First off, here are some proven weapons/designs. In order of easiest to build, to hardest.
Weapon SystemPusher (Perfect for beginners)
Wedge (Perfect for beginners)
Blade (Ok for talented beginners)
Undercutter (Not recommended unless you have experience)
Drum (Difficult)
Eggbeater (Very Difficult)
That's pretty much it. You're taking a chance with anything else. Not to say it can't be done, but you better have the experience before you try to pull it off.
Weapon MotorsPusher: N/A
Wedge: N/A
Blade: Brushed, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 Gearing - Brushless: Direct Drive, 2:1, 3:1
Undercutter: Brushless: Direct Drive, 2:1, 3:1
Drum: Brushless: Direct Drive, 2:1
Eggbeater: Brushless: 1:1, 2:1
Drive MotorsPusher: Banebots 16mm 38:1
Wedge: Banebots 16mm 11:1, 24:1, Maxon 17:1
Blade: Banebots 16mm 24:1, Maxon 17:1
Undercutter: Banebots 16mm 11:1, 24:1, Maxon 17:1
Drum: Banebots 16mm 11:1, 24:1, Maxon 17:1
Eggbeater: Banebots 16mm 24:1, Maxon 17:1
Wheel Hubs: In order from best to worst
Dave's Hubs
Banebots Hubs
Prop Adapter
Mini Aluminum Hub
Wheels: In order from best to worst
LiteFlites: Non Lectra
Banebots
Things Not to Use/DoCopal Motors
Plastic Wheels such as Tamiya 70145, 70111
Plastic Gearboxes
Tank Treads such as 70108
Single Set Screws on Weapons
Set Screws without thread lock
6v or less batteries
Quality Armor MaterialsDelrin Plastic
UHMW Polyethylene
Garolite CE, G11
ABS Plastic
Polycarbonate Lexan
Carbon Fiber
7075 Aluminum
Quality Weapon MaterialsS7 Steel
Titanium
SafetyEven at home, use proper power on/off procedures. You should still use weapon locks, and sharp edge covers.
Do not power up the robot around other people, even if you are sure the weapon is off. The robot could be damaged, you could get interference, or many other factors.
Do not stay in the same room as the robot while testing. If one thing goes wrong, you could get seriously injured.
Resourceshttp://www.robotmarketplace.comhttp://www.banebots.comhttp://www.mcmaster.comhttp://www.sdp-si.comhttp://www.hobby-lobby.comhttp://www.towerhobbies.comhttp://www.buildersdb.comhttp://www.teamwhyachi.comHave questions? I'd be happy to help.