saturnv7890
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Hey everyone, I'm new here, and I've been doing a ton of search around on the forum, and it seems all of you are very knowledgeable, and although this is a "go kart" forum for powered go karts, this is the same idea, just without a motor. I hope to learn a lot from you guys.
Goal:
Just like the title says, my friends and I are building carts to race down hills varying between simple straight hills that require all-out speed to tight curvy roads that require good handling.
My goal is to create something that handles well and will speed along the straights nicely. Above all else, the design must be very simple to make. I only have access to basic woodworking tools and hand tools. So yes, this will be made out of wood, with a few metal parts that don't require welding. I live in a condo complex, and I only have a small car port with no electrical outlets to work in. I'll be able to take it to my friends house with a few more tools (no metal-working tools) occasionally.
Design:
So I figure to create a fast cart, you would need the least amount of force pushing against you with drag and wheel friction. I think I'll order some pillow blocks, and get decent tires, and that will decrease friction as much as possible.
With drag, it may be a little more complicated. I'll probably want a good amount of foot room, and a very low ground clearance to keep myself very low. And I'd want to fashion some sort of body. What is the easiest way to make this? Would it be easy to make it out of fiberglass? I don't have much experience with fiberglass, but seeing as it won't be structural, and doesn't have to look pretty, I may be up for it.
Now for handling, obviously the steering would have to have a pivot for both wheels, instead of a simple single pivot design, which will slightly complicate the building process. And I assume it will also need a shorter wheelbase. Another issue is going to be grip through corners. I'd want to be able to take a corner as fast as possible, but it doesn't take a genius to know that the faster and tighter a turn, the more the cart will want to be pulled sideways. So we would want to somehow design the weight distribution to somehow push down on the tires through a corner thus increasing the force of friction, ideas?
Above all else, it must be simple to build.
Material:
What sort of materials should I build it with? I don't have a tight budget, but I'd like to keep it reasonable. I live in amerce, if that makes a difference.
Should I build it out of wood, or could I bolt together a metal frame? I realize this might weaken it considerably, but it's not a motor-powered cart, just a downhill racer.
I'd appreciate any ideas! (and I thank anyone who reads this whole post)
Also, I'll also be working on a design on keycreator over the next few days so you can let me know what you think of it.
Goal:
Just like the title says, my friends and I are building carts to race down hills varying between simple straight hills that require all-out speed to tight curvy roads that require good handling.
My goal is to create something that handles well and will speed along the straights nicely. Above all else, the design must be very simple to make. I only have access to basic woodworking tools and hand tools. So yes, this will be made out of wood, with a few metal parts that don't require welding. I live in a condo complex, and I only have a small car port with no electrical outlets to work in. I'll be able to take it to my friends house with a few more tools (no metal-working tools) occasionally.
Design:
So I figure to create a fast cart, you would need the least amount of force pushing against you with drag and wheel friction. I think I'll order some pillow blocks, and get decent tires, and that will decrease friction as much as possible.
With drag, it may be a little more complicated. I'll probably want a good amount of foot room, and a very low ground clearance to keep myself very low. And I'd want to fashion some sort of body. What is the easiest way to make this? Would it be easy to make it out of fiberglass? I don't have much experience with fiberglass, but seeing as it won't be structural, and doesn't have to look pretty, I may be up for it.
Now for handling, obviously the steering would have to have a pivot for both wheels, instead of a simple single pivot design, which will slightly complicate the building process. And I assume it will also need a shorter wheelbase. Another issue is going to be grip through corners. I'd want to be able to take a corner as fast as possible, but it doesn't take a genius to know that the faster and tighter a turn, the more the cart will want to be pulled sideways. So we would want to somehow design the weight distribution to somehow push down on the tires through a corner thus increasing the force of friction, ideas?
Above all else, it must be simple to build.
Material:
What sort of materials should I build it with? I don't have a tight budget, but I'd like to keep it reasonable. I live in amerce, if that makes a difference.
Should I build it out of wood, or could I bolt together a metal frame? I realize this might weaken it considerably, but it's not a motor-powered cart, just a downhill racer.
I'd appreciate any ideas! (and I thank anyone who reads this whole post)
Also, I'll also be working on a design on keycreator over the next few days so you can let me know what you think of it.
