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Unread 19-11-2015, 22:29
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AKA: Anand Rajamani
FRC #0115 (MVRT)
Team Role: Mechanical
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Rookie Year: 2013
Location: Cupertino, CA
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Re: Rookie team new shop

Second the bench vises.
I'm going to go against the flow here and advise against the chop saw/ miter saw/ cold saw. They make a lot of noise, and hearing protection for the one person isn't really enough. Especially in such a small area, the entire team will look at the operator with "angry eyes" every time they cut things; they are extremely loud.
Instead, I find that a bandsaw is far less scary to handle, cuts almost as fast, and is far more versatile. The only disadvantage is that some can't handle longer pieces of tubing, but a solid hacksaw can cut the tubing to near the finish dimension and you can finish on your bandsaw. Make sure to get a bandsaw that is relatively large; tabletop ones will work, but the extra power is really handy.
A belt/circle combination sander is really handy for finishing things to final size and cleaning up bad edges made with saws.
A tabletop mill is also a good option if you have the money. I recommend a model like the Harbor Freight 44991. These are very handy for spacing out holes precisely and making bearing holes and such.
Don't forget to buy tooling for your mill as well, such as a drill bit set, a machinist's vise, endmills, (maybe) a boring head, and other various knicknacks.
If you still have money left, get yourself a small 7x12 lathe. Handy for making parts with hex shaft, putting holes in the ends of hex shaft, lightening gears, and other various jobs.
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Last edited by asid61 : 19-11-2015 at 22:33.
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