Early Part Orders

As I mentioned in the previous post, Phase 1 (or Step 1 or Stage 1 or whatever) will be the inner framework, which I'll be building from scratch.  More details on that soon.  However, I'm also looking ahead to the Dome.

I'm just starting this project, but there are many other R2 builders deep into their own builds.  For the past couple of months, a part run (where a bunch of people get together and get a part custom-made) has been being organized for a dual-layer laser-cut aluminum dome, and there is now less than two weeks left before orders are closed and the laser gets to work.

http://www.300mmdome.com/

Time's running out, so it's decision time NOW.  This is as good as it gets; this dome will be custom-engineered to be as screen-accurate to the "real" R2 as humanly possible, including the beautiful shiny aluminum skin.  However, it's the most expensive option there's going to be for the dome.  It can be done for less using something like styrene, and styrene domes have been made that look just like aluminum.

I may end up regretting this decision later on when I look at the final cost of the project, but I'm biting the bullet and spending the money to join in on this run.  Yes, this is a lot more money than I was planning on spending so soon after starting this project.  Here's why I'm doing it:

• The Dome is an iconic part of R2, recognizable just by itself.  This isn't the place to scrimp.
• It's true that when this Dome arrives, there will still be a lot of work to be done with it; it is NOT a finished product.  However, at least a good chunk of the work IS done, thanks to the laser cutter... that's what I'm paying for.  Plus, I have the necessary skills and tools to do the rest of the work, so I don't have to learn how to work with, say, plastics.
• Plastics, again for example, have to be worked with and painted to look like aluminum.  Aluminum already looks like aluminum.
• If I DON'T go for this now, and later discover this WAS the best option, it'll be too late.  There's no telling when the next run of these highest-end domes will be.

Lee Valley 17-3/8" Lazy Susan Bearing

I also ordered one other part, but this one falls under the category of "finding a cheaper substitute".  When the dome eventually gets mounted to the frame, it needs to be able to turn/spin. This is done with a part called a "Rockler Bearing".  However, the manufacturer of the Dome above noted that a woodworking-tool manufacturer called "Lee Valley Tools" makes a mechanism for a Lazy Susan that just happens to be the perfect size to fit the dome, and yet costs a good deal less than the normal Rockler Bearing.  I went ahead and ordered one so that, as I make the inner framework from scratch, I can make 100% sure that the dome is going to fit perfectly on top long before the Dome ever arrives from the manufacturer.