Overview
In order to facilitate modular designs and make it easier for growing communities to bootstrap their development, we should try to develop a minimal list of "building blocks" out of which to build larger machines. Although different mechanical systems require differently sized components, we don't need continuous variation in every property. By limiting the number pieces we use in the machines we gain several advantages: sourcing parts is easier, buying more of fewer parts will likely get us better prices on parts, communities require fewer tools to be fully bootstrapped if there are fewer parts that need manufacturing processes. In addition to these benefits it would be nice for the project as a whole to have a good list of what everything costs to allow for easy cost calculations of different design choices.
Bolts
| Need
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Standard Choice
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Price (each)
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Metric Choice
|
Price (each)
|
| Small Bolt |
1/4-20 x 2" (grade 8) |
$0.13 [1] |
6mm x 1.0 x 50mm |
$0.26 [2]
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| Small Bolt (long) |
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| Med Bolt |
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| Med Bolt (long) |
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| Large Bolt |
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| Large Bolt (long) |
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Angle Iron
| Need
|
Standard Choice
|
Price (each)
|
Metric Choice
|
Price (each)
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| Small |
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| Med |
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| Large |
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| Large (thick) |
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Square Tubing
| Need
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Standard Choice
|
Price (each)
|
Metric Choice
|
Price (each)
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| Small |
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| Med |
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| Large |
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| Large (thick) |
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Pipe
| Need
|
Standard Choice
|
Price (each)
|
Metric Choice
|
Price (each)
|
| Small |
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| Med |
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| Large |
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| Large (thick) |
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Threaded Rod
| Need
|
Standard Choice
|
Price (each)
|
Metric Choice
|
Price (each)
|
| Small (Fine thread) |
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| Small |
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| Large |
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See also
