[sanddrag]

Chromoly is a bit expensive though and not every metal store stocks it.

Aluminum seems to be the material of choice for FRC robot frames. I don't like hearing "we don't have a TIG so we can't have a welded frame" I hear this far too often. What you should be saying is "we want a welded frame so we're going to find ourselves a sponsor or volunteer with a TIG" Don't say "we can't do it so we won't" say "we can't right now but we sure want to so we will find a way" We don't have a TIG welder, heck, we don't have any welder, but for the last two years we have had a beautifully TIG welded frame and we didn't pay a dime to get it done. There are people out there who can help you out, you just have to let them know your situation.

If you try to make a welded aluminum frame happen and you just can't find anyone willing to help you out with the TIGing, then try to design a bolted or riveted together frame. I bet it will work better than you may think.