Thread: NEW TEAM NEEDS
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Unread 29-11-2011, 20:34
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Re: NEW TEAM NEEDS

Tools.

Hand tools like screwdrivers (get 3 sets), wrenches (2 sets), a socket set, hacksaws, files, lots of pliers (including a cutter for #6 copper wire), aviation shears, center punches, hammers, and so on. Anyone who is handy at home will imagine what you need. If money is tight - and where isn't it? - order all that from harbor Freight to start out, then replace stuff that fails with better stuff later. Oh, and a tool box or three. Pop-rivet gun and rivets.

Chain. #35 chain, along with lots of master links, half links, and a chain 'breaker'. Sprockets can come later.

Lexan. NOT Plexiglas (Acrylic) but Polycarbonate. 1/16" thick for decorations, 1/8 & 3/32 for structural elements. 4' x 4' sheets. Also 0.062 and 0.093 aluminum sheets, 2'x4' should be good.

Drills, and drill bits. NOT TiN coated, this isn't great for aluminum. Also a big step bit for when you need to drill a 1.25" hole in a sheet of something. Get extras of the small (under 1/4") sizes.

Power tools like a drill press and a power sander (small belt or disk), and if money allows a metal-cutting band saw for thin sheets, a cold saw (or, if you like to live dangerously, a far-cheaper chop saw) to cut extrusion, an air compressor to blow and inflate things, maybe a lathe and mill....

A vacuum cleaner. For all the metal chips. Broom and dustpan too.

Electronics tools, like fine hand tools, a soldering iron and solder, a ratcheting terminal crimper (mandatory) and lots of extra high-quality terminals (yellow, blue and red, mostly fork and ring terminals), a good wire stripper, several rolls of 3M black electrical tape and a roll each of several colors. Heat-shrink tubing kit, and a heat gun.

Rolls of electrical wire, automotive type, copper. Stranded, red & black, in #10 & #12 (50' each), #14, 16 & 18 (100' each), and some #20 or 22 in red, black and white. You'll use it all, but it'll get you going.

Storage shelves, plastic cheapies are OK, but kids need places to put their work in progress. Bin boxes too, even old liquor boxes will do. A way to organize your supplies, even just a little.

...-.-

The one thing that saved our butts more often than ANYthing else? An open account with McMaster. They deliver UPS overnight, and sell almost everything.

Do you have a farm store nearby, the kind that deals with machines like lawnmowers or combines (not sure how rural you are...)? A WalMart? Sears? Farm Supply? Ace Hardware? All of these will be your friend.

Check the yellow pages. There HAS to be a machine shop within an hour. They can help you find where to get stuff too.

I'm sure there's loads I forgot, but that'll get you started.
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