a few people showed interest in my R2 unit and wanted me to start a build log. I did not have every step listed but I will do my best to keep it updated as I move forward.
I started off by purchasing a water jet cut dome for about $600 it came with the bearing system for the head movement but with out any gears or motors..
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I carefully cut out all the panels and sanded all the edges. most builders go for a brand new shiny R2D2 but I wanted a droid that looked like it has seen a lot of republic/rebel battles.
I found some blue metal flake paint at Micheal's I was able to run through my airbush the first attempt was just a color test I later sanded it back down to paint it with the flaking weathered paint job I wanted.
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once I decided the paint color was what I wanted I needed to repaint all the pieces with the masking for weather and paint chips I also used a Matte clear coat to give the paint a dull old look. I found it easier to paint the pieces if I hot glue a Popsicle stick to the back.
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As you can see I also purchased the Aluminum Radar eye for $130 and painted that as well.
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at this point in the build I was in need of a Radar lens since these cannot be purchased I decided to make one I found at Hobby Lobby had plastic Christmas ornaments that where two half spheres that you could put a photo in. I took one half cut it to size and painted the inside black.
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