Getting Started
From AstromechBuilder.com Wiki
[edit] Research
The first thing a beginning builder should concern themselves with is research. At the same time, this can also be most difficult. The temptation to just start building something is very strong. But good research and making some important decisions will keep a beginning builder from making costly mistakes down the road.
[edit] Getting Help
Hopefully, this site and accompanying galleries and blogs will be a great asset to new builders. However, there's no replacing the ability to ask questions of more experienced builders. Fortunately, when it comes to astromech building much of the difficult work has already been done. You can find help with your build at the R2 Builder's Group and the Astromechs Yahoo Groups. I hgihly suggest that you join both groups before doing anything else. Just reading posts will help you gain a knowledge needed in building your dream droid.
[edit] Parts Terminology
Before you start looking for parts you need to be calling them by the same name everyone else is using. Especially if you're looking for some of the similarly-named detail parts, you need to know the difference between a cylinder holder and cylinder wedge. See below for a break down of the different areas with pictures and descriptions.
