The RoBovines Makerspace
In 2024, we set out on our newest, most ambitious goal yet- To build a makerspace. Saratoga County’s 4H Robotics program has grown so large and become so impactful that it was the next step in taking it to the next level. For years, we had been using old, beat-up up hand tools to make ever-improving robots. But with competition around us getting even better, we had to get better too. This was coupled with our growing outreach programs, which would benefit greatly from being able to use the makerspace. We started by buying our mill (see more below), and are now working on getting more tools. Stay tuned to see what we have in store!
Our Milling Machine
About our Mill
We took delivery of our new-to-us Excello manual milling machine in August of 2024. But why did we buy it? We custom fabricate around 90% of our robots each year, and over the past few years, the design of our robots has gotten too complex for what we could do by hand. Every time we wanted to mount a motor, it would take forever, and we would always have extra holes from where the drill moved just a little bit.
What we’ve made
This year, our robot’s entire drive train was custom-milled. It was designed and manufactured by us to be a new, modular design. We created what we call “wheel-pods”, which have a motor and wheel assembly all put together, attached to the main chassis with only 2 bolts. This allows easy and quick maintenance. These pods were made possible by our mill’s precision (we could mount the motor FIRST TRY!!).
More Coming Soon!!