building materials

[BackRoadSavage03]

Hey Guys I'm trying to design a custom go kart but am finding it hard to figure out what size and type of round tubing to use for the frame, i have a 212cc engine and am 6 foot 1. what would be the best for weight but still be strong. i just need to know what size, diameter and type of steel tubing to use. thanks
-Evan

 

[Functional Artist]

1" round or square with ~1/16" - 1/8" wall is what's usually used for go kart frames.
...& most any kind of tube is OK to use except for electrical conduit

 

[BackRoadSavage03]

i wanna use round tubing so would that be 1 1/4 .095?

 

[Functional Artist]

i wanna use round tubing so would that be 1 1/4 .095?

1 1/4" tube will work fine
...it's just kinda extra heavy duty & bulky for a standard go kart

The "bigger stuff" is usually for racing &/or off road use

 

[madprofessor]

Whatever size and gauge you choose, the more opposing diagonals bracing you use between parallel lengths of tubes, the lighter the tubes can be without sacrificing rigidity. That's the basis of a truss frame, which although they look similar, has very little in common with a ladder frame that will bend under much less weight.