fowler
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i thought i could be smart and put fake details to avoid spam being sent
i worked it out thanks
i worked it out thanks
Free Kart Plans...Not Illegal!
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SpiderCarts
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That's odd -- ordering seems to be messed up. Keep the improvement comments coming as we're completely revamping all the plans as we've just taken over the site!
This is what I said before that got posted in the middle somewhere:
Blaz: Great comments! As I said, I've just taken over and we're going through all the plans one at a time to improve them. Would LOVE your comments on the plans and key areas you think need improvement. (Sending you a PM.)
Redsox: Thanks!! Would LOVE your list of small parts. If you send me a pm, we can send you a list of what's there and maybe you can comment / add to it? Also, we're just starting to completely redo the arachnid with an entirely new plan, so I'll keep you posted!
Sideways: Great comments and suggestions. As I've said, we have just taken over and want to make these quite professional and quite frankly I agree that there are a lot of improvements to be made, so we're going through each plan one by one! Would love your suggestions!
This is what I said before that got posted in the middle somewhere:
Blaz: Great comments! As I said, I've just taken over and we're going through all the plans one at a time to improve them. Would LOVE your comments on the plans and key areas you think need improvement. (Sending you a PM.)
Redsox: Thanks!! Would LOVE your list of small parts. If you send me a pm, we can send you a list of what's there and maybe you can comment / add to it? Also, we're just starting to completely redo the arachnid with an entirely new plan, so I'll keep you posted!
Sideways: Great comments and suggestions. As I've said, we have just taken over and want to make these quite professional and quite frankly I agree that there are a lot of improvements to be made, so we're going through each plan one by one! Would love your suggestions!
SpiderCarts
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Hey guys -- Glad you're enjoying the plans!! As some of you know, I've just taken over the site and am making some changes. We're working on improving all the plans from scratch, so would love your feedback and improvements for those who have built these.
The BlackWidow and Itzy Bitzy seem like good give backs to the community, and they're quite basic karts so I think these plans should be free. I'm happy to host and distribute them.
If possible, I would appreciate it if you'd refer people to the site though instead of just shipping the plans to them if you can. The only thing I'm looking for in giving away the plans is a little free advertising!
Please enjoy the plans and give feedback. We're about to do a couple new interesting karts / improvements so I'll keep you posted.
The BlackWidow and Itzy Bitzy seem like good give backs to the community, and they're quite basic karts so I think these plans should be free. I'm happy to host and distribute them.
If possible, I would appreciate it if you'd refer people to the site though instead of just shipping the plans to them if you can. The only thing I'm looking for in giving away the plans is a little free advertising!
Please enjoy the plans and give feedback. We're about to do a couple new interesting karts / improvements so I'll keep you posted.
Doc Sprocket
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Hello, Spidercarts! Thank you for weighing in on this thread and explaining your perspective. Yesterday, I emailed our site administrator with the info, asking if we should distribute, or just link. I completely understand your perspective, and think it's awesome that you are willing to make those plans available at no charge. I downloaded mine last night.
Having read your post, I would imagine the powers that be will simply place a link to the appropriate page on your site. Thanks again for a valuable resource.
Having read your post, I would imagine the powers that be will simply place a link to the appropriate page on your site. Thanks again for a valuable resource.
Imbo
Young Mechanical Genius
Like Toystory said....Thanks for dropping in SpiderCarts.
I have purchased the plans and they are good quality. I just want to say for the Black Widow. It could use a little more of the small parts like RedSox said. ive noticed they also dont have all the steel down from the materials needed and the steps in the plans.
I mostly use the plans as reference material so its not a problem. but thanks for the stuff
I have purchased the plans and they are good quality. I just want to say for the Black Widow. It could use a little more of the small parts like RedSox said. ive noticed they also dont have all the steel down from the materials needed and the steps in the plans.
I mostly use the plans as reference material so its not a problem. but thanks for the stuff
r97
Measure twice cut once
hay spider carts, glad to see you dropped by 
Blazkowiez
Kart Aficionado
Not to be a downer here but spidercarts, I had some strange questions for you.
