What type steel to use
- Thread starter GCC
- Start date
Functional Artist
Well-known member
Howdy & 
I've built a few karts
…& have just used plain old 1/2" schedule 40 water pipe from Home Depot
(it's actually, 7/8" OD. x 5/8" ID with a 1/8" wall)
Its only ~$1.00 per ft.
…& really easy to "work with"
For reference, here is a thread with some of "My Metal"
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=43116
I've built a few karts
…& have just used plain old 1/2" schedule 40 water pipe from Home Depot
(it's actually, 7/8" OD. x 5/8" ID with a 1/8" wall)
Its only ~$1.00 per ft.
…& really easy to "work with"
For reference, here is a thread with some of "My Metal"
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=43116
mckutzy
Well-known member
Hello and welcome...
Square is easier to weld as it on the flat, Round tube/pipe is a little more difficult as the angle is always changing as you go around.
Square needs to have the joints thought out more... but generally, its fine to use that.. however it can be a bit more expensive...
As for finish, cold is good less grinding initially for setup... but it more expensive than hot... same for round tube.
Square is easier to weld as it on the flat, Round tube/pipe is a little more difficult as the angle is always changing as you go around.
Square needs to have the joints thought out more... but generally, its fine to use that.. however it can be a bit more expensive...
As for finish, cold is good less grinding initially for setup... but it more expensive than hot... same for round tube.
Kartorbust
Well-known member
A36 which should be close to 1020 carbon mild steel is generally the most commonly used alloy for homemade. Hot or cold rolled isn't something most of us care too much about. If it was competition stuff, yeah that would be more of a concern. But for our main use, fun karts, it doesn't matter. Long as the steel is nice and clean when you weld it, the rest is just personal preference.
anickode
Active member
Most square tube is going to be A500 or A513 HREW, which stands for Hot Rolled Electric (resistance) Welded
Either is perfectly acceptable, plenty strong for go karts, and easy to weld without any special preparations.
seamless and high alloy (such as 4130) tubes are often used for race frames (and other high performance applications) and such because the increased strength allows for a thinner wall, and thus a lighter structure, when every pound counts, but it's expensive, tougher to weld, and wholly unnecessary for any homebuilt kart.
Either is perfectly acceptable, plenty strong for go karts, and easy to weld without any special preparations.
seamless and high alloy (such as 4130) tubes are often used for race frames (and other high performance applications) and such because the increased strength allows for a thinner wall, and thus a lighter structure, when every pound counts, but it's expensive, tougher to weld, and wholly unnecessary for any homebuilt kart.