R2-D2

After cutting out the front logics with good results, it was time to repeat the process with the rear logic display.

Having carefully marked where to cut, it was time to put my trusty dremel to use..

Cutting aluminum really eats down on these cutting discs… Good thing it’s really easy and quick to replace them.

Two cuts down, two to go..

Ta-daa!

A little bit of filing, then time for a test fit… and it fits great!

While being in the process of cutting, I decided to cut out the mystery panel form the dome.

Even though this is now cut out, until I actually make something of it, I can hide the cuts and glue the piece in place behind the frame with melt glue or something. I’ve got plans, but we’ll se how they go…

Next up, was to cut out the circular hole for the front Holoprojector. I have postponed this as it is scary, as it is part of R2’s “face” ..

I started with finding the middle of the hole, and then drilling a small guide hole.

Not a bad start, but the hole needs to be slightly larger, I think..

So, mounting my hole drill, I started the process of cutting. This is not meant to drill the full hole, but merely a groove that I can use later on.

Groove done!

Now it’s time to bring out the dremel again, and cut open inside the material that is about to be removed.

Next step: Pushing the pie pieces inside, and then start removing them one by one by bending back and forth. Not very difficult.

However, for a second there, I found the evil side of R2…

Is that the death star eye, or R2 ? 😮

Hole pieces broken off, edges filed and sanded. Looks pretty round to me!

Looks like it will fit the holo projector holder as well! =)

This needs to be investigated further…

First time with electronics activated and all logic displays and front holo projector in action! *wieeeeee*

Only one final thing… Here’s a picture of a test with the mystery panel. I took a piece of plexiglass, sanded it lightly, and placed a piece of see-thru mylar on the back. The mylar is not stretched enough, as you can see in the picture, but it was only a test anyway.

I placed the front PSI behind the mylar, just to try it out… and with a diffuser and a light box, this can do very well!

If you prefer moving pictures, check out this video…

The time I’ve dreaded for so long was finally upon me.

There is no way back.

I need to cut open more of my dome in order to finish off my droid.

Today, the time came for the Front Logic Displays to be cut out!

As you may have seen on older pictures, these were already marked out on my inner dome:

Said and done, armed with my brand new dremel (an original one, not a cheap knockoff anymore…), I started cutting open the inner dome for the front logics.

It took a little while, but working slowly, the results were pretty good. After cutting them out, I test fitted the aluminum Logic Surrounds, and filed away until they had a nice fit.

Once that is done, it is time to add the logic surrounds..

This is a test fit with the outer panel in place as well, to make sure everything is in place.

I simply had to test with the outer dome in place, and this dome is not joined, so it is not in exact position, but I had to take a look.. So, I added the front logic displays and put the lid on…

Lights on..

Blinky lights… so .. pretty..

Glow in the dark R2 … =)

The lights are leaking out through the unpainted skins where the styrene is thin… and .. well.. considering I have no vents installed, there are a few holes as well =)

Tomorrow, It’ll be the rear logic display. Then it’s “only” 4 holes for the holo projectors and PSI’s ..

Hey! =)

I sanded off my second foot shell today, and cut holes for the motor and drilled holes for the cables and nuts.

Second battery box has half the skin glued on and will be done tomorrow.

Didn’t have much time to do anything useful today, but I mounted the legs onto my droid after the second foot was done, and it is really starting to look decent.

Most of the time today went to cleaning up my small office, now that the major part of construction is finished..

I had to take it out for a spin in the living room again… this is such a fun build! =)

Next steps are priming and painting, but that will have to wait until I’ve cut holes in my dome!

I’ve got electronics to mount! =)