How long and what diameter should an axle be?

[johnnyKart]

I am building a wooden cart prototype. How long should the axle be and what diameter should I use? 1/4"? 3/4"? I found axles online that were 3/4" but then I saw old plans that had them at 2' at 1/4".

Thank you for any help.

 

[1992suburban]

I would run a 1 inch axle. length is up to YOU.

figure in Hubs, wheel offset.. everything when you get your axle.

 

[johnnyKart]

is 1" a standard? Can it be smaller?

 

[modelengineer]

I wouldn't go any smaller. 1" is good, any less has a chance of breaking. You might be lucky, you might not.

Also most hubs fit 1" axles (I think, I made all my hubs)