Crate: build it or buy it
 

Do we have to build the shipping crate, or can we buy it from fedex or some other shipping company?

Re: Crate: build it or buy it
 

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.

Re: Crate: build it or buy it
 

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

Re: Crate: build it or buy it
 

we reuse ours every year, yes our crate fits all robots we build =P.

Re: Crate: build it or buy it
 

You should make a song called Build it or Buy it!

Re: Crate: build it or buy it
 

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 whitepaper.

Re: Crate: build it or buy it
 

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.

Re: Crate: build it or buy it
 

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.

Re: Crate: build it or buy it
 

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.

Re: Crate: build it or buy it
 

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 is a good starting place

Re: Crate: build it or buy it
 

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.

Re: Crate: build it or buy it
 

We are reusing our crate from last year...

Its was a foldable crate that could take up less room

Re: Crate: build it or buy it
 

Sorry to interrupt the discussion here, but let's focus on the OP's question:
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.