Updated on 08/05/2007

In this section we will look into the tools needed to build a bot.  Some tools are essential while others are nice to have.   I will only give a rating for the actual tools that I have used personally.

• Drills

• Hot Glue Guns

• Scroll Saws

 

Drills

Lets start with the drills.  There are so many different kinds of drill.  You will need at least some sort of drill this can be as simple as a non powered hand cranked drill.  Don't laugh...   As I was growing up my parents would not allow me to use a power drill so they gave me a hand drill.  I became very proficient with this drill and find myself still using one from timer to time. 

Cordless Drills - You should at least own one of these.  They can be purchases for $23 - $300.   It seems that everyone keeps wanting higher voltage drills.  They have more power but can be very heavy.  Some are so heavy that your arms will quickly tire when using them.  When shopping hold the drill in various positions.  Black and Decker has just introduced a new set of cordless drill designed for women.  They are very light and I have found that my children can use them with ease.  If you are going to be build a bot as a family project I recommend a small cordless.

Things to look for when purchasing a cordless drill.

• Keyless Chuck - This is a must.
• Extra Batteries - Can you purchase extra batteries
• Adjustable Clutch
• Variable Speed
• Reverse
• Weight

Low end units may not be as powerful or as light as the higher priced drills but they still get the job done.

	This is the best hand held drill cordless or otherwise that I have ever owned.  When it runs it purrs. It has unbelievable power and can handle large saw hole projects as well as small 1/16 or smaller bits for delicate work. I rate this drill 5 out of 5.  If you are a serious robot builder this is a must have drill.
	This is a bit smaller version of the Panasonic.  Its great quality but may be better suited to smaller hands.

Drill Drivers - Sometimes called electric screwdrivers, these little gems can make your life much easier.  While they can drill with special bits they tend to be too slow.  I recommend one of these in addition to the cordless drill described above.  They really come in hand when putting together or doing quick repairs on your latest bot.

Things to look for when shopping for a Drill Driver:

• Replicable battery - This could be hard to find
• Adjustable Clutch - Can keep you from stripping screws.

 

Drill drivers come in many shapes and sizes.  This little gem has a flexible handle and plenty of power for most small tasks. It has high & low dual speed range. Integrated light illuminates work surface. 23 position clutch prevents stripping of screws. Quick release mechanism. Handle locks in 3 positions. Includes: drill/driver, 5 ft. tape measure. 1/16" hex shank drill bit, LED light. 1 Phillips power bit & charger. I rate this Drill Driver 5 out of 5.

Utility Drills - You have got to have one of these gems.  They can even be used for some of your drilling.  The cordless ones are ok but tend to eat batteries and for large projects I find them lacking in power.  Choose one of the popular brands like Dremel or Black and Decker Wizard.  Most popular drills have many accessories.

Utility drills can be used to sand, grind, cut, drill.  They can be used on plastic, metal and wood.

Things to look for when shopping for a utility drill:

• Variable Speed
• Variable Chuck - Allows you to use non standard shaft sizes.

 

I have owned a predecessor to this model for over 20 years and it is still going strong.  I rate the Dremel 5 out of 5.             I have several accessory packs.  This is a good one. I rate this pack 5 out of 5.

 

Power Drills - These work much like the cordless drill but you must plug them into a wall outlet.  They have much more power then cordless drills.  While they can be used with bot building I have found that tend to use my cordless more.

Things to look for when shopping for a power drill:

• Keyless Chuck
• Variable Speed
• Reverse
• Multiple Gear Range
• Long Cord

 

This very powerful well rounded and durable drill.  While a bit too much for smaller jobs it can sure take on the larger jobs.   In all honesty though since I got my Panasonic cordless I have not used this drill. I rate this drill 4 out of 5 The main reason I did not give it the full 5 out of 5 is the weight.        I have owned this close quarters drill for over 10 years and it can go places no other drill can.  Milwaukee makes a larger one but this one has never let me down.   I rate this drill 5 out of 5.

 

Drill Presses - You cant beat a drill press for accurate hole placement.  They aren't necessary for bot building. If you are going to build lots of bots you may want to look into at least a small one.  Drill presses are rated in inches.  A 12" drill press will let you cut to the center of a 12" piece of stock.

Things to look for when shopping for a drill press:

• I recommend at least a 12" drill press
• Table should have a crank height adjustment.
• Depth Stop

 

I have owned this bench top drill press for years and still use it on my robot projects.  The only problem is that it is hard to find one.  The only thing wrong with this model is it does not have a table crank for raising and lowering the table.         This is a much better replacement.  Its built in line and table crank make using it a charm.  If you don't have the space this is a great addition to the robot builders workshop.   I rate this bench top drill press 5 out of 5.       If you have the budget this is a much better bench top drill press.  It has a larger capacity and variable speed.

