[CRUSH-build] build team meeting this Saturday May 6

[Bill Bennett]

Hi Builders (including mentors)

As you know, we're working towards being ready to go to San Diego in two weeks. This Saturday is the first one of May, and thus is a build meeting. Some of you already know I will be recovering from a medical procedure this weekend, and will not be able to participate on Saturday. Ben Reynolds has agreed to support the team in the shop, thanks Ben. Other mentors that are available are encouraged to come too. 

Saturday we'll be ready to weld, but have no welding equipment. If you have equipment and can bring it Saturday, please volunteer to do that.

Here's what's happening:
  1.. wheel bearings: we're replacing Kareem's wheel bearings. They are slightly bigger than the ones that came with the wheels, so one task is to enlarge the bearing hole. We're about set up to do that, probably will finish it today. Then the six wheels will need to be reassembled, which is simple but time consuming. Each wheel can be worked on independently, so many hands would be useful to get this done. PLEASE be sure to use lock-tite and get the screws tight. We had trouble with the screws loosening before we redid them all with lock-tite.
  2.. wheel axles: we're replacing the threaded steel rod with non-threaded rod which will be easier to assemble and stronger. These new axles are cut but need to have one end drilled for a cotter pin or spring clip, and the other end gets a washer welded onto it. The reason we used threaded axles in the first place was to allow height adjustment of the wheels, but in hind-sight this design was not strong enough and we ended up welding the washers in place. At this point, there no longer was the option of adjustment, and using slip-in axles became a simpler and better option.
  3.. collector bracket: the collector bracket got easily bent up during play. We want to replace it with one made of 1/2" steel tubing. This will also strengthen the front of the frame, which bent during play. 
  4.. frame strengthening: we have plans for where frame reinforcement can be added. These pieces need to be cut and welded in place.
  5.. General chores to get Kareem put back together and ready to play. 
That's the outline and some details for what needs to get done over the next few meetings. Students and mentors should feel free to take any necessary initiative to keep forward progress going in my absense. Feel free to call me at 743-8062 if you think I can help with a decision, but don't feel that it's necessary, and if you can't get me go ahead anyway. 

Thanks
Bill
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