Where can we get parts? Everything we go to order on AndyMark is out of stock. I know McMaster Carr sells some hardware components, but is there anywhere else that sells parts that will fit the chassis kit?
With the February 20th date looming and us being a rookie team we are a bit nervous about not being able to complete the robot on time.
Have you tried VEX Pro. They’re awesome.
That’s a pretty broad question as almost anything can be a robot part. We used a crossbow one time and you certainly can’t get that on AndyMark. If you’re looking for specifically components for the AndyMark kit chasis then you likely have to go through them. You could also fabricate your own. I would also suggest looking at the offerings from VEXPro.(www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro). Just remember that unlike some of the other popular educational robots competitions, FRC has a lot more custom manufacturing.
These should have nearly all of the parts you need to complete your robot.
www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro
www.therobotspace.com
www.wcproducts.net
www.revrobotics.com
Just to name a few.
Another good resource is Findrobotparts.com which lets you search for different categories of parts from a variety of sources, just be aware that not everything listed there is FRC-Legal (though much of it is).
Anything specific you are looking for?
The rookie kit is generally extremely stocked for the purposes of rookie teams. Have you taken a full inventory of everything you have?
Right-o. If you can be specific then people can be of more help! There are thousands of hours of experience on this forum who can help you source what you need, but as said before, “robot parts” is pretty generic.
First, contact Andymark. [email protected] Stuff goes in and out of stock there ALL THE TIME. They’ll be able to tell you when something will be in stock.
If there’s an Andymark-specific part that you need, connect with other teams in the area. They may have a used part that they’re not using this year. [You’d be amazed at how much stuff a robotics team will accumulate over a few seasons.] And, also, they may be able to help you figure out alternatives – experienced FRC teams generally LOVE to help out rookies.
McMaster is not a primary source for FRC stuff. They’re a great resource for generic parts that you know should exist. You know that hardware aisle at Home Depot with all the bins and drawers? Imagine 40 of those aisles, and that’s what McMaster carries, just in connectors.
And spend some time poking around the hardware and lumber isles of your local hardware and building supply stores. We seem to get a lot of robot parts at Ace and Lowe’s. Caution: imagination might be required, so you can see the robot parts hiding in plain sight
Where can we get this part? See attached pic. We are new to using pneumatics.
Thanks!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11p66dbV8V1q4fI35OTuoy8awsPc7GwqV/view?usp=sharing
Which part? The cylinder (or one like it)? The clevis that attaches to the cylinder? The fittings for the cylinder?
My answer to all three if you want it as fast as possible and don’t mind paying a bit more for getting it right away is www.mcmaster.com – they’re fantastically easy to order from, ship same-day, and carry an enormous amount of stock.
The Air Cylinder? Try Bimba. Inch - Norgren make sure the cylinder you buy meets the requirements in the rules. I know in the past the KOP/FirstChoice has contained some vouchers for Bimba cylinders.
Are you referring to the pneumatic cylinder or the rod eye on the end?
Both are available at AutomationDirect and since you get a $35 voucher from AutomationDirect … and since either is less than $35 … do the math … they are essentially FREE (you pay $6 shipping if you order less than $40).
Rod Eye Go Here
Cylinders: Go Here
Pnuematic accessories in general
PLEASE use the voucher - the more teams use them the more we can request next year! (Please follow the instructions here literally - don’t just blindly place your order).
As noted above, AndyMark gets new product in all the time. If it’s out of stock now, it will very likely be back in stock soon.
I would also recommend emailing the AndyMark Customer Service Team, or calling to speak with someone on our team.
You can also use the “Email When Available” link on the out-of-stock product to take some of the guesswork out of when the part comes back in stock.