Quote Originally Posted by daveimi View Post
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!