Re: Welding?
 

We had welded chassis for 2005 and 2006. Last year we machined one and bolted it togther, much better IMO. We're doing the same this year. We don't have the resources to weld ourselves, so it needs to be sent out to one of our sponsors. Needless to say this takes up time and miscommunications could happen along the way. Plus like other people said a broken weld could be game over for your robot. Bolting things together might not be as strong, but if you break a bolt or something, you can just put another one in.

Plus we try to have as much, if not all, work done by us in our shop(s). It just gives us complete control of what gets done with the robot. We all have communication with each other during the build process incase we need to make last minute changes for whatever reason.

Re: Welding?
 

Indeed it is, it's a great way to lighten a bot, since you can remove all of the bolts and nuts. If you have any questions on welding hit me up. I'm team 145's welder.

I would like to dispell some myths about welding. Yes, welding can ruin your frame if you give it too much heat. By causing it to warp or bend. This is not a huge problem if you know what your doing, but you will get some warpage, but it can be fixed. I have never a good weld break on me. Most of the time the metal will break before then weld will. I have had only had 2 small welds break, they where cold, weak welds. TIG welding can be slow and frustrating, but it's a great way to build a robot. NO, you do not need to be a pro welder, while I am and experienced welder and have taken classes at school, I am not certified or anything.