How can you knowingly distribute plans to customers with karts that have defects found in previous kart recalls nationally years ago. IE: open bellypans, exposed axles, etc.
Also, what liabilities do you personally incur by mapping out plans for individuals for profit when they could feasibly make mistakes which could potentially lend themselves to dangerous circumstances. They could claim with a clear mind that they believed they followed the plans without fault, sympathy could be in play heavily in with a jury trial.
Other than that I think its a nice thing you placed those online for free, kudos.
How can you knowingly distribute plans to customers with karts that have defects found in previous kart recalls nationally years ago. IE: open bellypans, exposed axles, etc.
Also, what liabilities do you personally incur by mapping out plans for individuals for profit when they could feasibly make mistakes which could potentially lend themselves to dangerous circumstances. They could claim with a clear mind that they believed they followed the plans without fault, sympathy could be in play heavily in with a jury trial.
Other than that I think its a nice thing you placed those online for free, kudos.
I will make up a piece by piece list of what is on my Black Widow soon and maybe post it up herr our ship it over to you SpiderCarts. I just feel like that the motor cost it way over estimated and many small parts are left out. Also, you may want to overhaul the arachnid plans, as they have been nick named the ah-crap-nid due to numerous, serious flaws. Seeing that you're interested in feedback, I felt that should be noted.
Also, I think a black widow frame with a swing arm added would be a great kart. It would be plenty long for even the tallest riders and have some cushion from the swing arm. In hindsight, I would have added a swing arm to my frame because, at 5' 8" (and still young and nimble at 17), I'm cramped on it. And it relies totally on the tires for dampening.
I'm very glad to see that we have one of the major plan distributors on here. Now let's hope they stick around longer than GTC did...
Also, I think a black widow frame with a swing arm added would be a great kart. It would be plenty long for even the tallest riders and have some cushion from the swing arm. In hindsight, I would have added a swing arm to my frame because, at 5' 8" (and still young and nimble at 17), I'm cramped on it. And it relies totally on the tires for dampening.
I'm very glad to see that we have one of the major plan distributors on here. Now let's hope they stick around longer than GTC did...
Doc Sprocket
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Hey- looks familiar! Good job. Now improve on it.
T-man
New member
Hey guys -- Glad you're enjoying the plans!! As some of you know, I've just taken over the site and am making some changes.
Did you just purchase the site / business from the original owners ?
Did you just purchase the site / business from the original owners ?
SpiderCarts
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Did you just purchase the site / business from the original owners ?
Yep!
Yep!
So you aren't Robert Dicken? I am building this one close to the plans and my kart. the plans don't use pillow blocks or have Ackerman calculated in, but the SketchUp does. Those heims are a bit oversized but I found some in the 3D Warehouse then scaled them down to 3/8".
T-man
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oh ok I was wondering why the design of the site was differant.
SpiderCarts
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Yes - new guy here.
That said, we're going through each plan and noting different options so folks can choose -- love your design adds there!
Doing Ackerman / custom geometry is great, but requires a lot of work on the spindles. Most customers want to be able to buy stock spindles and just be done with it! With a fixed axle, your turns are trouble anyway, so getting the steering dialed in has some effect but is not going to make you a le mans driver! But I agree the explanations could be clearer and the options explained in more detail to make it clear.
Also -- as an FYI since this is turning into a SpiderCarts discussion: we've launched a build log contest this year: $500 bucks for the best SpiderCarts build and another $500 for the best non-spidercarts build. Check out the forum. Spread the word and post your builds!
That said, we're going through each plan and noting different options so folks can choose -- love your design adds there!
Doing Ackerman / custom geometry is great, but requires a lot of work on the spindles. Most customers want to be able to buy stock spindles and just be done with it!
With a fixed axle, your turns are trouble anyway, so getting the steering dialed in has some effect but is not going to make you a le mans driver! But I agree the explanations could be clearer and the options explained in more detail to make it clear.Also -- as an FYI since this is turning into a SpiderCarts discussion: we've launched a build log contest this year: $500 bucks for the best SpiderCarts build and another $500 for the best non-spidercarts build. Check out the forum. Spread the word and post your builds!
