Metal Rods, Sheet Metal, etc.

[Cosbro]

Hello everyone.

I was just scrolling through some of the build logs for the Build Off. A lot of build frames from scratch.

I am wondering, where does everyone get their metal from, and how much is it?

I want to build my own fun kart frame (not for the contest), but I can't find any metal for cheap. I also can modify an old frame.

Does anyone where I can buy metal for cheap? I'm on somewhat of a budget right now and I dont want to spend a fortune on metal.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Kartorbust]

Steel yards and metal suppliers are the cheapest.

 

[Cosbro]

Ok thanks. There may be a steel yard nearby. Thank you.

 

[Kartorbust]

Yeah metal yards are a lot cheaper than say Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, etc. I'm not sure how much it would cost to be shipped to your door if need be.

 

[65ShelbyClone]

Does anyone where I can buy metal for cheap? I'm on somewhat of a budget right now and I dont want to spend a fortune on metal.

I take it you're looking at mild steel and not high-strength like 4130 (chrome-moly)?

Look for industrial metal suppliers in your area that sell smaller quantities. They might even have usable scraps for a lower price. An alternative would be mail-order outfits like Mcmaster-Carr.

 

[Functional Artist]

Hello everyone.

I was just scrolling through some of the build logs for the Build Off. A lot of build frames from scratch.

I am wondering, where does everyone get their metal from, and how much is it?

I want to build my own fun kart frame (not for the contest), but I can't find any metal for cheap. I also can modify an old frame.

Does anyone where I can buy metal for cheap? I'm on somewhat of a budget right now and I dont want to spend a fortune on metal.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

I have built many karts out of regular old steel water pipe
...available from most any hardware store in the world (~$1.00 per ft.)

It's called (1/2" schedule 40) but, it's actually 5/8" ID (inside diameter) with a 1/8" wall & has a 7/8" OD (outside diameter)

IMO, It's even easier to work with, than thin wall steel tubing.
...especially if it's your first build

 

[robcantplayhockey]

Speaking of types of metal, I’ve been considering doing some beginning welding and I think non hardened steel is easier to work with. Are most kart frames made from non hardened steel? I’m pretty sure mine is an old streaker kart so it’s fairly popular.

 

[Joe-405]

My buildoff Metal all came from metal supermarkets that is local. They have other locations also. You might check their website or your local listings. You never posted a location so we could assist you in finding a metal yard closer to you.

 

[65ShelbyClone]

Are most kart frames made from non hardened steel?

None of them are really "hardened" AFAIK; that would make them prone to cracking.

Racing karts are just about all made from some kind of chrome-moly for strength, durability, and reduced weight, I would guess 4130 or something comparable. Again, hardening in the weld and HAZ is bad, which is why gas welding is still popular for cro-mo.

Fun karts are constrained a lot by price, so I would think they use a cheaper and heavier medium-strength carbon steel like 1045.

 

[Kartorbust]

1020 or A36 steel is suitable for karts, they are close to being the same. 1045 carbon steel is for bolts, axles, and forged connecting rods.