frame material

[Kartorbust]

I've actually been wondering about this and you would probably know. What is the best way to make jigs for these? In Kartfab's videos he uses plywood and small nails, but what about using welding tables and magnets?

Magnets do work pretty well, though they can mess with the arc of the welding a bit.

 

[kenworth85]

I've got a 26" wide steel table I drilled holes in it, dropped some double nutted bolts in seems to work pretty good. the problem I have is my table has a little swag in it on one end. I have to shim up on one end, then I use a level to get it as close as I can. then I use small tack welds to hold each piece, just enough to hold it without putting much heat on it. seems to work for me ok. ( the table is 8" long its the back end off an old truck bed). when I finish I grind the tacks off the frame and table.

 

[chancer]

I like KWs approach better than wood or magnets.

 

[Flyinhillbilly]

Magnets jack with my tig bad, mig doesn't seem to be as big of a deal.

 

[chancer]

I have some really strong Magnets and even those "welding magnets" for 90° Corners will mess with my Lincoln 125 mig if too close.

But Magnets sure will not hold down a frame from warping and twisting while welding.

 

[Randy H]

I just thought of one advantage for a HF AC FCAW machine. You can use all the magnets you want and it won't be affected. No DC, no arc blow.

By all means though, still use that for an excuse.

 

[kenworth85]

View attachment 8110 WELL HERES ANOTHER CHANGE. Ineed side restraints on this one. Need your opinion if you can see what I done. The last pic is a tubing bender I made tried it on this side restraint. Pretty caveman but seemed to work ok.

 

[kenworth85]

I think the side restraints ang gusset will help stiffen the frame

 

[chancer]

I like the side restraints. Lookin good.

 

[tinamcjittles]

This is a cool looking layout, and the metal jig idea isn't bad, because magnets are terrible sometimes! They make those welding tables but good ones are way out of Tina's budget.. That frame will be super sturdy, noicee

 

[chancer]

This is a cool looking layout, and the metal jig idea isn't bad, because magnets are terrible sometimes! They make those welding tables but good ones are way out of Tina's budget.. That frame will be super sturdy, noicee

You just need a thick sheet of steel. Minimum 1/4". Leveled on a sturdy work bench/table.

 

[kenworth85]

Or find an old truck bed with smooth plate. I found this in scrap yard they even cut it off for me. paid what ever scrap was going for.

 

[FreeRunner15]

It is tougher than usual because you can not leave heat on it for too long or you will burn a hole through it.
I have enough experience to say that, but Hey... it works great for light weight- to- medium duty stress loads until flexing(if welded good).

 

[92LX-5.8]

I use 1inch black pipe from lowes (gas pipe). Building a drift trike out of it now, works very well

 

[offroading73]

i was wondering if 3/4" oem conduit will work for a frame. I've already started. Thought i had better ask before going any further.

i use to make climbing tree stands with 1/2" but never tried putting wheels and a engine on them. never felt unsafe 30 to 40' in a pine tree.

 

[tinamcjittles]

I use 1inch black pipe from lowes (gas pipe). Building a drift trike out of it now, works very well

This seems heavy and expensive...

 

[Kartorbust]

Black pipe or any pipe for that matter would not be structurally sound for a kart of any kind. Too heavy and just would not hold up well. Tubing is probably the best.

 

[tinamcjittles]

i use to make climbing tree stands with 1/2" but never tried putting wheels and a engine on them. never felt unsafe 30 to 40' in a pine tree.

I like the saying "Any material is strong if used properly". Conduit is great if you design the frame while knowing how weak it is. But whoa that's a sketchy height lol

---------- Post added at 02:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:37 PM ----------

Black pipe or any pipe for that matter would not be structurally sound for a kart of any kind. Too heavy and just would not hold up well. Tubing is probably the best.

Agreed, and welding iron pipe is pretty sketchy without the proper techniques..

 

[Kartorbust]

Mostly need rods with a higher Nickle content and usually pre and post heating to prevent cracking.

 

[anickode]

I like the saying "Any material is strong if used properly". Conduit is great if you design the frame while knowing how weak it is. But whoa that's a sketchy height lol

---------- Post added at 02:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:37 PM ----------



Agreed, and welding iron pipe is pretty sketchy without the proper techniques..

Black "iron" pipe is mild steel with a heavy pickled scale coating. It can be welded with any standard steel wire or rod. In this case, 'iron' is just old school slang.

Yes, there is actual iron pipe out there, but your typical threaded plumbing pipe is steel.