Tubeclamps as alternative to welding - Possible?

[Ooze3d]

Hi all,

I have no welding experience but I want to build my own two seater from scratch using aluminium or steel tubes. I think I can build most of it by using tubeclamps (see them here: http://www.serviescenic.com/piezastube.htm). They say they can be as strong as welding (don't really know). The problem comes when trying to put together the steering and suspension parts. I'd like to know if there's any way to do it without welding. I'd buy the A-Arms already made.

What do you think? Is it possible?

 

[Russ2251]

Linky no worky!!!
Nuts 'n bolts work.

 

[go kart mozart]

two words: ANGLE IRON! its like a giant erector set. thats all i did works great

 

[Russ2251]

Link works if last ) is removed.

 

[modelengineer]

I'd be very wary of those tube clamps. They don't look all that strong.

Just out of interest, why do you not want to weld? An arc welder can be had for under $100 and pretty much everything comes with it. A bit of practice and you can weld up the kart, no problems. It's really not that difficult, just requires some practice.
Also, if you learn how to weld you can save much $$$ by making the steering and a-arms yourself.

 

[go kart mozart]

heck id try it. looks solid. might reinforce it somehow

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

Strong as welding? BS. Welding is a fairly easy to learn skill that will pay for itself till you die.

 

[sayre315]

welding is great, but those tube clamps look offley fun
if i had the tubing and clamps i'de defenetily do it

 

[jr dragster T]

Those clamps are used on bus hand rail's and stuff like that. I dont know if I would trust them.

 

[fluxcored]

I'm skeptical as well. Looks like a good idea but vibration may cause the metal to tear where it's bolted/riveted onto the tube.

If you do not want to weld follow Go Kart Mozart's idea and use angle iron.

You must have a lot of dough if you're thinking of building a kart out of aluminum,

 

[4EyedTurd]

We use that stuff at work for railing. The joints are kinda stout they just have set screws holding the pipe in which I wouldn't trust with the vibration. Unless you used locktite or something.

Probably end up costing a pretty penny.

 

[Kyron]

I wouldnt trust those clamps.......

You should also forget about aluminium as its not as forgiving as steel.

Get a welder and learn how to weld, with a DVD and some scrap metal you'll be welding like a champ in no time...... Figure it as an investment that will pay for its self over time.

 

[fluxcored]

We use that stuff at work for railing. The joints are kinda stout they just have set screws holding the pipe in which I wouldn't trust with the vibration. Unless you used locktite or something.

Probably end up costing a pretty penny.

I guess that they'll be fine if you braze them on but then you might as well weld your kart - less expensive, not so tho if your tubes will be ali.

Any which way you look at it, mate - if you want a sturdy kart, you will have to pick up a torch or a gun.

 

[Ooze3d]

Ok, so that's 9 negative answers... I think I'll weld...

 

[shaggyslaser]

My thought is if the set screw happens to kill the threads, your options are incredibly limited. Also, if one happens to come out while you are doing 20+ mph, a crash and pain is quite likely.