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MacLaddy

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Hey folks,

My son walked over to me the other day and said "I really want to build a go-cart." As a mechanical engineer in HVAC design, I felt confident by saying, "Sure son. That sounds like fun. Let's dig in."

Then it dawned on me... I am NOT in college and have forgotten most of what I've learned regarding strengths and materials and have zero idea what I'm doing. I'm mostly clueless. I remember the basics and can relearn, but I don't know where to start.

That has brought me here looking for help. I'm hoping someone can help show the ropes from the ground up. I want to start with frame design, but I don't want to reinvent the wheel. Is there a good resource that can show different materials used, FEA techniques, etc? I have access to both Solidworks and Fusion360, but even though I could design a frame, it likely wouldn't be very well thought out or safe.

I'm looking forward to asking questions and seeing what I can learn from this community.

Mac
 
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Denny

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Welcome! We’re not a bunch of engineers here. Mostly old farts and young kids and a few clueless parents from time to time. We have learned what components work and which ones don’t for our yard karts/buggies. We are very safety conscious and will try to stop you from killing yourself and others.
Now just sit back and relax. The nurse will be by shortly with your coloring book and crayons and meds. For now just read along and ask plenty of questions in the forums.
 
FlyFrog

FlyFrog

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Denny said:
10, 15, at that age it’s all the same. Glad to see you ungrounded again.
Click to expand...
ya, this time its court, not grounded, and for 10-15 year olds thats a large age gap, 5 years is a lot of time to mature, but 15-20 isnt much for maturity for some odd reason, anyways back on topic
 
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Denny

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Did I mention we like to kid around with each other? Frog we got to get you a hobby to keep you out of trouble. What about school? :roflol:
 
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MacLaddy

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Denny said:
Welcome! We’re not a bunch of engineers here. Mostly old farts and young kids and a few clueless parents from time to time. We have learned what components work and which ones don’t for our yard karts/buggies. We are very safety conscious and will try to stop you from killing yourself and others.
Now just sit back and relax. The nurse will be by shortly with your coloring book and crayons and meds. For now just read along and ask plenty of questions in the forums.
Click to expand...

Old farts and clueless parents. I resemble that remark and appreciate all attempts to keep me from killing myself.

Save the silver crayon for me. People always steal that one.
 
Master Hack

Master Hack

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Use your creativity and imaganation. Doesnt have to be expensive, but you will need tools or friends with tools. l was where you are a year ago. The go kart below was built from scrap metal and junk parts. Total cost -about $200. Yards sales, scrap metal yards, auto salvage are all your friends, unless you prefer to write a check.
the grandbrat spends all him waking time on this thing. Worth every penny.
 
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