1444's First Fully TIG-Welded Frame

[catacon]

Hey all,

Team 1444 acquired a Diversion 165 for our shop this year and immediately assigned it to main welding duty. We've had a larger Miller MIG that has been holding it down for years, but we decided to step up our game and fully TIG the robot this year. We've had sub-assemblies TIG welded before, but never the entire robot. So far, we are very pleased with how things are turning out. The 165 isn't quite up to some of the thicker plate used in the gearboxes, but that's nothing multiple passes can't solve. Students and mentors alike are still learning, but it has been a lot of fun so far and we are looking forward to more TIG'd goodness in the future.

Frame sub-assembly:





Frame tacked and ready for seam welding:



Fully welded (for now):



Several dimes have been stacked...