1:1 R2D2 building from scratch - Just about done!
- Thread starter Kevlarr
- Start date
Kevlarr
Active Member
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
Thanks! Even though the credit should go to the guy behind r2d2parts.com, who tipped me about it.
I ended up playing company of heroes 2 a couple of days instead of working on the R2, but the skirt is finally done! Painting can start tomorrow.
The pictures are dark because of the blitz, dunno why. The pictures get a better quality with the blitz, despite the suddenly occurring darkness.
Half of them cracked before I found out how to no it without getting the cracks..
Looking good enough for me.
Thanks! Even though the credit should go to the guy behind r2d2parts.com, who tipped me about it.
I ended up playing company of heroes 2 a couple of days instead of working on the R2, but the skirt is finally done! Painting can start tomorrow.
The pictures are dark because of the blitz, dunno why. The pictures get a better quality with the blitz, despite the suddenly occurring darkness.
Half of them cracked before I found out how to no it without getting the cracks..
Looking good enough for me.
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
Looks great so far - remember - pre-dill the holes to avoid cracking
Then again, wood glue w/o any nails or screws should be enough to keep them in place.
Looks great so far - remember - pre-dill the holes to avoid cracking
Then again, wood glue w/o any nails or screws should be enough to keep them in place.
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
I would just remove the cracked pieces all toegther. Without a lot of sanding / clamping, they will never go back to their original shape.
Use tape to hold the pieces in place after gluing.
I would just remove the cracked pieces all toegther. Without a lot of sanding / clamping, they will never go back to their original shape.
Use tape to hold the pieces in place after gluing.
robkashikoi
New Member
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
This is coming along well. Good job.
This is coming along well. Good job.
Weezer
Well-Known Member
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
I agree with the king.... It's easier to just replace the cracked wood than try to patch it.
Pre-drill everything from here on in, even the 1/2" replacement pieces... And get some finishing nails. You've done a wonderful job so far, don't waste your time trying to repair cracked wood just replace it.
I agree with the king.... It's easier to just replace the cracked wood than try to patch it.
Pre-drill everything from here on in, even the 1/2" replacement pieces... And get some finishing nails. You've done a wonderful job so far, don't waste your time trying to repair cracked wood just replace it.
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joberg
Legendary Member
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
Another tip used by cabinet makers: hammer the point of the nail to dull it. This way you wont get cracks and no need to pre-drill.(works for real wood and MDF)
I will try to glue the worst cracks, but wasn't really a chance to pre-drill as the small planks where just half of an inch wide. Thanks for the tip anyways though
Another tip used by cabinet makers: hammer the point of the nail to dull it. This way you wont get cracks and no need to pre-drill.(works for real wood and MDF)
Kevlarr
Active Member
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
It worked, no cracks now!
It sucks paint incredibly fast, the primer too. I think I'm going to paint it by hand some time. Will be away for almost a week now, without Internet access.
I will try to make the ankle side details before I leave today, if I get time enough.
Yesterday I tried to very carefully cut the remaining two ankles, and both of the ankles cracked - one of them completely..Really frustrating!
2 layers of primer and 2 layers of paint, the MDF ate it as a light breakfast. Looked about the same on the top about 10 minutes later.
Cut out 1 layer of MDF in both of the shoulder flanges to get room for the bolts that will be placed there to connect the legs to the body.
The ankle which cracked apart very easily, forgot to take a picture of the other one, sorry.
It worked, no cracks now!
It sucks paint incredibly fast, the primer too. I think I'm going to paint it by hand some time. Will be away for almost a week now, without Internet access.
I will try to make the ankle side details before I leave today, if I get time enough.
Yesterday I tried to very carefully cut the remaining two ankles, and both of the ankles cracked - one of them completely..Really frustrating!
2 layers of primer and 2 layers of paint, the MDF ate it as a light breakfast. Looked about the same on the top about 10 minutes later.
Cut out 1 layer of MDF in both of the shoulder flanges to get room for the bolts that will be placed there to connect the legs to the body.
The ankle which cracked apart very easily, forgot to take a picture of the other one, sorry.
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
Hey Kev,
R2 is really coming along! He looks wonderful so far. Don't get frustrated or deterred with all the cracking and the porous MDF - these are all common and everyday frustrations when building any project... Keep moving forward! We're behind ya 100%
Hey Kev,
R2 is really coming along! He looks wonderful so far. Don't get frustrated or deterred with all the cracking and the porous MDF - these are all common and everyday frustrations when building any project... Keep moving forward! We're behind ya 100%
Kevlarr
Active Member
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
Thanks! The MDF is a trouble maker for sure..!
Came home today and will order HIPS most likely at Monday when they are back at work (need shipping rates). The ankles freaking cracked again, now they are more like multiple pieces connected than one solid.
I have been thinking about it, and instead of buying a tube or continue with the ankle trouble I'm really considering to just drop it and mount the center leg as it is (after the skirt has been painted of course).
This way the center leg will also be more stable with 3 layers of MDF to be glued to rather than 1 (if I'm going to screw the center leg into place from the bottom in the body it would guaranteed leave a huge crack).
Haven't really any work-update, just thought you guys should know that I'm still alive!
Edit: maybe I will get back to the center ankles in the future. Because I have to cut out the skirt now if I'm gonna make it now and that's not the problem. I typed more, but then I read it and it just sounded stupid so just nvm, I guess without center ankles could be my personal twist on this R2 (aka an ignored/suppressed/dodged issue).
Thanks! The MDF is a trouble maker for sure..!
Came home today and will order HIPS most likely at Monday when they are back at work (need shipping rates). The ankles freaking cracked again, now they are more like multiple pieces connected than one solid.
