2DOF compact race / flight with Oculus Rift

Hi everyone, been lurking around for some time. Many cool projects and ideas. Originally I came across 2dof-wiper-motor-car-simulator-by-DERIY-(SATO), which got me interested in building my own. More recently a very impressive project DX Racer - Compact Simulator by Noorbeast. I think I am ready to get started on my own. While I have built some projects before, this is my first sim so it is a bit overwhelming. I am sure it is going to be a slow process with a steep learning curve and everything else going on in my life, but I am in no particular hurry. As I tried to summarize in my title, ideally I would try to have a compact sim capable of both racing and flying. Also after watching some youtube videos with Oculus Rift, this is definitely a must in my mind. I don't have a whole lot of space so it would have to be a compact design. Since it is too cold to work in my garage, now is a good time to come up with the design and gather all materials to build the frame. I originally was planning to use wood / plywood. It looks like the majority of the project on this forum are steel or aluminum. I am thinking aluminum is the way to go given the light weight and more compact design. With this said, i don't really have any metal-working tools other than drill press. Also, material is not as readily available. I couldn't go to a local Home Depot and pickup channels, plates, etc. So question number one, what would be a recommendation on the material, required tools (welder, etc.), and some on-line sources to purchase.

As far as design is concerned I think it will be fairly close to the two projects mentioned above. The only other thing I am considering is incorporating some sort of provisions for the drift, or maybe even including it day one.

Any suggestions, mistakes to avoid, etc. are welcomed.

Thanks everyone.

@noorbeast, I agree, adding another couple of cm in addition to 500x500mm would not make a whole lot of difference if it means an easier built. I like your design a lot, I would consider changing a couple of things. First, for rift I am thinking of mounting a chair to a pillow block bearing similar to this:

I also would like to come up with a solution of not having to adjust a position of the mounting post when changing between flight and race sim. I am thinking something similar to adjusting a seat position in a real car, as opposed to re-mounting the seat and adjusting the u-joint support position at the same time. Or maybe using controls that are not so much different in weight. Not sure if this is an option, I wouldn't want to use something that is inferior to your setup.

Also picked this up:
http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/arc-welders/80-amp-inverter-arc-welder-91110.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-angle-grinder-91222.html
Haven't done any welding in my life, there is always first time for everything...

Lastly, found these on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/351093944483
Planning to pick up three motors, the same seller has motors with higher RPM, lower gear ratio 25:1.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/351066992384
Would my first choice work better?
Thx

Hi. Just my 2cents worth. If that pillow block twists (most do), then it will not be suitable for mounting a chair.

could you explain why not? according to the spec loading capacity is several thousand pounds. This would be sitting on top of the universal joint and would only allow for the chair to turn around vertical axis. I will try to come up with the sketch.
http://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/05600416

@norbeast I was also thinking about the counterweight. Since I am in way over my head as it is I don't think i'll be trying to replicate your "surge" idea.

Could you guys pls comment on the motors I found on eBay. I know other people used 50:1, I would like to buy them sooner then later since nobody knows how long it will be for sale for.

I thought you wanted to use this bearing instead of a universal joint. I do not understand why you need this? A good quality uni joint (recommend one from a car drive shaft) is all you need. For this type of Sim, the chair should not be able to twist in any way.

i thought that drift is simulated by rotating a chair around a vertical axis?

Not exactly, traction loss moves the whole frame of the seat mover, normally via rollers at the back and a bearing up the front. Recommend you have a look at some of the designs already detailed on this site, before proceeding further with your design. It will save you allot of time\frustration\money.

ok, point taken, thank you. but if i am planning to do something compact i am not sure how i could have a pivot point in front of my feet. the best i could do is to have it at the front of the platform that seat is attached to.

i agree, just don't want to overlook something that would make it difficult to upgrade in the future. chances are i will not be doing another one from scratch

then make room for a larger frame and start building.

I would like to think my rig is as compact for a 3dof as your somewhat gonna get. Im only 21" wide (main frame) and length if you add in the Missle nose cone is just over 6' Width depends on how much traction loss you build in.

thanks guys. i need to decide which way i am going. as far as perfoemance is concerned, is there a difference between placing the motors underneaze a seat similar to Noorbeast versus behind the seat similar to Nick Moxley? I basically need to fit into the space of a pinball machine as one of them will be replaced with the simulator.