Help with construction

[francis_1]

hello, im building a featherweight robot. im at the stage where i have to mount my motors and build my chassis. i am told to use MDF, but im unsure of where to start. im an electrical student, im not familiar with the mechanical workshop. Itll be great if you guys can give me some tips. many thanks
Francis

[widow_twanky]

Help with construction

Not sure MDF is quite the right material.

My robot (Cylon) has a plywood base which because of the laminated style of it probably has a bit more rigidity.

The motors are mounted using purpose made plastic mounts (Not sure the exact type but appears to be 13mm acrylic). This whole assembly also has a steel plate on the underside to provide further support.

The robot I have just bought (Hydra) has the whole arrangement made from 3mm aluminium.

The problem I would see with MDF is that as it is a manufactured fiberous board it has not got any inherant stregnth and could tend to break easily.

Im not that aware of what other people use so Im sure someone will be along in a moment to disagree with me.

Andy

[ewan]

Help with construction

If youre going to use wood go for plywood or some high density hardwood as opposed to MDF which as andy says tends to have little general strength.

For not much more money you could use plastics though, Polypropylene and HDPE are commonly used in featherweight machines these days and are easily worked with wood tools.

What motors are you using? Clearly this affects the mounting used

[ewan]

Help with construction

p.s. this is a good place for plastic sheeting if you decide to go down that route http://www.directplasticsonline.co.uk/http://www.directplasticsonline.co.uk/

[francis_1]

Help with construction

many thanks guys.