Astromech Build

Frame Completion Getting Closer

2008-11-03T13:42:00.005-06:00

I had the shoulder mounting plates re-cut last week. This time around there were NO problems with the dimentions. Also had the vertical UAC rails re-cut, this time I had the mounting holes drill on the router so that I wouldn't botch those pieces again.
Purchased 12' of ¾" round rod to have the riser rods machined.

Maker Faire

2008-10-18T20:17:00.007-05:00

This weekend was Maker Faire in Austin. This was the 2nd year it has been in Austin. It was great day weather wise and I took a very leisurely drive up. There were some very cool gadgets there, but I was hoping for a little more in robotics. They did have battle bots and that was very cool.

Also in attendance were a couple of builders from the R2 builders club. I didn't spend any time discussing droids since I wanted to take in the rest of the faire. I did ask if they would be in Plano for the upcoming Star Wars Days II the weekend of October 25th and they said they would. So I plan to pick their brains then. Here is a quick video of one of the astromechs. (Note the new Com 8 frame)

Slow progress

2008-10-18T20:06:00.006-05:00

I attempted to have the shoulder mount plates cut this past week and things didn't go well. We some how altered the dimensions and ended up with two different sized plates. I will; of course, have these re cut sometime soon.
That isn't only thing that went wrong. While I was waiting for those, I attempted to drill and tap the holes in the UAC vertical rails and botched that. Those too will be re cut.

Vent Frame

2008-09-29T16:12:00.003-05:00

I had the vent frame cut today. Still need to drill and tap the #4-40 holes, but things are coming along nicely.

More frame parts

2008-09-24T20:04:00.000-05:00

I had the utility arm carrier horizontal & vertical rails cut today. At the moment they are unfinished. Drilling and tapping are still needed. Pix coming soon.

First parts made.

2008-09-19T13:44:00.000-05:00

Well after many years of lurking around the R2 Builders club. I decided now was the time to start making my own astromech droid. Fortunately I have the ability to have some of the parts made at work, since we have a 3D router that we use to cut custom and fabricated letters, logos and signs.

I decided the first thing I should do was to make the frame and work out from there. So with the help of my work peers I had the three rings of the frame cut using JAG 5.0 drawings.

I know this will be a very long process, but I will post my progress when possible.