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Unread 27-04-2014, 20:34
StillDefective's Avatar
StillDefective StillDefective is offline
In the shop, got my stock, CNC on.
AKA: Paul Johnson
FRC #1094 (Channel Cats)
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Join Date: Apr 2014
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Re: [FTC]: New Team / New Opportunity

I would recommend going for just one team if you are only going to have $5000-$7000. You can have one team that be more competitive because they have more resources, and it gives you a chance to see how robotics goes over in the school before you commit to multiple teams.

For starters, you need to take in to account the registration fee and the fee for various and sundry competitions. And don't forget about a license to RobotC if you go that direction with programming.

Next, you are going to need parts. One kit has never been enough in my experience. I would probably get two full kits and one resource kit. That will give you enough TETRIX to build a pretty good bot and have extra pieces but you will also need to take in to account extra motors and batteries and consumables.

If you are going with a robot built of almost completely TETRIX, you don't need very many tools besides the basic hand tools you need lots of. (Nut Drivers, Hex Keys, Pliers, Wrenches, etc.) I have always been a fan of using parts and raw materials outside of the kit, they are cheaper, give you more flexibility and let you work more creatively. If that is the case, you need to set aside money for materials, and you will also need tools.

For power tools, having a drill press is great, it allows pretty precise holes that you couldn't get with a cordless (or corded) hand drill, but you want some cordless (or corded again) drills for very quick and easy holes that don't need to be as accurate. A horizontal band saw is great for cutting stock, but not much else. A vertical one you can do much much more on, and still cut stock. (It can be kind of unruly though.) I love having a compound miter saw for cutting things, it's very safe, very quick, and great for cutting most anything straight or at common angles, but it isn't a need. If you are going to be cutting plastic like Polycarbonate or something similar, for cuts on an arc, a vertical band saw works very well, but a jigsaw works wonders for tight complicated shapes. Having a rotary (e.g. A Dremel tool is good for cuts in most anything that don't need to be very perfect. Lots of FTC teams have been going the 3D printing route, and depending on how you operate, that might be a good option as well. On the subject of a mill. I would say no. An FRC team can make great use of a mill, and FTC team doesn't really need one. For the two parts you might need to mill a year, you can find a machine shop as a sponsor and let them make your parts for you instead. Also, if the school has a wood shop, spend the money on buying metal tooling for the wood shop if you can use it instead.

That's my opinion on the whole thing. Just my two cents.
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