Anyone have any solid build tips to add to my list, there are so many more I can think of but just cant put into words.
Use the correct length of screws with NYLOCKS. The Screw should just barely make it through the nut
KEPS (The nuts with the little squiggly washer thing) are great for throwing together a prototype, they should never be permanent
Use bearing flats as much as possible because axles should never contact metal.
Screws can be used in place of axles sometimes, ie pivots that are shorter than 2”
If available everything should be aluminum, if short on aluminum (We shouldn’t be, just got a crapload of it) use steel fore drivetrain and anything being lifted by motor should be aluminum.
DO NOT torque the beans out of shaft collars, especially with the little set screw in them. If you need to support an axial load use spacers not shaft collars
All structural (non pivoting) joints should have at least 2 screws in them
Get a nut driver which is the correct size, we use one and it makes life much easier. Also, in hard to reach positions, you can use pliers to hold the nylock in place.