how do I cut axle 7 degrees for spindle

[Todd71]

Hi
this is my 1st kart and I was wondering how do I cut axle 7 degrees for spindle brackets to have the correct caster angle?
I suppose I could wing it or not do it at all but I figure there has to be a smart way of getting this done right.
thankshttp://diygokarts.com/vb/images/smilies/idea2.gif

 

[Acavet]

Did you mean camber angle, because caster angle is just the forward tilt of bolt that holds the spindle in place.

You didn't say what kind of power tools you have access to but assuming the very basic. Get yourself a cheap protractor, draw out a 7 degrees from vertical set of lines on a piece of cardboard, cut along lines, tape to tubing and hold your hacksaw at that angle as you cut. Doesn't have to be 100% accurate just an approximate.

7 Degrees isn't much you can always just grind or use a power sander to make the angle you need too. Use the same piece of cardboard to check your work.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I think we're having a communication mishap here. If it's CASTER you're after, you need to cut nothing. Weld your spindle brackets (knuckles) on to your axle beam, rotated backwards by 7*. That easy. Use an angle finder to get it right.

Now, if you're shooting for CAMBER, that's when you need to cut the axle beam on an angle. The next question is: Are you really after 7* of CAMBER (that's quite a lot) or 7* of KPI? If it's KPI you're after, you need to cut the axle and at 7*, and THEN weld your spindles on at the opposite angle. This way, the King Pin is inclined (KPI) at 7*, yet the camber rests at 0* in the straight ahead position, and starts cambering while turning. Have a look here ---> http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11760

 

[Todd71]

I'm just trying to tilt the top of the wheels in
I've got lots of tools
Thanks for the knowledge

 

[Acavet]

Cardboard and hacksaw is the cheapest and easyest.

 

[mckutzy]

Tack one side, hold it tightly as the heat will pull it. Tilt till desired angle, then tack it so it doesn't move. If it is a good enough first tack it won't break when you start to move it.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Just out of curiosity- Can we see the application? I could understand setting a 7* camber angle if you were building a single-arm frontend, with the arms slightly off parallel at ride height...