Smoothing Out the Rockler Bearing.

I noticed that the ring was very stiff and hard to turn. I read over at astromech.net that many peoplehad  replaced the metal ball bearings with acetyl bearings. I figured I'd give this a shot. 

First i separated the two rings and removed the bearings. Next i started cleaning with acetone and i noticed it was painted with some really cheap silver paint. I removed it all with acetone and break cleaner. 

Next i used a dremel to buff and clean out the races. I just used one of those little white buffing dremel  tools. 

After that i put it all back together and put the acetyl bearings in. Note: don't fill it completely up with bearings. Leave about 2 inches of space where there are no bearings or it will bind. Once i had it closed up, i did a spin test and this is about 1000% better no kidding. 

Link to a video below....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/94250813@N02/8882985213/

Dome Ring

Counter sinking the holes on the aluminum dome ring. This mounts to the plastic dome ring.

Test fit to ensure the screws seat fully.

Rockler Bearing

Preparing the bearing so R2 can spin his head.

Here I'm slightly expanding the some of the mounting holes. 

Next cutting some countersinks so the mounting hardware will sit flush.

Test fit to check countersink depth

Domes HERE!

A couple years ago I got the itch to build an R2.  I put it off for a while and about 6 months ago  I figured the first part i should start sourcing was the dome. After months of waiting I got the hand spun, laser cut dome from Daren Murrer. 

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