Best way to cut or modify hardware?

XNOR

Greetings!

Well, I just went to Radio Shack and picked up another BOE-Bot and the VEX hardware kit.

(Boy, they sure had a hard time finding the BOE-Bots in the store. They spent 10 minutes
searching the back room. )

Since I'm not a hardware expert, I'm hoping that I could get some help:
What is the best way to cut the metal VEX parts down to size, or to reshape them for my use?
The tools I have right now are a Rotary-tool (and cut-off wheels), a small hacksaw, and some wire clippers.
I would rather not spend alot of extra money for tools just to modify these VEX parts.

Thanks!

Steve Joblin

those sound like the right set of tools to me... you may want to consider a "Nibbler"...



it is kind of like a hole puch for sheet metal that makes nice square corners.·

Kenny Gardner

The Vex Metal cuts very easily with a hacksaw.

Kenny

XNOR

Thanks Steve and Kenny!
I'll give it a shot.

Special_K

I got a set of Straight edge tin Snips from the hardware store. 12 bucks.

XNOR

Special_K said...
I got a set of Straight edge tin Snips from the hardware store. 12 bucks.

Thanks for your reply Special_K.
Snips look good for someone clumsy like me.



(They look like overgrown scissors!)

But I wonder, is it strong/powerful enough to cut the VEX parts?
The VEX beams are pretty strong, and thicker than typical Erector/Meccano beams.

Thanks!

Special_K

Look at the pics.
I cut the VEX bar to shorten it for my new robot body.
Cutting the VEX parts was just like cutting cardboard with an ordinary pair of scissors.
...Now I wonder why my receipt says $12 and the price tag is $19.

LSB

Might also invest in a small vise. Look for one that clamps to your bench. Handy for holding parts--more handy for keeping fingers away from potentially dangerous tools!