[CRUSH-build] chassis build

[Green, Wesley A]

Hi builders,
For preparation for Saturday I understand we have steel tubing and some flat bar. I would like to see if we can get final cuts at 45 degrees to create mitered corners for the frame.  This is a little more difficult that it first appears so make your first cuts a little long to allow for re-cuts.  When you're confident your angles are right go ahead and cut to length (length outlined by the maximum dimensions of the base of the robot).  Layout the tubing and measure for square-ness and overall dimensions.  You can do this by measuring across the diagonals (both diagonals should be the same length) or by using a decent size square.  When squared up there shouldn't be a gap larger than 1/8 or it will be VERY difficult to cleanly fill it in with weld.  1/16" is OK but less is desirable.
The other major task is laying out a simple drive train that we can test and get practice with driving.  The consensus was that tank drive is successfully used on many robots so lets go with that on the first one and later we can try some other options.  We need to pick wheels, sprockets, motors etc and set them aside for testing.  We'll need a plan to mount these components to the frame.  Simple sketches are OK for concepts but designing in CAD also helps visualize and plan in 3D.  Remember - the idea is to have a platform to test components and software as well as have fun learning to drive the thing!
 
Saturday we'll pick up wherever you left off staying with the concentration in two areas - fabrication and design/CAD of the frame and drive train.  Joe - you mentioned the use of the MIG welder.  If you're willing to use it please make sure it's ready - if not I'll have to make arrangements for mine so please let me know.  I will have my helmet - if you have others bring them for the others that want to watch.  We'll need a pair or two of leather gloves as well.
 
Welding is pretty fun (and pretty easy) so if you want to learn just let Joe or I know and we can get you set up.  Please refrain from welding until Saturday when I am there.
 
Mike - we'll need some sort of segregation to keep from accidental eye exposure and a flat work surface - the concrete outside the door is probably flat enough but I'm not sure they want us burning their nice new paint...
 
See you Saturday.
 
Wes
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