Construction Set
Tubing
This is the heart of the system; square steel tubing with holes drilled at regular intervals.
- I think I should use A500 grade B steel
- What thickness is necessary?
- Size (I think 2")
I haven't found anything solid yet, but I think the GVCS uses 1/4" thick tubing. Not sure if it's 2x2 or 3x3. They have 20' of 2" at $100.
At Metals Direct 2x2x1/4 x 12' A500 is $110. Alro in Lansing didn't have 1/4" but 3/16. A 20' section is is $200.
I'll also want sheets if the same width and material thickness. This will be particularly good for forming triangles because it can sit between the two 90° tubes. That also means I'll need washer of the same thickness (actually better would be 2 at 1/2 thickness).
Hydraulic System
This is the preferred power system for the global village construction set. I want to get a basic hydraulic system setup to understand control and eventually use those parts in my system.
Upstream of the hydraulics will be a 15hp motor that can be run off wood gas or gasoline. That runs a hydraulic pump, which can be controlled with solenoids and run motors and pistons.
Pump
What types of pumps are there? What is the cost?
Motors
Types and costs?
Pistons
Types and costs?
Connectors
Control
How do the solenoids work? How to deliver part of the system power.
Tools Needed
- Excavator
- Front loader (move dirt or drag trees)
- CEB press? (not if I do rammed earth)
I can rent an excavator for a week for less than $1000.