Quote:
Originally Posted by squirrel
Your list includes a lot of stuff that is nice to have but definitely not necessary.
Having several work tables, at least two with a vise attached, is a good idea, if you have room for them. Also make sure you have room to play with (test drive) the robot, without having to go too far from your workshop.
I think if you present a relatively modest list the odds are better that someone will step up and help you. If you come right out asking for $100k of equipment, you might not get too far.
After a drill press and a vertical band saw, I'd be looking for a lathe.
|
The list is specifically for one confirmed sponsor (since I do not know their price range), and then will act as our team's general tool wishlist. If another sponsor comes up saying they have $X to help us purchase a tool, I will definitely only ask for items within their range.
Last season, we had the long hallway right outside our room as our test space.
In terms of priorities, this is what I have generalized from the above posts, if anyone has any comments on priorities or specific model suggestions, please do not hesitate to comment. Anything with a 1 is a definite purchase, especially if it is one of the lower priced tools.
1) many more drills (at least one right-angle w/ carbide bits)
1) more hammers
1) more wrenches (allens with handles, ratcheting, sockets)
1) any tools that will help in getting accurate measurements (what else besides calipers?)
1) many vises, mounted on sturdy work tables
2) drill press
2.1) arbor press (a reasonably priced one)
3) chop saw (miter saw + table saw functions)
3) band saw (horizontal or vertical?)
3) miter saw (maybe compound?)
3) table saw
4) bench grinder
4) disc/belt sander
5) lathe
5.1) mill
5.2) combo setups of any of the above
6) reciprocating saw
7) welding equipment? (only if we have members learn)
I've heard of cold saw, but I don't know if that is a different saw type or just a different type of blade.
Someone suggested an 82 tooth carbide blade for cutting Aluminum up to 4in, what tool is this on?
To Eric, we do have a large selection of various sized center punches, we just have to train members how to correctly utilize them.
Last year, we had people banging on them like they were nails, causing the punches to hop around and leaving inaccurate imprints. I'll also have to bring the 3D printer up with our mentors, seems like a great idea. The storage also brings up another question, we really are unsure how to pack things for competition. Should we buy/build storage planning to transport/ship them to competitions? Or have a separate set of competition hand tools?
Sarah, we will always have to keep security in mind. No one can afford to have anything walking off. It's a welcome reminder no one can hear too much of.
Akash, I'll keep Craigslist, the local paper, Tool Barn, and Harbor Freight all in mind. Your comments on drill bits actually brings up another question. Should we be going for solid carbide or just carbide tipped? And I've heard something about a stepped bit, is that what we need for drilling aluminum? Any other drill bit types we might want in handy? We also worked with wood and plastic this year, and all this work was done on one set of bits.
Thanks for the help so far guys!