Welcome to my Blog, my name is Wes Thierry. I am a software engineer, and for the longest time as a kid I could only dream of building, or owning a full sized working R2-D2 droid from Star Wars. A few years back I came across a group on the internet called the R2Builders. They helped me figure out creative ways to go about making this dream a reality. To this day, I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for them.
I have since left the group because of my own personal reasons that we need not get into. I still respect them and what they do for new people wanting to get into the hobby though, I highly recommend them.
Ok, enough about that, now into what I intend to accomplish with this blog. The idea is to allow anyone to create an R2-D2 from the ground up, including electronics, RC control, and lights and sound. Sounds impossible, doesnt it? It is not. This can be accomplished by owning 1 tool. This tool is called a CNC machine. For those not familiar with a CNC machine, I recommend you Google it. The machine you have can vary, but for the R2D2 project you will need to own a machine that is capable of cutting at least 18 inches wide and 26 inches long. There are ways to use smaller machines in order to do these projects, but since my machine s big enough I will not be going into that.
If you like, feel free to email me anytime westhierry@gmail.com
Many of you probably will say “Well a CNC machine is expensive, I can not afford one” where I will counter that and say without a cnc you will be dependent on other people for your R2 parts. Once you gather all your parts, you would most likely have been able to afford a cnc machine.
While writing this blog, I plan on sharing the files needed to create an R2 unit. You will be able to create one from materials locally available at home stores like Lowes, and local plastics suppliers.
If you have a machine like I do, it is completely capable of machining aluminum parts, however once sanded and painted, I am not sure if its worth the effort and expense of the bits used to cut aluminum. This build will use basic materials, you can customize the materials you use to your preference.
Also a big welcome to all you coming from HACK-A-DAY. Amazing site, and I thank them big time for the article. I hope at least a few of you make your droid from some of the info you find here. Cheers!
The R2 D2 you see in the photo was entirely made by me, in my garage, with the exception of the Dome and the electronics, he is a combination of Wood, Styrene sheet plastic and MDF. So, lets get on with it. NEXT POST
Hi Wes
just found out about your work via vectric forum. Ain’t been there in awhile lots a work you know. I like it r2d2 that is , I’ll be watching. hope too help where i can see ya. papachuck
Hi,
I am looking for someone who would be interested in building a fully remote controlled R2D2. He would be a culmination of all the R2s from all the movies. All the proper lighting and sound and all the doors open with accessories. This would be the ultimate R2. Holo projector with Leias message. Able to choose different sound effects. 3 2 3 Transition , periscope,scanner etc.
This is for my hubby.
If interested contact me at ladyt1@email.com
T.
Congrats, you were featured on Hack-A-Day!
Your project looks awesome!
Thanks!
Great project Wes looks awesome..
This is really cool! Thank you for sharing!
This is awesome Wes! You are someting else!
Hi Wes,
My name is Kate and I am a technical recruiter for Intera Growth Partners. I came across your profile on Linkedin and was very impressed by your background at Nokia- and by your webpage! As a Star Wars fan myself I appreciate that there are talented people like you who can make the imaginary figures I grew up with a reality
I would like to take the time to speak to you about what opportunities would be compelling enough to secure your interest. Feel free to email me back at the address below so that we can discuss what kinds of opportunities you would want to be informed of.
Best,
Kate Nelson
Technical Recruiter
kate@interagrowthpartners.com
Wes this is amazing, you are very creative. I love R2d2 and the whole star wars series I wish I had my own R2D2 robot. Does it really making all the noises same as in it should? What about the lights? You should start to manufacture it for star wars enthusiasts. Just an idea
thanks for the compliment. I dont manufacture them, since its illegal, but there are groups on the net that make and sell parts. I occasionally will sell one or parts on Ebay, but not typically. It does have lights and the sounds. I am working on a new one that will be much more advanced than the one on this blog.
wes
Precisely what excellent data..Learn new things daily. Thanks for offering this.
What kind of CNC machine do you use? Do you sale the skins?
Thx
Jeff Terrell