Tool Suggestions

[Qbot2640]

Originally Posted by Crazy Li

How much raw materials does a frc team need during a regular build season? (For example, amount of money, which materials are needed, and how to get them?)

We spoke with a local metal salvage company who told us that they periodically are asked to "clean up" materials from bankrupt companies, and thus have brand new raw material (aluminum, steel, etc.) to dispose of. They offered to donate anything they have that we can use. Perhaps you can find a situation like that.

[Crazy Li]

Thanks, how much aluminum is needed and what size should we get?

[mlantry]

Originally Posted by Crazy Li

Thanks, how much aluminum is needed and what size should we get?

well it depends on what capabilities you have for cutting aluminum for the thickness. for are team we usually buy some 1*1 aluminum box along with some sheets of varying thicknesses of aluminum.

[Crazy Li]

We have the capability to cut thick Al, but for the frame, is 2x1 better than 1x1 Al? And how thick of a Lexan do you think we need?

[mlantry]

Originally Posted by Crazy Li

We have the capability to cut thick Al, but for the frame, is 2x1 better than 1x1 Al? And how thick of a Lexan do you think we need?

It's dependent on your construction methods for what type of box and for Lexan we usually keep some 1/16th and 1/8 on hand

[geomapguy]

Originally Posted by mlantry

It's dependent on your construction methods for what type of box and for Lexan we usually keep some 1/16th and 1/8 on hand

I suggest you talk to a local company and see what they have. Our first two years we built with wood without even knowing that we had a local company that extruded aluminum for shipping across the world.

[Brandon Zalinsky]

Originally Posted by geomapguy

I suggest you talk to a local company and see what they have. Our first two years we built with wood without even knowing that we had a local company that extruded aluminum for shipping across the world.

It is very dependent on your situation, but just as an example, we keep lots of .060 and .090 on hand. We also have some .125, and a bit of .25, and very little of anything thicker, save a few blocks. We've found that sheet metal is a more efficient and strong than lexan, and use it for most things on our robot.