Designs

[hpfananu]

Discuss Designs for the 2011-2012 Tower Season!
Are you guys thinking about 4 legged or 3 legged this year?

[Vizard007]

Always four! (Assuming nothing in the rules changes drastically) I've always just found getting a three-legged design too difficult. The chances of getting it perfect is just not enough for me. =/ And the amount of time it would take to make just one is a pain compared to those with four legs. (It may be just me though)

[rjm]

Three leg towers require stiffer cross bracing. The faces of the tower are not perpendicular to each other, and a bending moment will develop in the bracing as the legs attempt to buckle. In addition to the general difficulty of building three leg towers, I think you will find that the savings of weight from one less leg will be offset by the additional weight of bracing. Three leg towers can be successfully made, but it's more tricky than you might think.

Bob Monetza
Grand Haven, MI

[hpfananu]

We've always stuck to four and it's worked out quite well...just seeing if anyone's had luck with 3. A few people at Nationals had 3 (actually, a good number) BUT I'm not sure how the people who did better than us designed theirs...ah well..waiting for the test packets!

[JimY]

Several seasons ago, I thought seriously about having the teams I coach build 3 legged towers, despite knowing the faults that rjm mentions above. It didn't take long to abandon the idea and I have not looked back since. So, stick with the 4 leggers, unless there is some special bonus in the rules for 3 leggers.

[Vizard007]

I also recall reading on a post last year that a three legged and four legged tower would be about the same weight. (Since the supports/braces would be longer for a 3 legged tower) So, I think it's better not to go through all the stress of trying to get perfect 60 degrees.

[Addicted2Scioly]

This year I am thinking of going with a solid four legged design until I my four is light and durable enough to "break a leg." Definitely don't want to take any chances of lowering my score at the beginning of the year!

[Addicted2Scioly]

I also recall reading on a post last year that a three legged and four legged tower would be about the same weight. (Since the supports/braces would be longer for a 3 legged tower) So, I think it's better not to go through all the stress of trying to get perfect 60 degrees.

Agreed. I think doing a four legged tower is much safer.

[jschrep20wba]

Team 4 legs! Three is such an odd number.

[LKN]

Because I couldn't figure out how to add a new topic, "Building Techniques" for tower building...

What is the best way you have found to attach the base and chimney of the tower? I have always been using a jig for the base, constructing the chimney, and sanding both legs until when I stack them on top of one another they are level. Sometimes the chimney legs and base legs just don't quite match up right, and sometimes a weak connection between both the chimney legs and base legs appear to be the reason for premature failure. After a few years, I have mastered the "sand-stack-level-repeat" technique, but I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions or other methods.

[chalker]

Because I couldn't figure out how to add a new topic, "Building Techniques" for tower building...

What is the best way you have found to attach the base and chimney of the tower? I have always been using a jig for the base, constructing the chimney, and sanding both legs until when I stack them on top of one another they are level. Sometimes the chimney legs and base legs just don't quite match up right, and sometimes a weak connection between both the chimney legs and base legs appear to be the reason for premature failure. After a few years, I have mastered the "sand-stack-level-repeat" technique, but I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions or other methods.

Maybe you should not try building them as separate entities? One approach would be to build a entire 'left' and 'right' side of the tower, then use some sort of jig to hold them in place while you join them together.

[LKN]

My bases are not always rectangular, I have them widen near the bottom of the legs to help with stability in the tower. Making two complete sides of a tower makes sense for the 5x20cm designs, but it isn't very practical for anything else.

[SLM]

Here is a simple jig for attaching the two sides of a tower together. First, the two side frames are built on a flat surface, then the jig is used to hold them upright while side bracings are put in place. We've been using this technique for towers, it works.

[LKN]

SLM,

If you are trying to build a straight-legged chimney (perpendicular to your testing surface) and have a square base, would you still use that method for the base and then for the chimney?

[SLM]

SLM,

If you are trying to build a straight-legged chimney (perpendicular to your testing surface) and have a square base, would you still use that method for the base and then for the chimney?

With a few modifications, it may be possible to use it for your tower. But, given that your base and chimney cannot be placed on the same plane, a three dimensional jig may be more appropriate.