Square tubing or round tubing?

[ferhankov]

So I have a framework and all ready, however with some welders the question rose of does it matter if the frameworks made out of round tubing or square galvanised steel?

 

[firemanjim]

It doesn't matter if its round or square, but DO NOT use galvanized tube. Welding on it will put out a HIGHLY toxic fumes if im not mistaken. The metal need not be galvanized anyway. Everybody paints their karts...

 

[ferhankov]

So there wouldn't be any major weight difference or anything that'll cause a problem?

 

[landuse]

So there wouldn't be any major weight difference or anything that'll cause a problem?

Nope. Square tubing is easier to weld. You dont have to fishmouth all the joins

 

[Half-breeder]

So there wouldn't be any major weight difference or anything that'll cause a problem?

...major weight difference(dependant on the thickness and diameter) I wouldnt say 'major'...square tends to take up more space(inch for inch of same thickness) which tends to add more weight(a pound here...a pound there).

cause a problem?.... not enough to 'call' it a problem no... just the weight 'issue'.

Square IS by far easier to keep lined up when welding and more surface area than round= more/better weld(which equates to better chance your frame'll be 'square' and staying that way w/ a heavy load)...but forget about making a 'pretty' curve/bend w/ it. IMO I think square tube karts kinda give off that '8bit' look to em.

 

[ak99]

Nope. Square tubing is easier to weld. You dont have to fishmouth all the joins

I agree with this, especially with my welding skills!

As the OP is here in Australia - My frame is made with 25x25 square tube, built using a Chinese arc welder with decent rods and it was easy to build. I do have a cut off saw so the cuts are nice and square.

Total cost for the tubing was $35, the frame is large enough for me - I'm 6ft 2"

 

[OzFab]

My daughters frame is 1" SHS, mine is 1" round tube so, I can tell you, square is easier to work with but, it depends on the style of kart you're buildin as to what you use.

For some, either will work; for instance, I could easily have made my daughters from square or round but mine wouldn't look anywhere near as good if I'd used square tube...