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Re: "Essential Tools"
Essential Hand Tools:
-Wrenches (7/16, 1/2, 9/16 mostly)
-Socket Set - The 1/4" size ratchet set w/ 7/16 & 1/2 sockets are the most used. If you ever need a 1/2" ratchet on a FIRST robot you probably need to rethink something.
-Screwdrivers - All sizes and types. Two or three of the more common types.
-Pliers (needlenose mostly for us over regular type but get both or a cheap set)
-Hex Key (Allen) Wrenches - We use the T handle type mostly in the shop and take the little foldup sets to comp.
-Ball Peen Hammer - use sparingly
-Wire Cutters
-Wire Strippers
-Crimp Tools for all those wire terminals you will learn to hate.
-Metal Files
-Deburring Tool A.K.A "Whirly-gig" - Be careful it will jump out of that hole when you look up and there goes the end of your finger!
Don't forget things to measure other things with:
-Tape Measure
-Ruler
-Digital Calipers are pretty handy
Clamps, lots of clamps, you can NEVER have too many clamps! We find good old C-clamps (4", 5", & 6") and those ViseGrip type clamps to be the most useful.
We also find rivet guns (both small (1/8" & 3/16) and large (1/4")) to be quite useful.
A few center punches. Once you start using one you will never know how you got along without one. Harbor Freight is your friend here. You can get them for a couple of bucks each. Get several because you won't be able find the one and only one you have under the mess on your work table about the beginning of February. A set of transfer punches are pretty handy as well. In fact Harbor Freight is a good place to get a lot of the above hand tools cheap.
There are special tools you will want for working with roller chain. A "chain breaker" will "break" a link in the chain to make two pieces. A "chain pincher" is pretty helpful to stretch the chain together like a third hand so that it is much easier to put the master link in.
You will probably be building at least a some part of the game field to practice on. Don't forget typical woodworking tools:
-Handsaw
-Claw Hammer
-Square
-Level
-A PVC cutter is usually helpful for something every year.
While you are building that practice field cut some short wood blocks about 6" to 8" long cut from a scrap 4"x4". Keep them near your robot build table. You will figure out what they are for the first time you want to test your new drivetrain on the table. Usually 4 of them will do the trick.
The basic power tools you should try to get if at all possible:
-Cordless Drill (w/ charger, extra battery(s), and a big box of drill bits)
-Drill Press (w/ another big box of drill bits)
-BandSaw (w/ several extra blades on hand for cutting aluminum)
-Miter Saw (yep, it will cut aluminum but be careful)
-Circular Saw
-Power tools that every team would love to have but few do:
-Milling Machine (CNC or manual)
-Metal Lathe
-Welder setup for aluminum
Power Tools that you might could use but can do without:
-Table Saw
-Air Compressor (Useful for blowing all the bits out of your robot before you power it up.)
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