Gonk!, Gonk!, Weekend!

So you decided to start building your first droid but you don’t know where to start. Have no fear!!! Here’s a little project that can be done in a couple of weekends. One of the best things about this build is you can really get creative. It is a great project for those who are getting started into building droids because the skills that are required are the basis for a larger build like an astromech. So let’s go over what it takes. The Materials

Here is a list of the basic materials that are used for this build...

Storage bins- anything can be used but if you are looking to build a regular 2legged GNK the overall look should be squareish (if that’s a word). I tend to look for something industrial looking and when I stack two of them together it should be as tall as it is long. If you are looking at a 4legged GNK the appearance should be more rectangular. Cake pans- these are used to make the face of the droid and any other recessed panel. Use different size pans to create an interesting look. Some builders use them for the feet as well.

Legs- I will not get into “how to“ for this part but there are a few options here ...

Wood- some use 2x4’s to attach the body to the feet

PVC- pvc pipe is a great choice as well

but I wouldn’t go any smaller then 2” so it has good support

Black corrugated ADS- this is used to give that spring look the legs have and hides the leg supports

Flexible Exhaust/Dryer pipe- is another option that can be used to hide the leg supports.

Feet- as mentioned above cake pans can be used but I’ve seen others use wood, plastic bolt bins and 3d printed feet. But just about anything boxy looking would be ok. You can always add details to the feet to give it a more robotic look.

Now that we have covered the basic stuff the rest of it is really up to you ....this is where you get creative, have fun and use your... Imagination....

Creativity- Really anything can be used hoses, containers, plastic bits and bobs, wires, old computer parts, flashlight lens, camera lens.......the list goes on and on and is only limitations is your creativity. If you have a 3D printer the possibilities are endless. Just remember GNK‘s are basically walking batteries and should look heavy and clunky.

Paint- ok this can be one of the hardest parts of this build because not all paint sticks to plastic and not all plastic is the same. So before painting make sure the plastic your painting will accept and hold the paint, does it need to be primed first , should it be sanded first, if you plan on painting and spraying clear coat over it don’t mix brands ,some clears will react to other brand paint. Read the cans make sure it is for plastic before trying. There is plenty info on Google about painting plastic and when in doubt ask.

Electronics-(disclaimer...I’m NOT an electrician or electronic engineer please contact someone qualified before attempting electrical connections) ....so installing lights and sounds is critical for making your new droid come alive.

LED’s- lights installed in the GNK makes it look as it is running. It only requires a simple circuit and small batteries. An Arduino can be used to make the light blink and create light patterns. Sounds- a simple search on YouTube and you should be able to find the “GONK,GONK!” sounds that could be played through a small Bluetooth speaker.

Tools- I saved this for last but the majority of everything mentioned can be done with some simple hand tools......drill, screwdrivers, razor knife, glue, screws, drill bits....but some specialty tools can be used to make things easier.....

So now you have the basic knowledge to build your very own Gonk Droid. If you have questions about the build or just want to get more involved contact us and we would be glad to help. “Happy Building!!”