Wanting to build an R2, where do I start?

[DocTony]

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.

 

[clonesix]

www.astromech.com

 

[GeneralFROSTY]

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.

 

[modeleers]

http://r2.robotbuilders.net/

 

[Qui-Gonzalez]

Doucher.com offers a full kit, though I think it is all resin and fiberglass parts.

I've edited this one. That is a banned member's site. The guy makes crap.

 

[Stefan Jones]

hm, actually its www.astromech.net , isnt it ?

 

[razorsharp192]

I've edited this one. That is a banned member's site. The guy makes crap.

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 pics

 

[kurtyboy]

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 :-\

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 pics

 

[Scapey]

I thought you had one?
Or are you wanting full Bell and Whistle-age?

 

[Bothan Jedi]

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

 

[kurtyboy]

I had a simple ABS one, Steve. But one day I'd like a full spec one to go with 3PO.

I thought you had one?
Or are you wanting full Bell and Whistle-age?

 

[droid wrangler]

Astromech.net and the R2builders club in yahoo groups are the most frequented and updated resources for building an astromech unit.

 

[xeno]

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 !

 

[wannab]

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

 

[wannab]

Yahoo groups

http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/r2builders/

http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/astromechs/


Doug

 

[DocTony]

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

 

[wannab]

Jag 5 frame

http://r2-r9.com/Gallery_Drawings_Frame V5.0.htm



Doug

 

[bleyd]

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. thumbsup:thumbsup

 

[ColeHorton]

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!

 

[knightdriver2001]

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.