pic: Cheap 6WD

[Madison]

Originally Posted by s_forbes

Well I wouldn't recommend it yet... I would hope that others could offer some criticism and improvements.

Starting at the transmissions, we have two AM toughboxes with the extended output shaft option. The face of the transmission is attached directly to the wooden framerail. On the output shaft, there is a spacer, then a sprocket (12 tooth AM), and then a 5" Banebots wheel. These are held on with a cotter pin and a washer.

The other axle assemblies are similar, with the sprockets and wheels held onto the 1/2" keyed axles by washers and cotter pins. At the moment, I have the flanged bearings sitting right in a 1.125" hole in the hardwood, but this part that worries me the most at the moment. (maybe an aluminum insert?)

That's where I have it at the moment, if you see any problems please point them out.

I'm hesitant to use live axles, generally, where teams don't perhaps possess the experience or resources required to manufacture parts accurately. The setup you're describing is pretty straightforward, however, so teams may be able to get away with it.

I share everyone's concern about the bearing being seated directly into the wood because it may open up with time. I also think tat accurately drilling a ~1.125" hole for an interference fit with hand tools and that lining up the holes on each side of the frame rail are each a tall order.

Otherwise, I'd increase the ground clearance -- probably just by switching to a 6" diameter wheel -- so as to give the teams a fighting chance at climbing obstacles.