My Home Looks Like a Paint Store!

Today has been full of sanding on the styrene dome. For some reason, a few of these domes have a warped center ring around the dome....lots of sanding and some filling I guess is the solution...but I haven't gotten there yet. While I'm sure the price is just right for some, I opted for the styrene as it was my only option but I do see an aluminum dome in my future.



I've been collecting paint almost every time I'm out, I pretty much have everything I need now. The only paint I'm missing is the aluminum paint for the dome but it's on order and should be here at the end of the week. Between the blue, purple, plastic and metal primers, clear coat, white, black, it looks like I should open up a paint store around here!

I was looking forward to putting some primer on a few of the parts today but family came first as we were all off. It was nice to get out of the house and spend the day having fun with the wife and kids. I hope you all had a great day today!

More Parts and Stuff...

Okay, to start things off, I thought I'd share another photo from Maker Faire this past weekend. It is always so motivating to my build to see the reaction that kids have with R2. I can't wait!

So, more parts are coming in but not a lot of time to do anything with them until I'm on vacation. I'm really excited to be able to have found a set of aluminum skins from Chris James and have them loosely around R2 like he's lost weight!

I'm waiting on some resin parts for the dome to get here so that I can get the dome painting done in one weekend. I've ordered the dome motor and the atomic pickle dome drive. I'm also in the for the run for JAG's foot motor drives, the J.E.D.I. display, and the J.E.D.I. controller, have my doubts after looking into it but we'll see with time what route I actually go down.

I'll probably be painting my battery boxes and shoulders tomorrow and will probably glue up the frame now that I have the skins next week.

Still lots of planning but to see R2 with his dome, frame, and skins - he's looking better and better.

I'm also spread all over the house and need to clear out the workshop for some true R2 dedicated space. Once I do this I'll probably be better at taking some progress photos for you all.

Maker Faire 2010

Didn't get much building done this weekend, okay...nothing but spent a few days with the Bay Area members at Maker Faire in San Mateo. We had a blast and drew in a great and steady crowd throughout the two day event. I'm including a few photos and there is a video that is coming from the panel that was done. Also check out Chris' blog at www.artoo-detoo.net or Matt's blog at www.buildr2d2.blogspot.com

So, here's the gang that attended the event...what a great group of guys. From left to right - Steve, Gerard, Johnathan, Chris, Matt, and Grant

Our group picture started to really get a crowd so we called out for the kids to hop in for the photo too - way too fun!

Chris speaking after the panel

Matt headed the panel with a great presentation

We were a hit!

Tammy and Chris relaxing

Steve working the crowd

Steve's R2 with a very neat color changing paint, it's blue..oh..red...uh..purple...you get the idea.

Chris

Chris giving away the secrets

crowds were steady

Matt was great with the kids and loved making R2 talk and looking down into the body

control...yeah right - R2 still manages to do what he wants every now and then

This little guy brought his R2 toy to show the "real" R2-D2

Ah...the Tesla Coil. While it was amazing...my ears will never be the same. Thanks everyone for (not) telling me to bring ear protection.

R2! No bad motivator here!

As still so new to building, it was a great time to ask questions and get up close to many different r2's.

R2-D2, just is case you didn't know.

Love seeing the great family memories being made

Gerard...what a guy! Fun conversations, and great at the controls.

wonderment!

Chris' controller did take a spill but not all was lost and the problem was fixed...thanks Matt.

Problem solving

R2!

Chris made an addition to the sign pole

more R2