R2-D2 Build Your Own - Getting started, Resources & Basic Tools

If you've always wanted to build your own R2-D2 or are just interested in what's involved in the process, I'm going to take you through my own R2 building journey.

In this R2-D2 DIY build introduction video, we'll cover the basics of an R2-D2 build such as how to get started, useful resources, etc. As this project progresses, I'll have links below to each part of the build.

I've decided to 3D print my R2-D2, but there are many ways & material choices to build your own Astromech R2-D2 droid.

There are also overlaps in every R2 build regardless of build type; so if you don't want to 3D print your R2, there will still be information you may find helpful. Control systems, electronics, sound systems and drive systems come to mind. These will all be covered later in the R2 build series, and as they become available, will be listed in the links below.

This will be my first R2-D2 build if you don't count my poor attempt decades ago in my early teens using a cheap RC car for the drive system, a 5 gallon pail for the body, 2x4's for the legs, and a salad bowl for the head. This one should hopefully turn out better :)

R2-D2 builds can range from affordable to astronomical. Some builds are well into the 5 figures - not mine! A 3D printed droid is perhaps one of the least expensive ways to go, while still giving good results, but it does take time. My budget for this 3D printed radio controlled R2-D2 build project is $1500 CND (about $1200 USD). We'll see by the end of the project if I was able to stay within that - might be hard with rising costs on almost everything right now.

Enjoy the R2 build series and hope it might give you a few ideas to help you with your own R2-D2 build project. Have fun!

Time Chapters:
0:00 Howdy Folks
3:21 R2-D2 build resources
5:27 Basic tools I'm using
10:33 Consumables

Making R2-D2 Video Series:

Resources:
- Astromech R2 Builders Club Forum:
- Mr. Baddeley's Patreon Page (source for Astromech Droid 3D print files, build instructions/hardware lists, sound files, etc.):
- Printed Droid Website File Download Page (Printed Droid Print Guide & many more good resources):

Tools:
- 3D Printer used in this R2-D2 build - Sovol SV01:
- eSun PLA+ 1.75mm 3D filament I'm using:
- DeWalt 1/4 Sheet Palm Sander:

DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!

[BenjoReacts]

Thank you for doing this series. You gave me the courage to start this project. Probably will be watching your series hundreds of time during my build. Again, thank you.

[Halftrip]

I went to a couple of Comic-Cons recently and saw many R2s, which have given me the bug. I’ve got a 3D printer, so that gave me the other thought. Now with you videos, I think I might actually be able to do it. Thanks!

[theSilentCutter]

i am jumping in on this project!!!! just bought a bambu ps1 i have ZERO 3d printing experience aint nothing to it -but to do it!!! that dome looks amazing this is the way!

[DarthJarJar]

The website is very complicated. You dumbed it down for me. And that, I appreciate. Thanks. I’m only 15 and I will start

[nickwright]

Inspired by your videos John I started my build today. Looking forward to the challenge!

[bstotty]

Thankyou for taking the time to create this series. I have just started my own build & this series has helped calm my nerves.
Looking forward to following your build.

[darrenbell]

Just found your channel. Terrific information that is clear and helpful. I'm planning on an R2 build in 2026, so I'm absorbing as much info as possible before then. I've used a resin printer but this will be my first FDM project. :)

[nevilenobody]

Hi John, Just wanted to drop by to say many thanks for the great build series. It's been of immense help and really should be recommended viewing for anyone wanting to go down the same route. I was originally planning to print the v2 body but it seems that the MkIII is more rigid with less parts to try and fit.

[shawnwilson]

Hey John! just started my own R2 unit, love your detailed videos, your definitely my inspiration to tackle this project! best

[rocktrader]

Super cool, looking forward to the unfolding of the project.

[canadianrcpilot]

LOL Love the Star Wars saga’s . Very nice 👍

[thomasraven]

This is super helpful. Thank you for taking the time to create these videos!

[Futuresolidsnake]

Really awesome project, I love R2D2. I’m looking forward to seeing the whole series! Thanks for sharing your work! 👍🏻😃👍🏻

[gtarson]

Hi John, Love this series. Thanks so much for taking the time to create this series. Lots of great information and demystification on doing this project. I am following you in guiding me on this project of attempting my first R2. Did you sand each section of the main dome separately or did you begin your sanding after glueing? Also, can you forward a direct link to the assembled lighting system? I can only find the components but not the assembled version. Much thanks and gratitude.

[TheRealStructurer]

Will follow your channel and how this project develops. Nice to the the Eagle from Space 1999 in the background 👍🏼 You have good taste 😁

[jaimelee]

I just want to thank you in advance for your clear instructions, the honesty, your links to items required and suggestions for issues along the way.

I've watched your process and cannot ... I mean... CANNOT wait to get started!

Was considering different materials, cutting plastic or wood (aluminium is far too expensive for me) but this... this is fantastic!

First time I saw an R2-D2 - a family friend had built an aluminium one - I cried like a star-struck fan girl. Felt like I met my idol.

I am, however, concerned about all the wiring as I'm electronically dense.

So again - thank you! I'm sure I'll pull my hair out and get some extra gray hairs, but this is a worthy project and I'm going to make the most of it.

[ScottyD]

Is there a material list for how many rolls of filament are needed for each part?

[scottc]

Hi John, Absolutely a fantastic series and congrats on finishing R2D2, looks awesome. I have never been a huge Star Wars fan but I like to build things so when this video series came up in my Youtube feed I was inspired to start researching so I can begin my build, so a Big Thankyou.
Just have a couple of questions, I will also go with the Sovol SV01, did you do any upgrades to it and also when you said you used the MkIII cut files, were they the "MKIII Custom cut for PRUSA" or the "CutBody (Leon de Graaff)"?
Thankyou once again. Scott.

[bluenose]

Hi John. I am about to do final testing of my sovol sv01 and start printing. I am following the baddeley instructions as you did. What slicer did you use and if you still have them what settings did you use? Do you have the configuration files still?

[charlizeagnew]

Hey, how do i get the SLT files for the 3D printing. I am subscribed to his patreon, is it the dollar one or do i need to upgrade it.?