Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: SeagullOne on August 11, 2007, 06:10:06 PM

Title: Tracks
Post by: SeagullOne on August 11, 2007, 06:10:06 PM
Hello, Everyone!

I'm working on a large scale robot that will use tracks. I'm making the robot's tracks out of 3 inch wide, 27 inch long strips of car floor pads and stapling the ends together with heavy-duty staplers (I might have to make them a little longer than 27 inches. I might also use some find sewing if Staples don't work). I hear this technique is suppose to work really well. My only problem now is finding the right wheel/pulley to turn these treads. I've thought of using 3 inch long spools of some kind with an outer diameter of about 2 or three inches, but I can't seem to find one exactly like that. Anyone have any other ideas?

Also, I'm currently discussing industrial timing belts and pulleys as treads with Brecoflex over email, but I'd still like to know if I can find a way to use these floor pad strips so I don't have to spend a few hundred dollars on industrial stuff.
Title: Re: Tracks
Post by: ed1380 on August 11, 2007, 11:35:11 PM
are you sure the car mats will not stretch? best bet would be to use conveyor belt material
Title: Re: Tracks
Post by: dunk on August 12, 2007, 02:42:16 AM
hey SeagullOne,
it would be worth looking at how the radio controlled tank enthusiasts do it.
there's a few sites out there if you search around.
eg. [url][http://www.rctankcombat.com/tanks//url]

dunk.
Title: Re: Tracks
Post by: JonHylands on August 12, 2007, 07:05:25 AM
If you're looking for 3" wide tracks, I would look into LynxMotion. This kit:

http://www.lynxmotion.com/Category.aspx?CategoryID=109

has 2" wide tracks, but they also sell 3" wide tracks:

http://www.lynxmotion.com/Category.aspx?CategoryID=94

and they are very well made. I have one of the kits above sitting on my workbench, and I am very impressed with the quality of the thing.

- Jon
Title: Re: Tracks
Post by: sailman58 on August 12, 2007, 07:45:57 AM
Hey Gunk,

There ought to be a law against what you did to me. I just lost a couple of hours from a beautiful Sunday morning at that model tank site! Now how can I fit a model tank in amongst the r/c model sailboats, the full size sailboats, and the bots. I might just have to retire to find the time!!

Ron
Title: Re: Tracks
Post by: Admin on August 12, 2007, 08:47:53 AM
A 5 part video tutorial on making tracks for larger tanks . . .

http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=1420.0
Title: Re: Tracks
Post by: sailman58 on August 12, 2007, 09:49:53 AM
And there goes the rest of Sunday morning!
Great stuff though. I want one. Maybe i could pull a lawn mower with it.

Ron
Title: Re: Tracks
Post by: SeagullOne on August 12, 2007, 11:09:19 AM
Thanks everyone! These look like some good resources!
You were right, ed1380. I felt and tugged the floor mats a little last night, and they do stretch.
Hmmm...maybe instead of car floor mats I can look into mountain bike treads, the loose kind they
sell at wallmart.

But I think I'll really try those lynxmotion links. They look and sound promising.

Don't worry sailman58. There's always next Sunday!  ;)