Introduction: STEAMPUNK R2D2 Starwars Astromech
My dear followers, dear Steampunkers and makers around the globe
Since my childhood, and that’s quiet long ago, I love the small Astromech R2-D2 from the STARWARS movies. I think there are not many robots which are so popular like this cute little droid, and all the small and “big” children love R2-D2. Now I’m an old Steampunker and I still dreamed about this cure robot. In the past I often had the plan to build my own one, but I never did it! My cute three children changed that now! They asked me to build a STEAMPUNK R2-D2… and that’s what I did now!
My STEAMPUNK R2-D2 is fully functional and can be controlled with any WIFI device like a smartphone or a tablet computer. And for the special effect there is a built in soundmodule which plays sounds from a past future… steam pipes, phone bells, old songs, and so on…
With this Instructable I want to give you some ideas to build your own Astromech. No matter if it’s fully functional or just for decoration – R2-D2 is always an eye catcher!
Step 1: The Wooden Body
I started to make the wooden barrel for the body. First I planned to use a real barrel, but I didn't find one in the perfect size. So I had to build one from scrap wood.
To work in the right scale I used a small model from the astromech, which my children got some time ago from MAC DONALDS.
First I cutted out two round plates and sewed in openings, so that I could use the inside of the barrel for the battery or other components.
Then I cutted 32 pieces of wooden strips. After I arranged them on my workplace I fixed them together with tape, like a roller blind.
In a next step I glued the whole thing together.
To give the body an antique look I rolled it an a stone road - the easiest way to get all the cracks and scratchs in the wood...
Step 2: The Brass Dome
For the brass dome I searched more than half a year. Finally I found a confectionery bowle at a flea market for a few bucks.
The openings I cutted out with my small DREMEL and closed some of them with a fine brass mesh. After adding some details I mounted a small speaker for the sound module, which I planned to install later...
Step 3: The Legs With the Electric Drives
I had two nice electic drives from a broken robot vacuum cleaner. I mounted them in two chinese brass tea cups.
The main legs are made from simple copper tube. The side parts which are looking like some hydraulic brass cylinders are parts from an antique insecticide sprayer.
The bigger copper shoulders are cutted pieces from a watering can.
The third leg contains only a simple turning wheel without any mechanic.
After I finished the legs it was time to check the robot for the first time in an upright position!!
Step 4: The RC Components
To control the engines and the small MP3 sound module I used some RC components from HOBBYKING -www.hobbyking.com.
Because I planned to control the Astromech with my smart phone I used the WIFI receiver from HOBBYKING.
This device works with IOS and with ANRDOID and has 4 channels.
For the legs I used two simple speed controlers, like you use in RC cars. For the sound module a simple electronic switch.
Step 5: The Finish
STEAMPUNK machines life from the details. so I spent a lot of time to add old parts from sewing machines, from old radios and so on. There are so many ideas and components to work with. Use your creativity, because your creation will look really awesome and unique with clever added small details.
As I told you in the beginning: This INSTRUCTABLE is not a guide to build an exact copy of my STEAMPUNK R2D2. I hope I could give you new ideas how to build your own one. STEAMPUNK means "unique" - so be creative, search some fitting components and start your journey!!!
Check out the video too!
Happy Building!!!!!
Sincerely yours
Dan Aetherman aka The Chocolatist