Digital Trends
Emerging Tech

Weekend Workshop: Embrace the Force with this full-size replica of BB-8

Rick Stella
By —

weekend workshop how to build bb 8 022716
Need something to keep you busy this weekend? Look no further. The Weekend Workshop is our weekly column where we showcase a badass DIY project that you can complete with minimal skills and expertise. We’ve dug through all the online tutorials on the Web, and gone the extra mile to pinpoint projects that are equal parts easy, affordable, and fun. So put on your work pants, grab your tool belt, and head to the garage — it’s time to start building!

As soon as Disney’s new BB-8 droid first graced the screen in the trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the robotic cast member instantly became a favorite among fans. Figuring out how its head mysteriously moved separately from its continuously rolling body almost became more pressing than plot updates. Nostalgic memorabilia collectors felt BB-8 represented this generation’s version of R2D2. BB-8 was like that brand new smartphone everybody was chomping at the bit to get their hands on; fans didn’t just want one, they needed one.

Weekend-Workshop-022716-
1truedrum/Instructables
directions posted to Instructables, Sheppard (or 1truedrum according to his username) comprehensively details all the materials, tools, or otherwise needed to put together your own prop droid. To help you get started, we’ve laid out the complete supply list required for construction. We also recommend printing off drawings of the design of BB-8’s body (similar to the above picture) and creating stencils to use while prepping for the painting steps. While cutting or drawing the designs by hand is an alternative, you’ll likely achieve a cleaner looking final product by using stencils. Here’s everything you’ll need before starting:

Tools:

Materials:

With the necessary tools and materials at the ready, it’s now time to start building your very own replica BB-8 droid. Just follow Sheppard’s comprehensive Instructables walkthrough, and before long you’ll be the proud owner of one of the most sought-after movie props in recent history. Happy building!

The full instructions on how to build the 1:1 replica BB-8 can be found here.

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