pic: 6CIM WCD

[Nate Bloom]

Originally Posted by Adrian Clark

looks great!

But it looks like you have some problems with your chain interfering with your gearbox standoff and possibly your belly pan too. I would suggest you downsize to 16T sprockets instead of the larger ones you're using.

Thanks! Nice observation, that's on the change list for the next revision.

Originally Posted by DampRobot

Have you considered how your corner gussets will stand up with significant torsional loads? Or are you using a bellypan? Also, how will you make sure that the two sides of the drives are parallel? Rivets holes usually have enough play in them that locating of them doesn't work super well. Are rivets the only things holding the frame together, or is the tubing welded too?

I only ask because I've recently been working through some of the same design problems myself. It's interesting to see how different people have worked through the same problems.

By the way, I really like those bumper extension tubing thingys that surround the center wheel.

Right now it's just those gussets, but I've been considering adding a bellypan (for both strength and electronics). Would a bellypan also help with keeping the sides parallel or would the play in the rivet holes still be an issue?

I would much prefer welding the tubing but my team has never had success welding aluminum. We have access to a Miller Syncrowave 200 TIG and a Snap-On MIG 300, but no one with much experience welding. Would it be worth having some members learn and practice welding in the off season?