I have been thinking about it, and instead of buying a tube or continue with the ankle trouble I'm really considering to just drop it and mount the center leg as it is (after the skirt has been painted of course).
This way the center leg will also be more stable with 3 layers of MDF to be glued to rather than 1 (if I'm going to screw the center leg into place from the bottom in the body it would guaranteed leave a huge crack).
Haven't really any work-update, just thought you guys should know that I'm still alive!
Edit: maybe I will get back to the center ankles in the future. Because I have to cut out the skirt now if I'm gonna make it now and that's not the problem. I typed more, but then I read it and it just sounded stupid so just nvm, I guess without center ankles could be my personal twist on this R2 (aka an ignored/suppressed/dodged issue).
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Kevlarr
Active Member
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
Isn't really much work left, in the weekend I will try to get all the remaining things done, like painting the bottom of the body + adjust it a bit and make a couple of small fixes on the shoulder hubs.
Primer + white spray paint + brush paint = don't.
Made two ankle details to fit my R2D2 legs, but I failed big time, lol. Will also be adjusted before painting.
Cracked a lot at the top only, lucky for me that the top is a natural place for the used R2 to be dirty and heavily weathered.
The clear paint was added after the pictures, doesn't matter, wouldn't really have shown in the pictures anyways.
Still remains two shoulder details to be glued on, but just a minor thing.
Got an answer about the shipping today, didn't helped me much as there is an error on the website atm... I guess I have to wait for a few more days, but I guess it don't matter.
Isn't really much work left, in the weekend I will try to get all the remaining things done, like painting the bottom of the body + adjust it a bit and make a couple of small fixes on the shoulder hubs.
Primer + white spray paint + brush paint = don't.
Made two ankle details to fit my R2D2 legs, but I failed big time, lol. Will also be adjusted before painting.
Cracked a lot at the top only, lucky for me that the top is a natural place for the used R2 to be dirty and heavily weathered.
The clear paint was added after the pictures, doesn't matter, wouldn't really have shown in the pictures anyways.
Still remains two shoulder details to be glued on, but just a minor thing.
Got an answer about the shipping today, didn't helped me much as there is an error on the website atm... I guess I have to wait for a few more days, but I guess it don't matter.
NemesisCustoms
New Member
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
I had the same problem with my Star Destroyer display table. Search for MDF undercoat in your hardware store. These are quite expensive but still cheaper than 1000 layers of paint (-;
You will need a barrier layer otherwise the soaked paint in the MDF won't dry in hundred years
I had the same problem with my Star Destroyer display table. Search for MDF undercoat in your hardware store. These are quite expensive but still cheaper than 1000 layers of paint (-;
You will need a barrier layer otherwise the soaked paint in the MDF won't dry in hundred years
Amazing DJ
Well-Known Member
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
I like to use Kilz2 latex primer for everything. It soaks into MDF and makes a good base for further paint. Good to see your progress.
I like to use Kilz2 latex primer for everything. It soaks into MDF and makes a good base for further paint. Good to see your progress.
Archive&Future
Sr Member
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
Speaking of primer, a cheaper alternative is to paint all your MDF pieces with a 1:1 mix of PVA and water. It soaks in and makes it easily paintable, I usually give it about 2 or 3 coats of the PVA solution, then sand it smooth with a 150 grit before painting; works like a treat every time
Speaking of primer, a cheaper alternative is to paint all your MDF pieces with a 1:1 mix of PVA and water. It soaks in and makes it easily paintable, I usually give it about 2 or 3 coats of the PVA solution, then sand it smooth with a 150 grit before painting; works like a treat every time
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
Fantastic job Kevlarr, something Ive always wanted to try myself if I ever have the space for some kind of workshop, but living in a flat isnt compatible with hobbies like this!....Although I am very tempted to go to IKEA and get one of those lampshades and just make an R2 dome
Fantastic job Kevlarr, something Ive always wanted to try myself if I ever have the space for some kind of workshop, but living in a flat isnt compatible with hobbies like this!....Although I am very tempted to go to IKEA and get one of those lampshades and just make an R2 dome
Kevlarr
Active Member
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
Thanks for the ideas everyone! On the sides where it sucks the most paint it's really just one layer of ordinary paint (from a box) and it's fixed. The top was replaced with new paint. Just the white spray fixed it fairly easily, probably the previous paint had made the wood full.
Bobthesub, I don't got any kind of workshop. That's why I'm outside with a shabby and cheap workbench, lol
The dome I would rate as the second hardest part of the build, after the legs because of the work required. But I say go for it! The dome is like the R2-icon
HIPS are ordered, I want to get started on the dome. Just one problem, my tailor measurement ruler with inches hasn't arrived yet. Some day I will weld the top shut too.
When the HIPS arrive I can get the feet done and mount them to the legs, looking forward to it!
Thanks for the ideas everyone! On the sides where it sucks the most paint it's really just one layer of ordinary paint (from a box) and it's fixed. The top was replaced with new paint. Just the white spray fixed it fairly easily, probably the previous paint had made the wood full.
Bobthesub, I don't got any kind of workshop. That's why I'm outside with a shabby and cheap workbench, lol
The dome I would rate as the second hardest part of the build, after the legs because of the work required. But I say go for it! The dome is like the R2-icon
HIPS are ordered, I want to get started on the dome. Just one problem, my tailor measurement ruler with inches hasn't arrived yet. Some day I will weld the top shut too.
When the HIPS arrive I can get the feet done and mount them to the legs, looking forward to it!
Pippspriller
Well-Known Member
Re: 1:1 R2D2 homemade scratch build
Looks great!
Looks great!
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