Tools for Rookie Team?

[Jay H 237]

After reading this thread I thought of three more things to have that I haven't seen mentioned. A deburrer for removing burrs off of machined parts especially since some burrs can be so sharp you can cut yourself and not know it right away. Second a helicoil set for stripped treads. It basically consists of the helicoils (which are "springs" you insert into the stripped hole and the "spring" becomes the new thread), a drill bit which opens the hole up to the helicoil size, and the installation tool for the helicoils. This will save you when you strip a hole and you don't have time or ability to remachine a part like at competition and believe me it WILL happen sooner or later. It's also a good idea to use them in the begining on all plastic parts (delrin, polycarbonate, plexi-glass, HPDE, ect.) that require a tapped hole. Just keep in mind you will need different size helicoils for each of the different threads that are used and they don't repair stripped screws but then again a screw is easy to replace compared to a part. Our team only has them kept in our toolbox in 1/4" (or 5mm) and under since your most likely to strip smaller holes. It's also not recommended to use Loctite with them. And now finally third, counter sinks for counter sinking flat head screws and can also be used for deburring holes.

[laditek]

Yes Adam, a step drill bit for making holes larger to lighten the bot in crunch time. I believe it was 50 1" holes equal a pound.

Originally Posted by Adam Y.

Emery cloth- I thnk that is what it is called. Sandpaper for metal.
Tap Set- Useful for creating threads in holes
I have also heard my advisor mention something about a step drill bit. I forget what it is used for.

[Katie Reynolds]

As far as tools to bring to the competition, check out page 6 of Section 10 of the manual.

[crazy_ratchet]

i was asking specifically for ALLOYS for the drill bits, not their coating, for if you have to sharpen a bit and the coating is gone, it's as good as if it was not there. does anyone have a knowledge of the pros and cons of various alloys that are used for drill bits (M2 M42 just to name 2). thanks you all in advance

[Argoth]

Ummm... I have done a lot of machining work and what not before and one tool i could tell you that will make your life much easier, get the almighty saws-all. If you need something cut quick and don't feel like losing the function of your arm due to the legnthy time it takes to cut with a hacksaw then you will want a saws-all.