The Frame's Together But Not the Frame I'm Looking for...

Today, as one can see
via the photos, the frame came together. Really it was my first attempt at a frame so I was excited. It let me know that, yes, I can do it. On the other hand the frame together, clearly showed some of my measuring flaws and brought me to the realization that at least some of the frame I was going to cut again. Also, some of the plywood quality I used was older and weathers and thus split when I cut it. This weakened the stability of the frame. Core in this idea, and as someone from the Astromech dot net once said, the more time and care you take in cutting the frame, the better it will go together.

I don't have pictures of it, but I already began to map out the base, center ring, and top. This time I actually used to prints to establish the circle and marked out the slots from the get go. I have also decided that as each one is routered out, I will place the skins around them to make sure the are the right size. I have also decided that I will cut the notches and slots before cutting out the centers of the rings. The wood I am using is a stronger plywood and not as aged. This should also help.

I don't know if I will completely rebuild the frame, but I will at least start here. I might have to recut a few of the struts as well.

Cheers.

Scott

The Ankle Bone Connected to the Leg Bone...

So...progress continues and as I type this, I do actually feel we are making some headway. Yesterday, was spent marking the wood with the patterns from the R2D2 Builder's club. Today was spent cutting some of the supports out and notching them. Also cut out the center circle and notched it. You can see some of my progress in the attached photos.

I made a few mistakes; I think they will be recoverable. One of the notches went wider than I intended. Because I was trying to cut costs down, I used plywood that was aged and at parts weathered. Because of this, one part of the ring split as I was routing it. The ring is still whole; just a bit thinner at that point. I am gluing parts of the wood back on, and will reinforce it. I can always re-cut it if need be. Went out to Wal-Mart and picked up some wood glue and wood putty.

But it actually looks like the pictures of the frame I have been seeing. I began seeing how it all fit together while I was reading through M. Henrichs R2D2 frame Notes.

Anyway, my daughter and I had fun doing this today, though she finds it hard to see how this will eventually be R2D2.

Till next time, cheers.

Scott

The Cutting Continues....

Today, I trimmed the base and the cut the top and side supports. That was this afternoon. This evening I returned with my daughter who helped me cut the spokes and rib circles. Again these are basic cuts and the centers have not been carved out. Spokes have not been notched or cut down. also think I need to cut two small pieces yet for the frame. But progress none-the-less.

Scott

Traveling through hyperspace ain't like dusting crops, boy! - My attempt of cutting a base.

Well, I did start on the base today. It was a hugh learning curve. Bought two C-clamps from Lowes. Should have most of the tools I need. I think I can bum the rest off my dad. :-)

Huge....did I say huge? Huge learning curve today. If I ever routed anything it was 20 years ago in high school and I don't think I ever work with the circular tool attachment. Thought I could trust the measurements on it, but I couldn't.

Routed it twice and got close to an 18 inch diameter on one base. Took me a hour to accomplish. Again wasn't real sure what I was doing.

So tonight I brought the base piece I had cut out and measured it 18" across all over the place so I could see where I needs to shave off. Then I measured for the top as well. Hope to have pieces cut out by tomorrow.

Scott

Now Where Do We Start? Dome and Frames arrive.

So I arrived home from vacationing with my family in the mountains to find the aluminum skins I ordered and the Dome I ordered sitting on my front porch waiting for me.

I wanted to tear into them, but left them boxed as I helped unload our luggage. After supper, I unboxed the head and my sun shouted witrh glee, "It's R2D2's head!" He wanted to build it right away. Unfortunately for him there was no building that night, only unboxing the head and skins and carrying them out to the work area in the barn.

Looking at everything laid out is a bit overwhelming. Like "Now what?" I know tomorrow I am hoping to make at least a rudimentary attempt on the frame. We'll see how it goes. I have a ton of yard work, etc, I need to do as well.

Also need to pick up some clamps and perhaps a belt sander.

Scott

Cobbled Together From Discarded Scrap...and, Boy, Did I Make a Mistake?

Well, heading camping with my family and my extended family this weekend, so will be my last post till next week. The reality is I won't always post everyday anyway. I find I initially do a real good job at blogging and then I get distracted or something. I pledge to do better.

Today I went to Office Max and got the Senna Frame Prints (by M. Davis) printed out. The good thing was I got two copies for about $6.60 a piece, which seems like a good deal. The bad thing is I am uncertain if I can use them since the frame is measuring slightly under the 18" diameter I was told was needed. It could be a few things: the prints, though printed at full-size are measuring small, the measuring device I used at Office Max was off (such things do happen), or that the prints are right and are accounting for the skin. I am trying to find out from the forums at Astromech.net.

I then went to Home Depot to purchase a Roybi Router. I figured since I wasn't planning on doing much routing beyond my droid, that I didn't need something real expensive, not to mention that I already spend over a grand so far. I also looking for the Milescraft Router Guide which would allow me to rout a perfect circle. Home Depot did not have it, so I ended up going to Lowes, and they had both. So I picked them up, along with three bits. Total bill for those was $125.00.

I feel somewhat armed now and ready to tackle the frame next week, pending my plans are correct at least. Every thing is now waiting in my shop, and I am waiting on the parts I ordered.

So cheers for now.

Scott

C-3PO: I beg your pardon, but what do you mean, "naked?" [R2D2 beeps]

Haven't had time to do much more on the work area. I need to pick up some equipment to make the frame. I think that is my next step. And probably my next major purchase.

Actually, it was funny. Yesterday I finished blogging about what I did regarding my droid and I had just finished writing about purchasing an alluminum skin if one became available, and low and behold one did; it was still in the box none-the-less. Really there is not a lot more I can get without actually building the wood frame of the droid. So I grabbed it for around 230 bucks (that included shipping).

So now I need to closely examine the frame and figure my next course of action.

Cheers.

Scott