Round Tubing Construction

[lynca]

This is a great post ! Thanks for sharing your details. We might attempt to build something this Fall to test our our pipe fabrication process. I have a few questions.

Originally Posted by Allison

1. We use 1" O.D. .065 wall 6061-T6 aluminum with a 3" radius for all of our bent tube. We have tried to bend .035 wall tube but it kinks.

Do you have experience using thicker wall than 0.065 " ?

Where do you usually get this material and how much does it cost ?
McMaster doesn't have the size that you mentioned.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#aluminum-pipe/=t5e992

Originally Posted by Allison

2. All of our bending is done with a manual draw bender.

My mileage has varied with these types of tools ?
What do you recommend ?
http://www.amazon.com/Manual-Hand-Al.../dp/B001Z0U5HM

Originally Posted by Allison

3. We uses a couple different types of fastening methods. Tube connector nuts pressed into the end of the tube is our main method, they can be purchased from McMaster 94290A550. We also use u bolts, rivets, through bolt, and custom FDM parts.

Those tube connector nuts are awesome ! http://www.mcmaster.com/#94290a550/=t5ebwx
I'm interested to see how you did some of the other fastners, pictures or CAD of your robot up-close would really help if they are available !

Thanks !