Quote:
Originally Posted by Joseph Smith
We've used versaframe extensively, especially this last season. I'm looking into construction methods that don't rely on rivets as the primary means of fastening, and that utilizes our machining resources rather than the cash in our pockets. We have a laser-cutting sponsor, so designing gussets rather than buying them would make sense for our team.
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None of your machining constraints really have anything to do with bolting versus riveting. You can totally build riveted frames using those same resources. To better answer your question, I'd like to know - what problems have you had with rivets?
If it's strength - stepping up to 3/16" rivets doesn't cost a ton of weight and can be a lot stronger. If it's repairability / removability - rivet nuts combined with bolts are useful for mechanisms that have to attach and detach themselves a lot.
Bolts in gussets and tube can be a bit problematic - bolts going through both sides of the tube can crush it if you're not careful, bolts have more slop leaving a less rigid frame in some cases, etc. It's still quite doable though. You can even carefully size holes to accept both #10 clearance and 3/16 rivets, or #8 clearance and 5/32 rivets.