Page 9 - Robot Builder's Bonanza

viii CONTENTS

Specialty Online Robotics Retailers 31
Hobby and Model Stores 31
Craft Stores 32
Hardware and Home Improvement Stores 33
Samples from Electronics Manufacturers 33
Finding What You Need on the Internet 33
Shop Once, Shop Smart 34
Haunting the Surplus Store 34
Getting Parts from Specialty Stores 35
Scavenging: Making Do with What You Already Have 36
Getting Organized 37

Part 2—Robot Construction
Chapter 4—Safety First (and Always) 43
Project Safety 43
Battery Safety 44
Soldering Safety 44
Fire Safety 44
Avoiding Damage by Static Discharge 45
Working with House Current 47
First Aid 47
Use Common Sense— and Enjoy Your Robot Hobby 48

Chapter 5—Building Robot Bodies— the Basics 49
Picking the Right Construction Material 49
In Review: Selecting the Right Material 52
Robots from “Found” Parts 53
Basic Tools for Constructing Robots 54
Optional Tools 57
Hardware Supplies 57
Setting Up Shop 58

Chapter 6—Mechanical Construction Techniques 59
First Things First: Eye and Ear Protection 59
Plan, Sketch, Measure, Mark 60
Drilling Holes in Things 60
Cutting Things to Size 64
Using Portable Power Tools 67
Getting Work Done Fast with Air Tools 68

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