Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

[typhoon_driver]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

Don't use cobalt drills on titanium. They're best used on hardox and steel. Use regular HSS drill bits on titanium with plenty of lubricant/coolant

[PJ-27]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

No to Cobalt? They went through a dream! Although I did use a lot of lubricant.

It's TA6, which I believe is the British name for Grade 4 (Not Grade 5 which is Ti-6A... you can see my confusion...). The Verniers come up at 1.6mm, so I'm hoping it'll bend without heating. But I'll test it on an un-needed bit first.

Unfortunately I don't think we have taps that small, but I'll check. If not then I'll try the Loctite idea.

Thanks guys.

[typhoon_driver]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

even if it's an M3 tap going through it should be fine (sets usually go down to around the M2 mark). Or you would probably be able to pick up a cheap tap on ebay.

I should have quantified the drill bit statement. On sheet, cobalt drills will be fine, however when it comes to thicker sections you're best using HSS bits (a wee tip for the future there). I can't remember the exact reasoning but it was advice from a very reliable source on the subject of machining titanium.

If my memory serves me right, grade 4 should be bendable to a certain point. Grade 5 and upwards are the ones that are more likely to snap although don't quote me on that one!

[PJ-27]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

Cheers for the advise.

Apparently we do have some small taps, so I'll see what I can find.

Also Grade 4 does bend without heat. Dan just turned up with it all done!

[PJ-27]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

What would people recommend for a super light plastic?

I'm over the weight on my Beetle and yet to cover some parts.

I was thinking 1mm Lexan.

[harry hills]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

or 1mm POLYCARBONATE?

[Mouldy]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

1mm carbon fibre i use it on featherweights.

[PJ-27]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

Lexan is just a brand name for PolyCarb, didn't want to write the whole name, but here I am....

Can you bend Carbon Fibre?

I need to make a box shape, figured Lexan would be easy.

[razerdave]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

You can't bend carbon fibre in its bought sheet form, but you can buy matting and mould that to the required shape. Josh Valman does mine.

[jonny]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

how bout 1mm makralon

[Team Invade]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

HDPE seems to work well on any type of robot, from AW to HW

And it deflects blows quite nicely

[PJ-27]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

I'm currently overweight though, I just need an excuse of a cover really. I think HPDE (as much as I like it) will be too heavy.

[RogueTwoRobots]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

You got access to a laminating machine at all? If so, just run one of the laminating pouches through it and you'll get the flexible plasticy sheet out as a result. It will be far from impenetrable but if it's just an excuse of a cover you need, it could be suitable. Pretty cheap too if someone else has already bought the laminating pouches

[PJ-27]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

Good idea!

My Mum may have one.......

1mm (or thinner) Lexan is pretty cheap and light, so I may give that a whirl.

[typhoon_driver]

Re: Team Thrifty /Fifty Build Diary for Bitza

Just use some tin foil, it's really super thin aluminium for some metal armour!