Page 89 - Robot Builder's Bonanza

58 BUILDING ROBOT BODIES— THE BASICS

available at any hardware or home improvement store, and you can pick up what you need
when you need it.
• For very heavy duty work, you want 1/4″-20 or 5/16″ hardware. (1/4″-20 means the
screw is 1/4″ in diameter and has 20 threads per inch; the standard for this size). Get these
only when plans call for them.
Locking nuts are a special kind of nut you’ll use a lot in robotics. They have a piece of
nylon plastic built into them that provides a locking bite when they are threaded onto a screw.

WASHERS
Washers are used with screws and nuts and help to spread out the pressure of the
fastener. They’re also used when you want to make sure the nut and screw don’t
come apart. The most common is the flat washer, which is typically used to keep
the head of the screw (or the nut) from pulling through the material. Tooth and split
lock washers apply pressure against a nut to keep it from coming loose.

ANGLE BRACKETS

Also ideal for robot construction is an assortment of small steel or plastic brackets.
These are used to join two parts together. They come in different sizes, the smaller
sizes being perfect for use on desktop robots— smaller brackets weigh less. I often
use 1-1/2″ 3/8″ flat corner steel brackets when joining two pieces cut at 45°
angles to make a frame.

Setting Up Shop

You can build a robot anywhere. But it’s more pleasurable when your workspace is well
lighted, tidy, and comfortable.
A garage is an ideal location because it affords you the freedom to cut and drill without
worrying about getting the pieces in the carpet. Electronic assembly can be done indoors or
out, but I’ve found that when working in a carpeted room, it’s best to spread another carpet
or some protective cover over the floor. When the throw rug gets filled up with solder bits and
little pieces of debris, I take it outside, beat it over a trash can with a broom handle, and it’s
as good as new.
No matter where you set up your robotics lab, be sure all your tools are within easy reach.
Keep special tools and supplies in an inexpensive fishing tackle box. The tackle box provides
lots of small compartments for screws and other parts. For the best results, your work space
should be an area where the robot- in- progress will not be disturbed if you have to leave it for
a time. The worktable should also be off limits or inaccessible to young children.
Good lighting is a must. Both mechanical and electronic assembly require detail work, and
you will need good lighting to see everything properly. Supplement overhead lights with a
60- watt (minimum) desk lamp. You’ll be crouched over the worktable for extended periods of
time, so a comfortable chair or stool is a must.

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