 

Drill Bits - Drills are not going to do you any good with out drill bits.  You can start with a basic 8-16 piece set.  I recommend a 1/16, 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2 as a minimum.

To start with I recommend buying the cheapest you can find.  A Black and Decker basic 8 piece set will get you started.  Later you can purchase some more expensive bits.  I have sets that I have paid a couple of dollars for and are still working fine.  I also have some $300 dollar sets.  I don't recommend brad point bits for robotics as they don't work very well in anything but wood.

 

I search around to find this set ob bits. It is a great all around set of bits with sizes 1/16" - 1/2" in 1/64" increments. Bosch black oxide bits offer superior durability, speed and selection for most general purpose applications. Best for cutting holes into metal and work equally well in wood and plastic drilling. Use in steel, copper, aluminum, brass, oak, maple, MDF, pine, PVC, polycarbonate, acrylic, ABS, nylon and composite materials.       This is a great low cost set of drill bits and driver heads that will work with just about any drill.           If you have never tried a quick change bit set you are in for a treat.  I insert the main driver into your drill then can changes various drill / driver combinations by just sliding the head down.  This particular set has drill/counter sink on one side and driver on the other side making changes even easier.

Other Accessories - There are other accessories you may want to purchase over timer.  Things like:

• Drill bit sharpeners
• Clamps
• Gauges

 

Hot Glue Guns

Hot glue guns are indispensable to robot building.   It does not matter if you are holding down some wires or joining two pieces of plastic,  if you have a glue gun you will use it.  A glue gun will cost you between $2 and $50.  You can get more expensive ones but they are not need foe robotics.

Some Guidelines

Never glue something you want to remove.  When you properly prepare the surface, hot glue is as permanent as epoxy glue.  The hot glue has a bit more elasticity than epoxy so it can be used where epoxy cant.

Never use hot glue on a surface that get hot.  It will melt the glue and the connection will fail.

Test fit surfaces be for applying hot glue.

There are two temperatures used on hot glue guns.  For simplicity they are called High and Low Temp.  As you might think hot glue has more adhesion and can standup to hotter operation temperatures.

Glue Gun Types - There are several brands and models of glue guns.  Almost all now have trigger feed.  Don't bother purchasing thumb feed as there is little cost difference between the two. 

There are three temperatures options when purchasing a hot glue gun.

• High Temp Gun - Can use high and low temp glue sticks.  Low temp glue sticks may tend to run. 
• Low Temp Gun - Can only be used with low temp glue sticks.
• Dual Temp Guns - Can be used with both high and low temp types of glue sticks.  You can match the temp to the glue stick for the best performance.

There are a couple of sizes and shapes.

Small round glue stick guns - These are ok and heat up faster then the larger round glue guns.  You will find you are constantly adding glue sticks with this type.   This type is better suited to low volume gluing.

Large round glue stick guns - These are my glue gun of choice.   You can go twice as long before having to add a glue stick to the gun.

There are also some oval shaped glue guns.  Stay away from these as you may find it difficult to locate glue sticks.

The best darn glue gun for the price. Many glue guns get the job done for serious crafters and DIYers, but only the Dremel 1200 Glue Gun has taken the hassle out of this popular tool. The anti-drip tip of the Dremel Glue Gun reduces glue drip for a cleaner work area and wastes less glue. The silicone cover surrounding the tip protects against accidental burns. Red and green LED lights tell you when the Dremel 1200 Glue Gun is "ON" and "Ready-to-use"...taking the guesswork out of ideal temperature. Depending on your project and glue type, you can select from two temperature settings with the Dual Temperature switch plus a separate On/Off switch so you won't have to unplug the glue gun to turn it off. Dremel has also made this glue gun more comfortable to use with a soft-grip handle and extended three finger trigger which needs less effort to release the glue. To keep your work area safer, the kickstand and wide base prevent the glue gun from accidentally tipping over.   Same as above but comes with a tot bag.

Surface Prep - Treat the surfaces as you would for paint.  Rough the surfaces with some sand paper for the best adhesion.

Application - To attach two surfaces you can apply glue to one surface and attach them.  You will have a couple of seconds to position the surfaces.  Hold in place until the glue hardens.  Once the glue hardens run a bead between the two surfaces.

 

Scroll Saws

I have owned many scroll saws and for bot making they are indispensable.  I created a walker workbook where you can build a very cool walking robot and a scroll saw is a perfect way to cut out the parts needed.

FirstWalker WorkBook

I have created a full review of three scroll saws.  The review even includes some tips and hints for bot building.

Scroll Saw Review

 

Please feel free to comment on this or any other of my web pages.

You can contact me at msimspon@kronosrobotics.com