Newbie

[kadtoy]

Hi all,

I am totally new to all of this, was involved racing Rotax Max, for a year or so but gave up due to finance, and now on the verge of building my own Kart to play with, not sure if petrol or Electric.
Been a mechanical engineer for the last 25 years and in the last year been teaching myself electronics. So from time to time I will be here pleading for help.
I look forward to being involved here on the forum.
All the best to you all.

 

[fowler]

welcome
gook luck
id go petrol (2min to fill up not 12 hrs and more simple to set up)

 

[kadtoy]

Hi Fowler,

Thanks for that, yes I prob, will go petrol. Not looking for anything too fast, just a small thing for the kids to move about on, so I have a small 5hp 4 stroke motor in the shed so that should do it. I suppose the next thing is to machine a clutch for it.

 

[fowler]

that sould be good
what u mean machine a clutch

 

[kadtoy]

Machine a clutch? well I plan on making a friction clutch for the motor, possibly the old cup and cone style, so the engine will run at a set RPM but my kid can press a peddle to increase the friction and get the drive transferred to the axle. I had thought of putting in a centrifugal clutch but these in the UK are about £100, so a few hours in the workshop on the lathe and milling machine will do the job and a lot more satisfaction.
One other Idea I have is to incorporate a Derailier from a bountain bike into the chain drive (Just for Fun) to see how it works, the motor is a slow reving motor, which I happened to get running this weekend, it has been out of action for about two years since I stripped the old lawn mower to make space in the shed, so it was really good to hear it turn over even if it was bouncing about on the floor.
Right let me get to work, have a good day people.

 

[fowler]

well i dont know why the clutch wont work as long as u can get enough friction
the derailer wont work as the chain u will be useing will not be flexable enough
and bike chain is not strong enough
i would like to see this clutch though u must post finished pics