[Jeremy Roberts]

Originally Posted by Kevin Sevcik

So to start us off, the most relevant rule is obviously this section of R09:



That being said, I think the spare hook would be legal. I'd have to say that welding is still under the category of fabrication as opposed to assembly, since it can't be reasonably undone. Atleast not without a dremel or grinder. So a welded object is incapable of being disassembled anymore than it already is. As a secondary definition, welding is also making definite chemical and physical changes to the part that are distinctly lacking in, say, screwing in a bolt.

I would agree if the welding was done during the six weeks, however it was done after the six weeks to finish assembly of the hook. If the team had brought the four pieces to competition and had them welded on site this would have been legal. I believe that in the situation outline the part would not be a legal spare for use at the competition.