Hinges

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Remote-Controlled Dave
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Hinges

Post by Remote-Controlled Dave »

Simple question - how do people hinge their flippers? Do you create your own, bodge it or use ready made? I'm finding a sever lack of ready made hinges that are small and light enough for our purpose in the likes of Homebase.
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Rapidrory
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Re: Hinges

Post by Rapidrory »

I have a different hinge type on all my flippers: Haggis has it's flipper attached to the servo, Chocolate bot uses cable ties (was originally sellotape), Tinny uses the hinge on the tin, Lionel's hinge is folded aluminium, and bullydozer uses bolts through two bits of polycarb on either side.. They all work pretty well; I've never had one break in combat.

I'd recommend making them. You might be able to pick up some mini brass hinges at a hardware store or something, but I can't see there'd be much of an advantage..
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AntRoboteer
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Re: Hinges

Post by AntRoboteer »

Sellotape works perfectly for me. Just make sure you secure it well!
Remote-Controlled Dave
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Re: Hinges

Post by Remote-Controlled Dave »

Thanks dudes, I assumed making one was the best way.
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BeligerAnt
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Re: Hinges

Post by BeligerAnt »

Dolls' house suppliers do small brass hinges, but they're relatively heavy and maybe not so strong.
James did find some small plastic hinges with metal hinge pins but IIRC they were difficult to fit and align in the confines of an ant.
Best off building from scratch. Small bolts or piano wire for hinge pins, tape or plastic film if you want to go the flexible route.
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Remote-Controlled Dave
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Re: Hinges

Post by Remote-Controlled Dave »

Getting the idea now. I'm teaching myself actual construction for the next AWS so we'll see how that all goes!
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EpicentrE
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Re: Hinges

Post by EpicentrE »

I used to use hinges made of Mylar in the olden days before I got all fancy like. They were very thin, light, and strong. Designed for small RC airplane flaps and such.
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Remote-Controlled Dave
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Re: Hinges

Post by Remote-Controlled Dave »

Mylar, Son of Lexhan of the Hardocks...*gibberish*
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bitternboy
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Re: Hinges

Post by bitternboy »

I've always used the hinges from VHS cases, they're pretty lightweight and sturdy
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Re: Hinges

Post by Hogi »

we brought a 3 gram metal hinge from B and Q once upon a time. we brought it initially for ant2D2's flipper but it never got used as it ended up being an exterior servo flipper with the arm attached directly to the servo horn. it's gone missing now though i think.
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