Building an R2

[rlobrecht]

Our almost 17 year old son came in last night and said he wants parts and supplies to build a custom, full-sized, astromech for his birthday. Based on this Makezine article. (http://makezine.com/projects/building-your-first-r2/)

Looks like we're picking up a new hobby.

[Silver Serpent]

I wish your pocketbook the best of luck. I hear they're WAY more expensive than lightsabers. :)

[Zzan]

Good luck :)

You should check out the R2 Builder's Club (http://astromech.net/forums/).

You can download plans, talk to other builders etc. A lot like this site except all about R2 units :)

It's a fun but VERY expensive hobby :)

Also check out the BB-8 Builder's group (http://bb8builders.club/forum/forum.php).

[jbkuma]

My wallet has never been so glad that I live in a small Manhattan apartment.

[rlobrecht]

Thanks guys. I created an account on the R2 Builders site. I'm starting to do my homework on the costs, and it looks like I can buy a nice Genesis saber for what a static astromech body.

[PhoenixHawk]

Ahhh yeah...figure on spending around $2000 to $3000 on building a R2 unit that complex an detailed. ....good luck tho ;)

[Quixotic Jedi]

Plan on spending at least three grand for a basic styrene R2 with sound and radio control. Some of the more elaborate all aluminum builds cost over $15k and a few over $20k! Way more expensive than saber building. I'm doing my research to build a styrene R2 in the coming year, good luck with yours.

[rlobrecht]

I've started adding up the costs. $1200 or so for a styrene body, no electronics, no paint, no frills. Definitely an expensive hobby. Not sure where we will go with this.

Still cheaper than a Sideshow collectibles life sized figure (https://www.sideshowtoy.com/collectibles/star-wars-r2-d2-sideshow-collectibles-400277/).

[Quixotic Jedi]

$7,500 for something that doesn't even move under its own power, and runs on AA batteries? That's insane.

[hapki]

I just checked it out online. They offer a coupon for$15. Good grief.

[PhoenixHawk]

$7,500 for something that doesn't even move under its own power, and runs on AA batteries? That's insane.

LOL....well you could make a mini-version R2-D2 for a few $100 bucks by modifying a roomba. :P