Page 207 - Robot Builder's Bonanza

176 BUILDING BOTS FROM FOUND PARTS

Most hardwood flooring is a laminate of a thin veneer over a sheet of high- density board.
Thickness: 1/4″. The sample usually includes the tongue- and- groove edges used to assemble
the wood to make flooring; you’ll want to cut or sand this part off. You’ll also want to round
off the corners to keep them from chipping.

G If the board samples are too small, you can lash several together using something like the LSTA9
strap tie discussed in the previous section. Use short wood screws to hold things together or, for
a less permanent construction, heavy- duty double- sided foam tape.

Other small- piece samples (usually available free or for a very small charge) can often be
found in the kitchen cabinet department of the home improvement store. Look for 2″ 3″
or larger samples of countertops made with Formica, resin, or other materials. These may be
too small for building a robot base, but they’re useful as housings for small sensors, backing
material for touch switches, and other routine requirements.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled and
Your Tape Measure Out

Before leaving the home improvement store, be sure to take one last stroll down the aisles.
You’d be surprised what you’ll find when you look at things from a robot builder’s perspective.
Be sure to check out the plumbing section— plastic pipe, pipe hangers, drainage pipe hole
covers (they’re large, they’re round, they’re funny looking, but they work), and other inexpen-
sive knickknacks you probably don’t know exist unless you’re a plumber.
Though examining ersatz robotic parts firsthand is always preferred, if you can’t get out to
the home improvement store just now, take an online stroll to see what they offer. All the
major home improvement and hardware chains have Web sites where you can browse by
department. Bookmark items you think might be useful and check them out next time you’re
able to see them in person.
Found parts aren’t just the domain of hardware and home improvement stores. Be on the
G lookout for unusual items that you can reapply in your next robotics project at the craft store
(a natural), yardage and sewing outlets, resale stores (old junky VCRs and more), toy and
housewares aisles of dollar and discount centers, sporting goods outlets and departments, and
many, many others.

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