I R2 building a robot.

[Doug Haffner]

I thought it was time to force myself to learn some techniques I haven't used on my ShopBot. I have always wanted a little shop helper, too...so I found some plans on the internet and joined a couple groups to begin work on building my own little R2D2 droid.

I'm planning on leaving this one static, so I won't be adding motors and remote control ability or anything. He'll light up and beep, though.

Thus far, it's 100% cnc, including the frame, 3d parts...all of it.

I have pulled most of the 3D parts from a very good sketchup model.

I began with some vectors to cut out the leg shapes:



I also started carving some 3D parts for the legs.



Sometimes, to test how something would work or carve, I've run a test in pink foam. Once I know it's ok- I carve it in scrap HDU (I own a sign shop) or pvc or wood.

[Doug Haffner]

Next up:
I built a frame from wood for the body. The plans for that frame came from a the R2 builder's club...a guy named Mike Senna created them, but I had to vectorize those plans to use on the Bot.



The body is wrapped in pvc "skins". There is an inner skin and outer skin. Here is a picture of the inner skin on front. It was done in 1mm pvc.

[Doug Haffner]

Over the weekend, I attached all 4 skins, and carved up several more parts in 3D. You can see that I have several brands of HDU in different sizes. I'm using scrap and keeping my cost very low on this fella.





Now I'll finish the 3D parts for the body (just a few to go) and then start work on the triangular feet. All in all, it's gone pretty smooth. I work on it a little bit each day between jobs.

[gene]

That is too cool . how long has it taken so far? cant wait to see it completed

[chiloquinruss]

That is so cool! I can't wait to see the final poduct. What a great sample to have in your office to show customers 'it ain't just wood'! Great job and thanks for the photo essay. I appreciate your work as I have TRIED to use 1mm sintra and I just can't get it to work for me, so 3mm and 6mm is what works. This month I am working on my vacuum system so when done I will try again with the 1mm stuff. Great thread thanks. Russ

[myxpykalix]

Doug,
That is as nicely crafted as any cabinet i've seen guys build on here
My question is....do you have any kids? because i can see you might have enough room for an average 6 year old to fit inside!

good job

[Doug Haffner]

Thanks!
I have been surprised at how fast it has gone. I've been working on it just under a week...not full time. A piece here and there. I think it's going to slow a little once I get to the dome...but we'll see.

My 10 year old won't fit in it, but she has told me that I better keep it once it's done. I'm kind of notorious for giving away projects, and she wanted to be sure this one stays here.

[Bob Eustace]

Absolutely brilliant project Doug. Look forward to seeing it finished.

[Brian Harnett]

Really nice, make sure to keep posting.

[Ajcoholic]

That is very cool! Lots of complex parts from the looks of things...

AJC