Claw ideas (particularly materials and such)

[Bob Steele]

i might suggest that a fairly simple way to create a thicker jaw is to use two pieces of polycarbonate or aluminum or something fairly thin cut to the size you need. You can join them with spacers (or standoffs if you have them) this can make a nice thick creation out of a two dimensional piece.

it is kind of like extruding in inventor if you use that or any 3d program... the extrusion size is determined by the length of the spacers between... (held on by screws through the two "plates")

This method can really make something quickly and cheaply...and it is quite robust.

i wouldn't rule out a wooden jaw though... I don't see any reason that you couldn't make a jaw out of wood though... Remember that plywood is one of the first composites!!

I have seen many great designs done in wood... if you understand and use its properties and can deal with the weight to strength issues... it is a fine robot material...

We made a gripper in 2007 in the way I described above ... with the standoffs and polycarbonate... and used some simple aluminum bar stock for linkage and it worked great...

Good luck!!!