New guy building a Radio Flyer Wagon Kart

[zenking12]

So I'm new and want to build a Radio Flyer Kart for my grandson. O.K. O. K. Well maybe for me and he will have fun with it.
So I got some 1" steel and plan to try to weld. So far I have cut the steel and will weld it together soon. I also have a old bar stool racer that I plan to use parts from if I can.
Got a wire feed welder and I'm off.
I hope to ask a lot of questions so Thanks in advance.
Dan

 

[rocketkart]

looks great. keep us posted.

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum. It looks like you are off to a good start. Most of us use the kids or grandkids as an excuse, but we know better

 

[OzFab]

Wait, what? You plan to try to weld? My plan would be to weld.

If you're inexperienced, do some practice & get your settings & techinque down before you hit the frame; you'd want to know if your welds are any good before you put the young fellas life at risk wouldn't you?

 

[zenking12]

Ha ha that's funny I didn't explain because I didn't want to take up everybody's time but I have the wirefeed welder and I've been practicing and practicing and practicing so far I welded new legs on my weber barbecue and have welded round and square steel to hunks of metal trying to get it right I think where I'm at now is my welds look ugly but they hold I guess that's why have a grinder. I may be scared to post any of my welds as you guys may just make fun of me. Ha ha

 

[danssoslow]

Meh. If anyone makes fun of your welds, just tell them it's a heap better than Daniel can do it. I'll back you up on that.

Good deal on the project. Besides a mini chooper, I'd have to say a wagon kart is the only other build I really want to do in the future. Very iconic.

 

[rocketkart]

we are all here to learn and share are experience and not here to judge your welding skills.

 

[OzFab]

Yep ^^ what he said; we won't make fun of you, we'll tell you what you may be doing wrong & tell you how to fix it so, post them pics...

You should be able to get strong, neat welds, it comes down to three things: Proper settings, technique & experience. Experience, obviously, comes with time but, if either of the other two is off, it won't matter how much experience you have; we can help you get it right...

If you're worried about how bad your welds look, believe me when I say we've seen worse

 

[firemanjim]

What brand welder are you using? If its a harbour freight model, set amps to low and wire feed to about 6 for 16 gauge tube. ..... thats about where mine is set..... works great for tubing and plate up to 5/16".....

 

[danssoslow]

I had this witty comment about your welds; but left it in another thread.

It was a hoot! I swear you'd laugh!

 

[firemanjim]

I had this witty comment about your welds; but left it in another thread.

It was a hoot! I swear you'd laugh!

Must have missed it.... Im no welder,thats for sure... lol Im usually in too much of a hurry to just take my time.... Im kinda thinking about taking a weeks vacation to sit aroud and build a new kart for my Christmas present to myself.
Welding is definitely a skill learned over time....

 

[OzFab]

I had this witty comment about your welds; but left it in another thread.

It was a hoot! I swear you'd laugh!

Look at post #6

 

[danssoslow]

Did you do that?

If you didn't, please lie and say yes. If I actually posted that same message twice in two different threads, I think I may get queasy.

 

[OzFab]

Did I do what?


Relax Dan, I moved it for ya...

 

[zenking12]

new guy

So I got the sprocket and disc off the axle of the bar stool flyer . I welded up the frame. I got the bearings and welded the bearing holders on. Then put the tires on the axle and set the frame on top just because it looks cool that way.
Dan

 

[danssoslow]

Wagons look so cool with fat racing meats on them. Good show!

 

[rocketkart]

put a v8 in it with a wheelie bar and some nos spare no expense lol if you aint first your last trademark ricky bobby.

 

[OzFab]

So I got the sprocket and disc off the axle of the bar stool flyer . I welded up the frame. I got the bearings and welded the bearing holders on. Then put the tires on the axle and set the frame on top just because it looks cool that way.
Dan

Umm, sorry to be the bearer of bad news but, where does the sprocket go? Have you trial fitted it?

 

[zenking12]

Frame

Just a trial fit nothing is attached yet. No keyWay's are in place. the frame is just sitting on the axle

 

[OzFab]

I see that but, my concern is that the sprocket won't fit, it'll hit the frame because the axle is too far back.

If you lok kat the last pic in rocketkarts pocs, you'll notice the rear of the wheel is level (or there about) with the rear of the wagon, I'm guessing your wheels protrude past the frame...