CHAPTER 2
■ Chapter 2: Where to Obtain Tools and Parts
Lots of different parts and lots of different tools are needed to build high-quality robots.
If something is frustrating or difficult to make, or is otherwise turning out badly, then either you are
using the wrong tool or you are using it incorrectly. In fact, some jobs are literally impossible without the
right instrument. Using the correct tools in the correct manner makes almost any job fast and easy.
The same principle applies to parts. There are an infinite number of materials that you can employ to
build a robot or provide a particular feature. It’s important to choose materials that will make your robot
more robust, adaptable, and less expensive.
Often, the greatest barrier is not knowing that a tool or part exists.
Ordering Free Information
A good place to start is to puruse online stores (see Figure 2-1). Even after you get to know a site, you should
occasionally check their new product sections for updates. These stores aren’t just for ordering, they can also
be a source of information.
Figure 2-1. Some component and tool sites