R2LA Build Day

Today Mike hosted an R2LA build day, but before I headed out for that, I sprayed some primer on the second outer foot shell that I've been working on. Still a few more imperfections to iron out, but it's getting there, slowly but surely.



Next, it was over to Mike's where he showed off his newest mystery project. (I already knew what this was.)



My objective was to cut the center channel for the drivetrain for the outer foot shells, and work on the wooden center foot. Mike cut the top off of the center channel piece for me on the table saw.



I cut the angles on the miter saw.




Of course, I goofed on the second center channel, and I was left without enough material to finish the pair. Oh well, I'll get some more aluminum and try again another time.

In the meantime, I had built a wooden center foot for droid #1 that I never used, because it the center channel on it was flawed. Mike explained to me that I could salvage it by gluing a couple of strips on top. This area is not structural, so it need not be overly sturdy. It just needs to hold.

I measured, marked and cut some scrap plywood strips.




A test fit looks good.



Time to glue it up and clamp it down.




In the meantime, the build day was buzzing with activity.



Mike cloned his wooden leg templates for Randy Eubanks, all the while ensuring that his beer was free of dust.



Ed Perello had his very impressive dome on display. It's clear a lot of time and effort has gone into painting and polishing this dome.



Three separate wooden frames were glued up.




A little dome work was mixed in as well.



And yes, there was a little down time too.



All in all, a fun and productive day.