Doc Sprocket
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Yes - new guy here.
Doing Ackerman / custom geometry is great, but requires a lot of work on the spindles. Most customers want to be able to buy stock spindles and just be done with it!
While there is some inherent truth to that, it does need to be said the proper frontend geometry makes a vast difference in the steering, even in a locked up, live axle situation. Poor geometry (and other factors) can make a kart all but refuse to steer. Done properly, there is a marked improvement. I don't mind saying that mine handles on pavement like it's on rails. And that's with a stupidly heavy GX340 sitting over the back (live) axle, and turf savers all around.
I do understand that you cannot sell spindles with an appropriate Ackermann angle factored in for all possible situations. So I would propose selling a non-Ackermann version, or a "Ballpark Ackermann" version for the masses that want quick and now, and detailed fabrication plans for an appropriate spindle for each kart should the builder desire. Maybe even a spindle weldment kit that comes with arms unattached, that include instructions for the builder to achieve the Ackermann principle. These are my thoughts, for what they're worth. Cheers!
SpiderCarts
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Yep --great thoughts -- EXACTLY what we're doing on next set of plans and builds!
Or, include a few pages of basic steering geometry, such as Ackerman, caster, and camber. Then include that you can get basic spindles, make a cut into the flat to the vertical part, then bend and weld a brace. Or notch and close them up as needed.
MatthewBasaraba
Jerry Rigger
I just wanted to chime in on this. I agree with what some are saying, but Spidercarts is making all efforts to correct and improve on their plans. So Kudos to them and it is exciting to watch and work with them.
Someone mentioned Edge plans and while I agree they are awesome plans there is something that is TOTALLY different, tubing. For someone that is not familiar with or have the equipment for, round tube or pipe bending can be a serious setback. Springback of the metal, kinks, notching, and price are all huge factors when using round versus square tubing. From all 3 of my steel distributors, round 1 inch is about .45 per foot more. That adds up if making a decent sized kart.
Matthew
Someone mentioned Edge plans and while I agree they are awesome plans there is something that is TOTALLY different, tubing. For someone that is not familiar with or have the equipment for, round tube or pipe bending can be a serious setback. Springback of the metal, kinks, notching, and price are all huge factors when using round versus square tubing. From all 3 of my steel distributors, round 1 inch is about .45 per foot more. That adds up if making a decent sized kart.
Matthew
sideways
Unfinished projects king.
Spiderkarts, perhaps you could include how to make a weld on tab to give non-Ackerman spindles the correct Ackerman.
Proper steering geometries do make a huge difference, certainly worth the extra effort, especially when you have a live rear axle and a tail heavy weight bias. A live axle can handle very well, if the Blackwidow understeers badly as it is now then it needs work.
BTW, great redesign Redsox! Dunno how we could put a floor in that kart though.
The Edge ones aren't completely different. The one I was talking about is the The Fun Kart III, its frame is mostly made from 30x30x1.6mm RHS, The only part of it that is pipe is the roll bar, that is 25mm NB x2mm pipe. That roll bar isn't really needed when you consider how wide the Fun Kart is, you have to really be trying if you rolled one.
That wasn't the point I was getting at anyway, the Edge plans are much better set out and the karts better designed than the current Spiderkarts ones, hopefully we can change that.
Thanks
Hayden
Proper steering geometries do make a huge difference, certainly worth the extra effort, especially when you have a live rear axle and a tail heavy weight bias. A live axle can handle very well, if the Blackwidow understeers badly as it is now then it needs work.
BTW, great redesign Redsox!
Dunno how we could put a floor in that kart though.The Edge ones aren't completely different. The one I was talking about is the The Fun Kart III, its frame is mostly made from 30x30x1.6mm RHS, The only part of it that is pipe is the roll bar, that is 25mm NB x2mm pipe. That roll bar isn't really needed when you consider how wide the Fun Kart is, you have to really be trying if you rolled one.
That wasn't the point I was getting at anyway, the Edge plans are much better set out and the karts better designed than the current Spiderkarts ones, hopefully we can change that.
Thanks
Hayden
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