Robotics Challenge 2002
The Challenge

(The course overlay will be distributed separately.)

These directions will result in a board that is 48 inches square on the outside measurements. Last year we built them 48 inches inside and it takes more wood and is harder to do. This method does not require the bottom be cut perfectly square. If this causes any problems, let us know. Any board that was made last year could be taken apart and easily down-sized to these specs.

Materials needed:
1x4 #2 pine 2/8'-0"
1/2 sheet melamime 1/2"or 3/4" thick
approx 30-1 1/2" x #6 wood screws

Directions: Cut two pieces of 1x4 46 1/2" long.
Cut two pieces of 1x4 48" long.

1) Assemble these four pieces on edge, the shorter pieces inside of the longer pieces, to make a square with the outside dimensions of 48" x 48". You should be able to attach the pieces with two wood screws in each corner. You may want to drill pilot holes for the screws to prevent splitting.

2) Make sure the resulting shape is truly square by measuring diagonally from corner to corner. When the two measurements are the same, the shape is square.

3) Lay the 1/2 sheet of melamime over the frame and screw through the melamime into the edge of the 1x4 pine. Use three or four screws per side.You may have to drill through the melamime. Flip the board over and the playing area is complete.