Starting Fabrication!

Shortly after the last blog entry, I fixed that major torque transfer issue that I mentioned. I also designed a simple storage container to put trash after it is picked up, but I’m probably going to change it a little. It’s pretty small right now and I’m sure I can make it bigger. But other than that, I’d say the CAD is done. This is what it looks like as of now:

With the design being done, I am finally moving on to fabrication. So far, I had only used my bandsaw for some basic test cuts, but now, it was time to put it to work. Getting straight cuts is actually really hard. The bandsaw came with a little miter gauge, but the piece I’m cutting still slides around a little bit, so the line doesn’t come out perfectly straight. I think with a tool dedicated to straight lines, like a chop saw, I could do better, but I don’t really want to spend more money on something that the bandsaw can do too. I think I am slowly getting better too.

(Looking at this picture, I realize I should probably tie my hair back when cutting…)

Anyways, let’s go over some of the cool things I’ve manufactured and assembled!

First up is the turret. This one actually used a few different manufacturing processes. First I had those CNC’d plates from the last blog post. However, there are also some pieces of boxtube underneath the turret, acting as standoffs that I cut on the bandsaw. Finally, there is the 3d printed pulley in the middle that will drive the turret.

And then here’s the plate that holds the motor that will drive the turret.

Making this was my first experience with pop rivet. I like how strong they are but drilling accurate holes is a real struggle. I do not understand how the people on my robotics team can do it so accurately. Again, I’m getting better, but still, it is really hard. But, I ended up making this plate! The pulley I need for this plate is still on backorder, though, so I’m waiting for that.

So that’s what I’ve been working on recently! I am now starting to work on the arm, but the step drill bit is proving to be quite difficult to use! We will see how things go, though. I’m hoping in between fabrication and assembly that I can get some code running on the robot finally. Maybe that’s what I’ll do while I wait for my final shipments to arrive.