High School Robotics Team in KC

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I am mentoring a high school robotics team in Kansas City MO, and have run into a problem.  I am doing the machining and metal work, which is all going well, however I have don't have a way to weld the aluminum frame together.  If you are a skilled welder that is in KC and would be willing to help us out, it would be greatly appreciated.Thank you in advance!Miller Millermatic 212... and that's about it... for now...
Reply:FIRST Robotics?  Wish I could help.  I mentored a team for 5 years.  No welder or machining capabilities to speak of.  Bolted the frames together with 10-32 cap screws and reinforcing plates."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:It is indeed FIRST Robotics.  The students designed it and drew it all up in Autodesk Inventor and I took it from there.  This is the first year to have a team in our district, however it is a small team and we don't have any support from the building.  In fact, the students aren't allowed to use the tools in the High School because the principal thinks its too much of a liability.  The issue with that, its the same tools they use during the day in shop classes...Miller Millermatic 212... and that's about it... for now...
Reply:If it helps with your principal, my son joined this year and the students do all the work including the welding.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveIf it helps with your principal, my son joined this year and the students do all the work including the welding.
Reply:Well, I got a response from the welding lab at an area college.  Sounds like they have some students in an advanced TIG welding class that might be able to help me on Tuesday evening.Miller Millermatic 212... and that's about it... for now...
Reply:Our students aren't allowed to use the wood shop for this.  It is ridiculous...   I am very disappointed with the building's decision.Miller Millermatic 212... and that's about it... for now...
Reply:I got the local community college machining instructor to modify a part or two when we were really desperate.  My younger son has since taken most of the machining and welding classes they offer and got straight A grades.  FIRST Robotics is a challenge, as you only have 6 weeks for the entire build ( if it's the same as it's always been).  The teams sponsored by the major automotive companies always had an advantage, but if you can drive your robot reliably, you can compete.  Even if it's not a Swiss Army Knife gadget, you can at least drive and block the competition.  Our first robot was mostly plywood because that we could deal with.Hey, I admire you for taking the time and effort to help these kids.  I figure I put in about 200 hours a year, not including time to go to a couple 3-day national competitions (mostly at my own expense).  But the experience and bond with the kids was priceless.  We had some great times and some not so great. (Still wondering how the kids missed hitting another mentor in the head with a water balloon from the twelfth floor of the hotel in Houston...).Last edited by Oldendum; 01-31-2014 at 05:28 PM."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:If you wanna send it to ohio ill take care of it! I mentor team 379 and do all of their welding, unfortunately i cant find any kids that want to learn to weld.  Try local welding shops you can name them a sponsor, and they can weld your frame up, its a good advertising opportunity to have their company name on your robot.  Good luck with whatever happens hope you find someone.
Reply:Originally Posted by tigman379... I mentor team 379 ...
Reply:Originally Posted by bartels_metal_worksOur students aren't allowed to use the wood shop for this.  It is ridiculous...   I am very disappointed with the building's decision.
Reply:Thats correct oldendum 379, Girard high school, ive been involved with the team 7 years, 3 as a student and 4 as a mentor. Good to hear from some fellow FIRSTers  youre no longer involved with the program?
Reply:I'm no longer involved since my younger one finished.  My first son was a co-founder of the team.  I think 975 is dormant or only does the lower-level stuff now.  I was in charge of the basic drive platform. They never ran the same after that "USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by bartels_metal_worksWell, I got a response from the welding lab at an area college.  Sounds like they have some students in an advanced TIG welding class that might be able to help me on Tuesday evening.
Reply:Originally Posted by bartels_metal_worksI am mentoring a high school robotics team in Kansas City MO, and have run into a problem.  I am doing the machining and metal work, which is all going well, however I have don't have a way to weld the aluminum frame together.  If you are a skilled welder that is in KC and would be willing to help us out, it would be greatly appreciated.Thank you in advance!
Reply:If you have a facebook account you can look up,  Edlin's Welding on facebook and get all my contact info and I think I got some pictures of my work on there also.Thanks,Kyle