Completely lost with component selection

[daveimi]

Read all the recent build threads and get to some events to talk to people. See robots up close and make a note in your phone of what people use. It's what most of us did when getting into it. Obv people will help you but there are a huge range of abilities, so some will say draw it in CAD and get it cut, others will make it all themselves. It sounds nasty but there is a level you need to be at to get started (volts/amps, wattages, basic RC stuff, basic drilling and cutting etc.). There's a ton of interest in this at the min with it coming back on the telly, and it takes a lot of cash to go from enthusiast to competitor. Build a pusher, read the threads, get to some events, ask a team if u can tag along etc. Get into it first before spending cash and hurting yourself with pneumatics.

[Shooty]

Read all the recent build threads and get to some events to talk to people

I second everything in David's post, but especially this. Seeing what others did in your place helps to give you a perspective of what you need to learn as well as what is reasonable for your skillset. Some that I'd recommend are:

* DotDominic's build diary on Ventator: http://www.fightingrobots.co.uk/thre...t-robot-please A simple 4WD pusher bot, will tell you a lot of the basics involved in part selection and construction.

* R9000's build diary on Aegis: http://www.fightingrobots.co.uk/thre...d-lifter-aegis A 4WD LinAc (Linear actuator) lifter. Interesting to see how a design changes over time, and shows off some pretty useful stuff with modifying brushless motors to linacs to get more power out of them. Also a testament to how good a first feather can do if built right; Aegis made it to the top 8 of Insomnia 61, which is basically THE FW competition of the year, as well as winning the 20 bot Gladiator event.

* qbnut's build diary on Battleaxe: http://www.fightingrobots.co.uk/thre...e-hammer-diary Just an all around solid build diary of an axebot, and may be more useful if you plan on working with metal.

Hope these are helpful!