High quality wooden FRC field design

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by ChrisH

We also had trouble getting the velcro to stick to the bottom of the field pieces, but our wet, lowest bidder, lumber probably played a role there.
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In our case it took three engineers, two of whom have major home remodels under their belts, a week of evenings to assemble the first time. Now with 6 or 8 people and a couple of furniture dollys we can have it up in 30 minutes or less, assuming the carpet is down.

ChrisH

Getting Velcro to stick to unfinished wood is a challenge even with kiln-dried lumber. When we built the field, we didn't have much time (last week of build season!). But if we had more time (and dry lumber), it would have been nice to seal the wood, at least on the surfaces needing Velcro, and in the player stations.

Finishing the wood has at least two advantages for this application:

1) Increase the likelihood of the Velcro adhering

2) Reduce splinters and similar hazards in the player stations (I don't know of anyone who actually experienced problems along this line)

Attention to the type of adhesive and how it's applied would also help. Of course, this would require a little time and effort (and probably a bit of increase in the cost) to research and obtain the optimum type of Velcro and adhesive. I found this chart which explains the ins and outs of Velcro adhesives. Presumably this company is able to supply everything listed in the chart as well. (Note: I'm not recommending this or any other supplier, merely offering the information as an example.)

Or just skip the Velcro and use a large rubber mallet for whacking the field borders back in place after the rowdier matches.