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We are a rookie team and are currently trying to decide what wheels to use. We would like to use different wheels but need help trying to find out where to buy them. If anyone can help, can you please tell us where we could find new wheels and reasons for not using the kit wheels. We had an idea to double the amount of kit wheels by attaching 2 together, (--[]-[]--) kind of like that, to increase traction. But this also made them a lot heavier and not a lot more traction. We do have 8 of the Skyway wheels, so we can use this design. But we would really like to use another type of wheels, preferably at an 8" diameter. In conclusion, can anyone help us find new wheels to use for our first robot?
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Well you have a few different options when thinking about wheels.
1.) you can use the wheels that FIRST supplies in the KOP.
Pos: You have them so no need to either manufacture them yourself or order them. Less cost and you have them when you want them and you do not need to worry about shipping time and them being shipped correctly.
Neg: The SkyWheels do not have the best coeffiecent of friction. Meaning you do not have as much pushing power as some teams who do not use those wheels.
2.) You can decide to make your own wheels. If you have a CNC machine, then you can try and make your own wheels. We (229) used aluminium last year for the wheels and purchased tread and put them on that way.
Pos: You can make the wheels ANY size you want. Also they may be lighter than what you are currently looking at for wheels.
Neg: It takes time.
3.) You can purchase wheels at a few different places. (If you are looking at purchasing wheels i would strongly recommend going to
www.ifirobotics.com and looking at there wheels they are selling. You can purchase them in 4", 6" or 8" diameter. Also when thinking about wheel sizes think about your CG)
Pos: You can get almost any size you would need.
Neg: Takes money and time to get them.
As has already been said I recommend against going with tank treads since you are a rookie team.