To weld or not to weld

[mead_hall]

First off, thanks everyone for this awesome resource. I am not making a kart. I am working on a project that involves mostly kart parts though. I have one question. To weld or not to weld?

Should I weld my sprocket to my axle or just use the keyway? Im worried about the parts (hubs/sprocket) moving. Is this an issue?

From what the site admin told me you folks are going to be blown away by this project. I guess I'll warm up the hype machine for you.. Think water sports. Thanks again for your help!

 

[kibble]

Hubs and sprockets usually have set screws to hold them in place, the keyway/key is only so that the two parts rotate together and don't slip. I wouldn't recommend welding those types of parts together as they will be a real pain to remove should you decide to change the ratio or need to replace them.

I'm very curious now as to what you many be building.

 

[mead_hall]

I just got my hubs in today, they do not have any set screws. I got them from BMI. I'll spill the beans soon. Im going to try and get pics of the parts tonight. Maybe I'll have to drill holes and add the screws.

edit: also I have a split sprocket so it would just be the sprocket hub. I still would rather not weld them though.

 

[ChadClancy]

You could drill and tap it for a set screw (as you mentioned) or get some collars that have set screws.

 

[mead_hall]

I do have collars... Good call

 

[r_chez_08]

hovercraft???

 

[mead_hall]

I wish it was a hovercraft!!

 

[Khyren]

Probably one of those 3 wheeled pedal craft that have those huge floaty tires. About the only thing I can think of that covers water and needs a chain. But if it were me, it would be something like a john boat with a sport bike engine driving a prop...

Khyren

 

[tykenfitz]

It's one of those gas powered winches for wakeboarding, right?

 

[mead_hall]

Bingo! 7hp Subaru, running a Tav2 12t and 68t on the sprocket. I'll post some pics tonight.

 

[tykenfitz]

Sweet! I've really been wanting to build one of those! Maybe, you could give me some help?

 

[TravisD]

dont weld, use the set screws if u have them thats is :arf:

 

[lemegacool]

dont weld, use the set screws if u have them thats is :arf:

on my shopping cart the sprocket would always come loose, even with the set screw, so i made 2 tacks on both side, welding is'nt as permanent as it looks there is always a possibility to cut the weld then grind flush to remove the sprocket (did several times with wheels, sprockets) and NOTHING is impossible if you have a carbon-arc goujer!

 

[jr dragster T]

on my shopping cart the sprocket would always come loose, even with the set screw, so i made 2 tacks on both side, welding is'nt as permanent as it looks there is always a possibility to cut the weld then grind flush to remove the sprocket (did several times with wheels, sprockets) and NOTHING is impossible if you have a carbon-arc goujer!

Omg Same as my kart. Within 5 minutes of riding the set screws from the hub would be like halfway backed out even with loctite.

 

[Buick455]

Loctite never holds up, setscrews are never tight enough. I always put them lockin collars (the ones that are halfs with 2 hex bolts) on either side of my sprocket to hold the key inplace and keep the whole thing from shifting. its the only thing that seems to keep them in place without tacking.

 

[TheScreamer]

I can't wait to see the pics of this project! Sounds awesome

 

[mead_hall]

Hey guys, sorry about the delay on the pics. Ive been kind of broken up the last two days. The guy that was going to weld up the frame for me bailed so I have to find another welder. I do have the axle components (sprocket, spool, locking collars, and keystock) in place. I'll get a pic and post it just as soon as I can. I need to find someone to cut and weld my frame!

edit: Thanks for the support here! I think Im going to run with out welding anything to the axle first and go from there.

 

[mead_hall]

Here is the spool. Still needing a welder though..:toetap05:

 

[mead_hall]

Ok, I have a pro welder working on the frame for me. Should be done by the end of the month. Here is the design.

 

[theo]

Looks to me like it is for towing up a skier or some sort or water board, am I close?

theo