|  Buying rubber
or fiberglass legs is one way to get great-looking legs for your
Lost in Space robot. Making them yourself is a low-cost option if
you're able to work with wood and glue. I worked out the measurements
shown below for making 1/2" plywood frames to wrap with Armaflex
foam pipe insulation (the kind with a smooth surface). I
used the type made for 3/4" copper pipes. It has a 7/8"
I.D. and 3/8" wall. Online, South Side Control Supply sells
a variety of Armaflex products. Click
here for one good choice.
Using a strong adhesive, glue
the insulation around each frame, putting the joint either
in the back or to the inside of the legs. Keep the foam relaxed;
do not stretch it as you work it around
each frame. Stack up your frames and attach them to each other with
screws or bolts. You're aiming for an overall height of 14 to 15
inches. Cover the seam in the front and back with a strip of 3/16"
rubber hose slit in half. Then add the legs gasket using 5/32"
hose (click here for details).
Paint the legs with a light coat of charcoal
fabric paint or stain (available at auto parts stores).
To make the "donut" waist
ring, use this same method of attaching insulation to a 19"
circular frame. You'll paint this silver, but go easy on the paint,
as it has a tendency to crack when flexed.
The diagram below also
gives dimensions for the waistplate,
knee plates and knees (five 8" x 17" sections, 1"
tall each). Bob Greiner has some great documentation of how he used
my method to make legs for his robot, as well as a great how-to
for making knee hinges (click
here for his site).
If you feel you need templates to
cut out and more detailed instructions, I have
drawings available – click
here.
Back to the B9 Robot
Resources home page
|
