If you've always wanted to build your own R2-D2 or are just interested in what's involved in the process, I'm going to take you through my own R2 building journey.
In this R2-D2 DIY build introduction video, we'll cover the basics of an R2-D2 build such as how to get started, useful resources, etc. As this project progresses, I'll have links below to each part of the build.
I've decided to 3D print my R2-D2, but there are many ways & material choices to build your own Astromech R2-D2 droid.
There are also overlaps in every R2 build regardless of build type; so if you don't want to 3D print your R2, there will still be information you may find helpful. Control systems, electronics, sound systems and drive systems come to mind. These will all be covered later in the R2 build series, and as they become available, will be listed in the links below.
This will be my first R2-D2 build if you don't count my poor attempt decades ago in my early teens using a cheap RC car for the drive system, a 5 gallon pail for the body, 2x4's for the legs, and a salad bowl for the head. This one should hopefully turn out better :)
R2-D2 builds can range from affordable to astronomical. Some builds are well into the 5 figures - not mine! A 3D printed droid is perhaps one of the least expensive ways to go, while still giving good results, but it does take time. My budget for this 3D printed radio controlled R2-D2 build project is $1500 CND (about $1200 USD). We'll see by the end of the project if I was able to stay within that - might be hard with rising costs on almost everything right now.
Enjoy the R2 build series and hope it might give you a few ideas to help you with your own R2-D2 build project. Have fun!
Time Chapters:
0:00 Howdy Folks
3:21 R2-D2 build resources
5:27 Basic tools I'm using
10:33 Consumables
Making R2-D2 Video Series:
- Introduction to a DIY R2-D2 Build: https://youtu.be/hkkSagTsLXY
- Part 1 Making the dome: https://youtu.be/HaZ7ABkhwn8
- Part 2 Painting the dome: https://youtu.be/inoqE19ODUQ
- Part 3 Dome lights & holoprojectors: https://youtu.be/hDR9z1PAJSA
- Part 4 Dome Completion: https://youtu.be/PnjCrLlJtig
- Part 5 Body Assembly & dome drive: https://youtu.be/m6VXt6VGZ3c
- Part 6 R2 Sound System Basics: https://youtu.be/cZ3sVYs7T9I
- Part 7 R2 Electronic Basics: https://youtu.be/AmUuZH3UHXg
- Part 8 R2 Legs & Foot Drives: https://youtu.be/PLyOKD5oAyM
- Part 9 Painting R2-D2: https://youtu.be/E8h0l4rHvC4
- Part 10 Installing Electronics: https://youtu.be/bg_tN6HCYN4
- Conclusion to a DIY R2-D2 Build: https://youtu.be/sIpBA6UigTQ
Resources:
- Astromech R2 Builders Club Forum:
https://astromech.net/
- Mr. Baddeley's Patreon Page (source for Astromech Droid 3D print files, build instructions/hardware lists, sound files, etc.):
https://www.patreon.com/mrbaddeley
- Printed Droid Website File Download Page (Printed Droid Print Guide & many more good resources):
https://www.printed-droid.com/files/
Tools:
- 3D Printer used in this R2-D2 build - Sovol SV01:
https://amzn.to/3vzaU8q
- eSun PLA+ 1.75mm 3D filament I'm using:
https://amzn.to/3xPGFap
- DeWalt 1/4 Sheet Palm Sander:
https://amzn.to/31nB7HX
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!
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