Robots, Rayguns, Garden Gnomes and Signs

[Dhaffner]

What do they all have in common? Well, they are all currently part of my latest project.
I started the robot before the Plymouth Walldog event, and have jumped back in now that I'm home after the 4th of July holiday.
I have wanted to make a robot for awhile, and designed several. Each version was designed to hold a sign. I had also been asked some time back if I could do a garden gnome sculpture and I just didn't have the time for the project, but thought a steampunk garden gnome would be fun..last but not least, I signed up to participate in a contest to "improve" a raygun made by WETA as part of their Dr. Grordbort product line. So many projects...so little time. Wait! What if I combined them all!
So- I'm working on a robot holding a sign in one hand and a lethal raygun in the other. He is controlled by a little garden gnome that will be visible from a port on front.
The project began with the body of the robot- which I decided to build from plywood. It's made of 20 triangles which make up a kind of "sphere".



Then I created an armature for the legs and arms. This armature will be covered with pieces of carved Azek material. First I built up some "mounts" for the legs out of 30lb. HDU.

[Dhaffner]

Today, I worked on the leg pieces- designed in illustrator, and then carved in my awesome CarveWright.



Once they were carved- I attached them to the legs.



Great fun! To top off my day, the kit from WETA arrived! It's the base "raygun" that I will take apart and upgrade as part of my robot build. It's a shame to take it apart as the raygun is gorgeous and large all by itself!


You can follow the build at my journal: www.haffnersigns.blogspot.com
Doug

[b.sumner47]

Great work. The gauges have a few years on them. Capt Barry

[Dhaffner]

I've been getting more done....there are some details inside and I finally began work on the pilot and his chair.
The chair is based on an old antique barber chair. Lots of fun!!!

[fwharris]

Looking awesome Doug! Good thing I scrolled down to the bottom, thought the barber chair was the bucket! LOL...

[jaroot]

You're a very talented guy! Love your stuff!

[mtylerfl]

Doug, you're just having too much fun, as usual! Seriously, though...great work!!

[b.sumner47]

Doug, WOW ! ! There are not enough words to go around . Just WOW !! Capt Barry

[LittleRedWoodshop]

ummmmmmmm ... I got nothin' - really Doug I'll second what Capt. Barry said.

[glassocean]

As always, very cool Doug! It reminds me of an illustrated art cover from a 20's-30's Amazing Science Fiction pulp. Can't wait to see more.