Basic Frame Materials

[GregTheGreat]

Originally posted by Smrtman5
I was wondering what you guys use to build the basic frame. Last year we used 1x1 Al and welded it together. This year the majority of the team wants to use 80/20 and bolts. Personally I think welding is cooler and should be used at every chance possible, but what do u guys do?

Ok, heres my hat in the ring....

I would recommend if you were building a frame for a robot or something similar. I would take either 1.5 Inch or 2 inch aluminum angles and use that to build your lower frame. It you want to take the cheaper alternative, buy some steel angles, you will find them by the aluminum in your local hard-ware store. If you get the ones with the "holes" then it should be cheaper then the aluminum about 3:1.

WARNING WARNING DANGER Smrtman5:
If you use steel, it is very hard to cut. The ones with the holes are easy to bolt, and the output is strong enough to take a 130 pound impact. I recommend two bolts with lock washers for each angle meet. Build the bottom frame first, that would be your basic "under side". Then you can decide how to set you motors up and all that stuff. If you are doing Direct Drive of FP's then the layout will be easy. I can talk you through it if you need the help.
Then install angles off each of the corners, If you go much higher then 2 feet high, I recommend putting in cross bars, or angles to insure stability. Then build another frame piece, the same as the bottom piece and attach it to the top of the angles.

This will give you a sturdy robot that is very easy to build. I know personally because this is the route I have taken to construct mine.Its not super easy but this is a very simple yet affordable way to get the project done. I have pics if you need to see how to build such a device.

You left your post kind of hazy, so I hope this was what you were looking for, if not re-clarify.

-Greg The Great