pic: Team 3572 Chassis Project

[MrBasse]

The motor plates are 1/8", but they are also steel. This would allow us an easier time adding supports to them. A bar across might not be a problem depending on where the electronics end up. I would like to avoid it if possible though.

The majority of our components were made of 1/2" conduit last year as it weighs much less than the aluminum of equivalent strength. Plus, I hate TIG welding. Once I figure out what I'm doing, I'm usually done with the project. If we need support we will most likely go back to 1/2" conduit. $2.50 a stick can't be beat with proper welding ventilation. Plus when you are done you can paint it aluminum color and nobody ever knows.

I'll keep an eye on the pulley for flex. If needed we can just extend the shaft and add another hole into the inner bearing plate. That was actually in the original design, but the shaft was cut short for prototyping and it seemed okay. Only building both sides and beating the snot out of it will tell if it will hold up though.