Re: Questions about 80/20
 

1073 has used an 80/20 chassis for at least 5 years, mostly for the speed of assembly, and ability to add on and adjust brackets & structure as we go. It's great to have on hand to prototpye other mechanisms because you can put something together in a day. Unfortunately we often run out of time, and the heavy prototype sometime remains on the competition robot.

I recommend that you:
- estimate the material list and place an order in December
If you wait until design is finalized, you will waste time waiting for delivery (send me a message if you want to see our typical order list)
- don't forget to ask for discount from your local distributor
- order a variety of fastener types.
3382 single plates
3280 double plates
3376 drop ins (expensive, but worth it so you don't have to disassemble the frame to add a new bracket
3381 butterfly
you don't need to use their machine screws, but it can be convenient
- make sure to get good, clean 90 degree cuts - we use a chop saw with a small diameter metal cutting blade, or do a rough cut with a band saw and face the ends on the mill.
- brace corners and tighten regularly during competitions, or things will slip

Re: Questions about 80/20
 

1073 has used an 80/20 chassis for at least 5 years, mostly for the speed of assembly, and ability to add on and adjust brackets & structure as we go. It's great to have on hand to prototpye other mechanisms because you can put something together in a day. Unfortunately we sometimes run out of time, and the heavy prototype remains on the competition robot.

I recommend that you:
- estimate your material list and place an order in December
If you wait until design is finalized, you will waste time waiting for delivery (send me a message if you want to see our typical order list)
- don't forget to ask for discounts from your local distributor
- order a variety of fastener types, and get lots of spares
3382 single plates
3280 double plates
3376 roll ins (expensive, but worth it so you don't have to disassemble the frame to add a new bracket
3381 butterfly
Variety of machine screws
- make sure to get good, clean 90 degree cuts - we use a chop saw with a small diameter metal cutting blade, or do a rough cut with a band saw and face the ends on the mill.

Re: Questions about 80/20
 

Just wanted to throw in that 80/20 is cheap, relatively speaking.
The hardware, however, isn't, so:
1. Use your hardware wisely
2. Don't cheap out and make your own ghetto hardware, the end result doesn't tend to be as pretty and effective


*Our team has been using 80/20 for two years now, going onto its 3rd*

Re: Questions about 80/20
 

80/20 is invaluable for prototyping, we use it for this purpose every year. An investment in connectors will last many years they can be used over and over.

It is also great for adding late modifications to your robot. Every year at least a little bit finds it way onto our competition robot.