Mechanical
Measure twice. Build once.
Name every part on the build table, then learn to design in CAD. Our belt calculators handle the timing-belt math, and the goBILDA parts lists cover every sub-assembly.
Lessons
Learn the parts, then the design
Start with hardware. Everything in CAD makes more sense once you've held the real parts.
- 01 Robot hardware Metric sizes, screws, nuts, washers, spacers, shafts, bearings, collars, chain and belts, the tools that fit them, and the four mistakes that ruin parts. 25 minQuiz
- 02 CAD training A six-lesson Onshape series: sketching, part studios, assemblies and repair tools, then an FTC drivetrain and animated mechanisms. 6 lessonsOnshape
Our tool
GT2 belt tools
Timing belts only come in certain lengths, so the gap between your shafts can't be just anything. Tell the calculator what you already know and it finds the pulleys, the exact goBILDA belt, and where to put the shafts.
- Design itTarget ratio + rough spacing → ranked pulley and belt combinations
- Find a beltPulleys + spacing → nearest stock belts and the shaft move for each
- Place the shaftsPulleys + the belt you have → exact center-to-center distance
Build references