How important is a machine shop?

[archiver]

Posted by Patrick Dingle at 05/15/2001 7:43 PM EST


College Student on team #639, Red B^2, from Ithaca High School and Cornell University.


In Reply to: How important is a machine shop?
Posted by bill whitley on 05/15/2001 4:34 PM EST:




This year on 639, we do most of our work with one mill, one lathe, one drill press, and one band saw. However, we did have a lot of welding done by a third party since our welding equipment needs repairs. However, we do have access to Cornell's machine shops, so we can get just about anything done that we need.

So, from my experience, the ESSENTIALS are:
Mill (preferably one with digital measurements)
Lathe
Band Saw
Drill press

I also think it is VERY HELPFUL to have:
Welding equipment

I do not think it is necessary to have Wire EDM or CNC, although if you have these it can be a big plus, and allow more flexibility in your design.

Patrick

: My personal opinion is that you need at least a mill to build a compedtitive robot. However, we've never had much access to a lathe or welding. And no access to wireEDM or CNC or any fun stuff like that. Maybe I dont know what I'm missing.

: Bill Whitley