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View Full Version : Crate: build it or buy it

seawolf814
30-01-2008, 19:24
Do we have to build the shipping crate, or can we buy it from fedex or some other shipping company?
EricH
30-01-2008, 19:26
Do we have to build the shipping crate, or can we buy it from fedex or some other shipping company?I don't think they are commercially available, at least not at a discount. I'd just build it, unless you have an old one around.
nick1230
30-01-2008, 19:36
Its not that hard to build. Just needs a couple 4x8 shhets of plywood and some 2x4s. Rip the 2x4s in half to use as supports when two pieces of plywood (cut them to the right size first) come together at an angle so there is something to nail into
DarkFlame145
30-01-2008, 20:31
we reuse ours every year, yes our crate fits all robots we build =P.
GrammarNazi
30-01-2008, 20:36
You should make a song called Build it or Buy it!
lukevanoort
30-01-2008, 20:51
we reuse ours every year, yes our crate fits all robots we build =P.
We do that too, but I think ours has finally reached the end of its useful lifespan... the screw holes have "expanded" and there are some chips here and there. I believe we have been using this crate since at least 2004 (quite possibly since 2001, I just don't know for certain). Our new one this year (assuming we find the time to build it) is probably going to follow this (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/1923) whitepaper.
JackknifeJustin
30-01-2008, 20:56
Our Crate is Diamond Plate Aluminum with out numbers on lexan with diamond plate for the holes in the 8. Its pretty nice. But if i had to get a brand new one i would build it.
greendog99
30-01-2008, 21:40
Yeah our crate is really cool. Its daimond plated and the majority of the time we keep the game ball in there. (I really should post a picture of it). Anyways, it would probably be best if you built a custom one because you will be able to make sure it will be able to last your tem for a long time.
Blue_Mist
31-01-2008, 03:08
Crates are also fun props. In 2006 we managed to film a very short video of shipping our programming guy to Atlanta at the Davis competition. The team locked him in kicking and screaming, and then got a shot of him when we finally pry off the crate door, looking cool and dressed for Atlanta weather.
lynca
31-01-2008, 03:17
Our new one this year (assuming we find the time to build it) is probably going to follow this (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/1923) whitepaper.

Definitely try to follow a whitepaper or spend time designing a crate. If you don't plan your filled crate could exceed 400 pounds and cost more money.

As mentioned before , Crate 2.0 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/1923) is a good starting place
1086wulf
31-01-2008, 11:08
Building it is the way to go. wood is what we usually use but it does have the side effect of when you take it apart the screw holes widen and you need a new one like every year.
Durza16
31-01-2008, 11:13
We are reusing our crate from last year...

Its was a foldable crate that could take up less room
jgannon
31-01-2008, 11:19
Sorry to interrupt the discussion here, but let's focus on the OP's question:
Do we have to build the shipping crate, or can we buy it from fedex or some other shipping company?
The question requires consideration of legality and feasibility. To the best of my knowledge, there is no rule requiring you to build your own crate. I'm not readily finding any vendors for robot-sized crates, but if you can find one for sale, or if you can salvage one from a local company, it would be legal, and it would definitely save you some time.