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Question Ways to keep material cost down

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by Michael Yoshi, Jan 3, 2022.

  1. Michael Yoshi

    Michael Yoshi New Member

    Joined:
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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    I bought all the major components and now I'm onto the physical structure that everything will bolt to. I've estimated about 45 feet of 1x1 steel box tubing. At general hardware store pricing, that's $175+ just in steel. I have wood lying around but I don't trust it for everything I need. Is there a cheaper way to get all of these materials or am I penny pinching too much?
    Michael Yoshi, Jan 3, 2022
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2014
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    Innovative tech specialist for NGOs
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    St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
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    145,034Coins
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    +10,776 / 52 / -2
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    Whatever material you use keep in mind that a motion rig needs structural rigidity, or else fine motion gets lost.

    How and where you use/mix materials depends on your design. The less mass being moved the better, as long as structural rigidity is maintained for whatever design you plan to use.
    noorbeast, Jan 4, 2022
    #2
  3. Michael Yoshi

    Michael Yoshi New Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, Arduino
    That's why I keep going back to just making everything out of metal. I might make the floor pieces and base mounts metal but make the wheel and shifter supports out of wood in the short term.
    Michael Yoshi, Jan 4, 2022
    #3
  4. Tom1980

    Tom1980 The Sky Is The Limite

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2022
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    Business Management
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    Alabama, USA
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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform
    I am going to initially build mine from wood around the house but eventually over time upgrade to metal. Just getting it built for starters will help you decide different changes you might want to make before using metal.
    Tom1980, Jan 5, 2022
    #4
  5. Martin Dixon

    Martin Dixon Member

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    Nov 19, 2021
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    Sgt HM FORCES
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    Devizes, Wiltshire
    Balance:
    26Coins
    Ratings:
    +15 / 0 / -0
    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, 3DOF, DC motor, AC motor, SCN5, SCN6, SimAxe, Arduino, JRK, Joyrider, SimforceGT, Motion platform, 4DOF, 6DOF
    i tried metal first and im starting to think it would have been better using wood as its easier to work with lol
    Martin Dixon, Feb 22, 2022
    #5
  6. C.Y

    C.Y New Member

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    I've just started my thinking .. let alone purchasing the materials. But your feedback has been good :thumbs

    What about Aluminium profile ? Strong, light, and easy(ish) to work with ?
    C.Y, Feb 28, 2022
    #6
  7. Historiker

    Historiker Dramamine Adict Gold Contributor

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    Retired
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    Michigan USA
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    +2,158 / 19 / -1
    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform, 6DOF
    I am a big fan of aluminum profile, but the drawback is that it is expensive. I have built from wood, steel and bailing wire. After 2DoF, 3DoF, 4DoF and several 6Dof I have settled on using aluminum profile. ANd I might....just might...be on my last build...probably not though.... :D
    • Funny Funny x 1
    Historiker, Feb 28, 2022
    #7
  8. cfischer

    cfischer Active Member Gold Contributor

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    Find used material.
    cfischer, Feb 28, 2022
    #8