Reusing Old Parts
 

Our robot from last year has a KOP piece of metal that was cut and could be cut and changed to make part of our robot for 2017. Is this legal according to the rule about not using things made before kickoff? Most of our team thinks we can, but just wanted some clarification that we can still use a basic piece.

Re: Reusing Old Parts
 

It would have to be recut but it still can be used because of what the blue box on pg 63 says, "Note that it is possible for an item (typically raw materials) to be neither COTS nor a FABRICATED ITEM. For example, a 20 ft. length of aluminum which has been cut into 5 ft. (~152 cm) pieces by the Team for storage or transport is neither COTS (it’s not in the state received from the VENDOR), nor a FABRICATED ITEM (the cuts were not made to advance the part towards its final form on the ROBOT)."

Re: Reusing Old Parts
 

While not strictly what the words of the rules say, the key question from an intent standpoint is "am I leveraging the work I did to the piece last year?" Using a deburred square cut from last year which is no different (or inferior) to the factory state at one end of the robot is OK, but miter cuts, cuts to a specific length (e.g. if you cut an 8" piece of end sheet last year and use that same piece as 8" long again), or having holes drilled would mean that you are using it as an item created pre-season, violating the build schedule rules (R13).

Re: Reusing Old Parts
 

If all it is is something like the end plate from the KOP chassis and it was just cut shorter, then it is within the rules. If you drilled out some holes or added new ones, then you can't use that part of the piece.

One question I have is: what if you drilled a hole last year, but you drill out that hole larger this year? Would it be legal because you aren't using the hole from last year or is it illegal because the old hole helped you find where to drill the new hole? I'm leaning towards the latter but I'm not sure.

Re: Reusing Old Parts
 

Have you considered asking this question on the official FIRST q&a. If you provide them all the info they need to know then you should get a definite sender on your question. Just add what you have done to the piece to the question such what you cut from it, hole that you've drilled if you did that, and pieces that you cut off to get it to fit somewhere if you used in on a prior robot.

Re: Reusing Old Parts
 

If you do choose to ask this on the Q&A, you will need to phrase it very carefully. Usually the more general the better for Q&A questions. Too many specifics and they will answer "we won't rule on the legality of specific designs". Maybe you can word it as "What modifications are considered legal that parts modified from strictly COTS can still be used during the build season?" And then possibly list a few examples. Even then, I don't think it is very likely you will get the response you are looking for.

Re: Reusing Old Parts
 

Thanks for the correction.