i want to do a project of a custom off road kart, with some type of nice motor(havent decided yet) my question is what kind of tubeing will i need to construct the frame, and roll cage out of, i plan on useing my mig welder for all the welds, also do i need a pipe bender, or can i use a torch, and a vise to heat the metal, and bend it by "hand" my bends are going to be very moderate.

next i want it to have fully independant suspension, so a-arms are in order, can i buy ball joints, or use something else, and weld them to the arms,

thanks guys.

 

You can use mild steel tubing, either HREW or DOM. DOM is better (no raised weld inside the tube) but not required. Make sure whatever you use is TUBING, not PIPE. There is a big difference.
On my sandrails I used 1.5" OD .095 wall HREW tubing.

There is a difference for benders too. Use a tubing bender. You'll know it's a tubing bender and not a pipe bender because it'll be way more expensive than a pipe bender. Tubing benders and they're results are far superior to pipe benders. Don't heat tubing when you bend it. Avoid heating it at all, except when you have to. (welding)

Buy ball or heim joints, but do not weld them to the arms. Get the threaded inserts that weld into the tubing and screw the joint into that.
If you're not too worried about weight and are pretty good with metal, you can make suspension parts that use bushings on the insides of the a-arms, like some quads have. It's probably easier to use ball or heim joints.

 

If you have a Mig welder make sure it is a 220V welder. If you use a 115V welder it will not penetrate the metal and there is a chance it will break under pressure. Try a local muffler shop for bending the tubing, they have all of the equipment and although it will cost a few extra $$ you can tell them exactly what you want.

 

thanks guys.

 

There is no need for a 220v welder on that type of steel. a good 115v mig will work great. I've working with alot of tubing using a 115v mig, and I've never had any welds break.

 

The reason you use a 220v welder is to ensure no welds break. If you are doing frame welding you need a heavy duty weld. If you are running around with a frame with welds that don't have good penetration....... all the power to ya. Don't ever crash.

 

Well. whatever floats your boat. You'll be turning either welder way down to prevent blowing thru .083" sized tubing. I do agree that for thicker steel a 220v is necessary, but not for that type of tubing.

 

i am all set i have a big boy lincoln electria, 220v thanks again guys, now where to buy my steel??

 

Look for a local welding or machine shop. Most have steel on hand to sell, and can order whatever you need. I'd probably use 1 1/4" .083". A bender would be very very nice for such a project. Spend the money on a good little mandrel bender, should be like 400 bucks or so. Also look at "dans perfomance" for parts. they have alot of goodies there you could use.

 

Here's a place in Michigan you could call,they sell tubing for what your doing.They even sell chromolly steel tubing also.......The name of the place is"The Chasis Shop",the number is,
1-616-873-3460.Another place is just up the street from the Chasis Shop is White Hill Frame their number is 1-616-873-5330,they also carry chromolly tubing,and what you need for your project.