YMTC: Super Duper Hook!

[Kevin Sevcik]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Roberts

I would agree if the welding was done during the six weeks, however it was done after the six weeks to finish assembly of the hook. If the team had brought the four pieces to competition and had them welded on site this would have been legal. I believe that in the situation outline the part would not be a legal spare for use at the competition.

Well.... I'm saying that welding isn't assembly, welding is fabrication. You're allowed to fabricate outside of the 6 weeks, as long as it's an exact duplicate of the original component. I think the fundamental issue is whether welding is assembly or fabrication, and I contend that welding is fabrication. The hook would be legal if you cast it out of steel, because it's one inseperable piece. Welding is the same, as it's an irreverisble process that results in one inseperable piece. If the hook needed to be welded and then required further machining after the welding, this would clearly be a part of the fabrication process.