum side. I think my second build will be one of those.

robkashikoi said:

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I like seeing what you kids come up with on the aluminum side. I think my second build will be one of those.

I do love trying new things I'm gonna punch this one out tomorrow for a friend over at Astromech.net



Also got mine set up on the frame today

BenStreeper said:

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I do love trying new things I'm gonna punch this one out tomorrow for a friend over at Astromech.net



Also got mine set up on the frame today

Are you going to leave the metal bearings in your Rockler or change them out with some acetal bearings instead? I like the hybrid frame, by the way.

robkashikoi said:

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Are you going to leave the metal bearings in your Rockler or change them out with some acetal bearings instead? I like the hybrid frame, by the way.

Don't know yet, but I will probably change them out eventually.

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

Still making slugish progress. I didn't like the original frame so I Got a new frame welded together (based on a mixture of the Jag frame and the senna wooden frame). Started dry-fitting skins to see if the new frame will work (So far so good). And started welding together some 12ga steel feet. These are based off of the Jag prints found in the files sections. The raised details on the outer feet will be 1/32 small but I think I can live with that ;p. I think I may leave the bottom rectangle details open as well, and put some lexan behind them. That way I can put neon in the feet and have a glow effect. Still debating that one as I'm not done welding yet. Hopefully I will have time to build a skirt, and the ankles soon. Then this droid will be able to stand