[ThaddeusMaximus]

You can make any design work with about any construction method... thought it may not be the best. So again, back to the resources.

Consider turnaround time. Tube construction? You can easily make new or modified tubes in house ifneedbe.

Sheetmetal construction? If it's complicated geometry, especially trussed, you've either gotta have the equipment in house or wait for your jet/laser sponsor.



Now, to those nitty gritty things... though sheet metal can be made to good standards, it's much, much, much easier to make decently accurate parts in stock than sheetmetal when you lack a jet. Luckily FRC isn't demanding of high tolerances... usually.