Dome work begins - gulp!

At long last after having the domes in the garage and inspired by the Builders meet last week, I have finally taken the plunge and started cutting the dome.

It took about 4 attempts to get the angles right for the pie panels but eventually they were all marked up. They were marked by a circle cutter for the smaller radii, and the metal circle cutter for the large radii of hte panels. With these marked in ink and re-scored so it was easier to see a 3mm hole was made in each corner. I know R2-D2 has sharp coners but I'm making ours a bit different with smooth corners.

No turning back now!!

The dremel was used on the first panel with a little success - to be honest it was a pain on the neck.
So one the second panel using a 2.5mm drill, I drilled between the shut lines. The dremel was then used to cut through some of the smaller holes. Enough to get a hacksaw in and then saw away. That was so much easier, except the drill battery was dying.

That' better1

So with only 2 panels cut out, I retired indoors whilst the batteries charge up ready for after work tomorrow!!!

Must try harder...

Must try harder to build in the evenings
Must try harder to build in the evenings
Must try harder to build in the evenings....

To be honest, I find it hard to go in the DMW to carry on the build in the evenings which means not a lot of time at the weekends to build by the time I've done family time.

But I have been doing a few bits.

R2-ST had an appearance at Skye's school to show her class. The skins were strapped on and a dome on top. I even got the CBI and Dataport lights working for effect. On the way out, beckoned by another teacher and different questions from the children and an emphasis on always learning and problem solving. Just moving to the van and another teacher wanted a visit as they were talking about space. This extended into another 2 classes joining in!!!!

A few more bits arrived to do the slip ring connections and the holo projectors. And more importantly some parts to get some sounds. I have a 12 channel remote relay board which can remotely activate one of 12 sounds.
So tonight, I went out there for an hour and got the relay board wired up to an MP3 trigger board and IT WORKS.

Hurrah! Now its a case of putting R2 back together ready for its first UK Builders meet on Saturday where hopefully R2 will stay in one piece and it could be inspiring to get some ideas from the other builders.