Obligatory First Featherweight Build Log (FeatherDozer)

[Sam_Gad]

Before we start I would like to thank all who have taken the time to read the log so far and the complements made .

Time to Build Part 1

As there are a vast number of aspects to cover during the build process, I will split this into a few posts.

The decision to start making combat robots came at a transition period for me as I gave up one hobby (restoring classic cars) to start this one. Therefore, I sold my track car to fund tools, the build etc. I chose to buy workshop tools tactically for this build and buy additional tools on demand. As a result some of the more complicated/ hard to make parts were water jet cut by our friends at K-Cut. These were:

• Front Hardox wedge/scoop section
• Outer drive bearing carriers (also made from Hardox)
• Rear aluminium bulkhead
• Centre transverse aluminium bulkheads (replaced later in the build by HDPE due to weight constrictions)
• Hardox arm scoop backplate
  

This meant that some main aspects of the chassis were built very quickly.
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Mock-up of a side module with the drive motor, gears and live axle.
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Chassis mock-up with wheels and weapon mechanism front plate.
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Weapon Arm Mock-up
Before investing the time in building the final arm mechanism out of a number of different materials, I wanted to check that the mechanism works as intended. Therefore the components were initially made out of MDF. These images also show how the front end of the robot is stiffened up by weapon mechanism front plate.

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Final Arm installed with the leadscrew mechanism to the side.
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The front impact plate & electronics covers both made from HDPE in 6mm and 8mm thickness respectively. Note that the electronics covers are shock mounted in 2 directions to be able to flex down during an impact but not too far to damage the electronics inside.
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So this is where I will leave this entry with most of the chassis, drive system and weapon arm made and semi assembled.
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The next entry will (hopefully) complete the Mk1.0 build leading up to the first event.