How to Get Started in Fabrication

Hey Fans,
I get a lot of comments from people saying they wish they could weld or they don't know how to bend tubing or they don't know what the correct tools needed are, or just generally want to build but don't know where to start. This is exactly what I did when I started fabricating to get the confidence to build a complete machine, I hope it works for you too. If you are a professional welder please skip the welding advice portion of the video.
-Kyle
Plans available here:
kj-raycing.dpdcart.com
100+hp Build Series Here: • 100+HP Crosskart Build...
Budget Build Series Here: • Inexpensive Crosskart ...
2 Seat Crosskart Build Series Here: • Two Seat Crosskart Bui...
VF-1 Plans detail and Materials needed
• Crosskart Plans: KJ Ra...
Custom length chassis
• Inexpensive Crosskart ...
Preferred tubing bender and notcher
htttp://www.Roguefab.com
Facebook KJ Raycing
Once you have the plans come join the build discussion
Facebook Build Group (KJ Raycing VF-1 and VF-2 Kart Builders) / 905565813954510
Instagram @kjraycing
DISCLAIMER
Videos are for entertainment only, work performed in the video should only be accomplished by a professional technician. KJ Raycing will not be held liable for ANY personal injuries.

[@jumpercabledadz]

You’ve gotten so many people out in their garages building dreams!!! People with experience and people without experience, you’ve given many of us the confidence to do anything! Great video!

[@KJRaycing]

Oh man it is so cool! There have been a few guys that bought a welder, bender and notcher with little to no fabrication experience that got the plans and have built a VF-1 Chassis. And there are shop class teachers doing a chassis with their students. This is what it's all about!

[@zeropointstar]

@@KJRaycing What would it take to get some one on one advice on specific issues?

[@timshinnastyhayes5847]

🖐🏼. I am one. Zero experience got welder bender notcher and plans and in the process no 🤘🏼

[@jvogler_art4708]

I finally got through my first hurdle. Buying a 220v multi process welder and having an outlet for it installed. I saved for a year for this. I used to be a certified welder but quit because the industry was rough for a new welder. Low pay, bad working conditions, etc. I wanna weld still but I was not happy doing it for a living. Making my own projects that make me happy will be so fulfilling. I have stuff I want to do to my truck as well as fabbing steel frames.

[@robertgonzalez8419]

I think the thing that impresses me the most is your character. I am a man of God and I can tell you are a man of peace this is a very strong character to have especially in the times we are living in you are definitely someone anyone can work with God bless you and your family

[@99Jeep2008]

I way overthink it. Thanks for putting it in simple terms. You have a skill as a teacher!

[@bigblockmaro1]

I always enjoy seeing how others get going. I designed my own kart in AutoCAD and Revit (neither software packages are made for this) then Got a whole lot done with a 187 dollar Amazon tig and a harbor freight tube notcher. Bought a Woodward fab bender and dies, made my own stand. Not the cheapest path but pretty cheap to get started

[@KJRaycing]

That’s an awesome honest start and I bet your builds are cool. It doesn’t matter how you start as long as you just start 😁

[@kylemgregg]

Thank you so much for making this. I’ve been watching these awesome builds with jealousy because I figured learning how to fabricate would be too steep of a learning curve. This really changed my mind about getting started and running with it.

[@luiggispeed4081]

Man this channel is awesome! I just finished my first project ever and a lot of inspiration came from this channel!

[@scottresch9912]

As a welder id say thats great for no training 👌 keep it up and you will get better and better 👍 also bad ass builds man.

[@joesmith2465]

you spend a lot of time making sure everyone can enjoy crosskarting all of your videos are very informing and fun to watch. Just fyi Eastwood has affordable welders mig starting at 199.00 90amp that can weld 1/8" I'm like you I have so many project and you are correct just get started is the best way long term projects can get overwhelming sometimes

[@LuisDiaz-kg1fy]

Can’t wait to bulls mine. I been pushing mine since I started watching your channel.

[@williamlanphar630]

Nice, calm instruction.. This should be very helpful.

[@digger_jon2778]

Joey from rogue fabrication is the most awesome person he's a customer of ours as ell as we are a customer of his his tools are so easy to use.

[@JayH-4]

AYE BROTHER! Love the videos I'm trying to get my little garage built. I can't freaking wait!

[@ciobanuvalentinmail]

Suuuper information, if i knew that 4 years ago . Now it's easier for me, after this time of building my buggy

[@sharulizaan1849]

im a welder too.. no complain with your work.. you make a good work there.. and you inspire me ... one day i will make one of that thing.. i will follow your plan.. thanks for your inspiration..

[@KJRaycing]

Man that is great to hear, thank you so much! You are going to have a blast with this and we can’t wait to see what you come up with 🦾

[@bcrumbs937]

Super helpful and encouraging! Thank you!

[@paulturner8180]

Awesome video man! Can't wait to get building a kart here in the UK

[@MrSmakboy]

Awesome content, you got me inspired

[@francopellicori703]

EXCELENT VIDEO!!!

[@rcppop3090]

Oh my god dude! That kart you’re standing next to in the beginning of this video is the one I want to build!!!!! So SICK!

[@KJRaycing]

They are all sick! Look at what the builders have done with the frame… so insanely cool!!!

[@Tannerlsx]

KJ these last videos youve been doing are phenomenal.

[@KJRaycing]

Tell everyone else that 😁. They don’t seem to be too popular. But I don’t mind as long as it inspires a few people. Thank you very much, it’s these comments/compliments that keep me putting this stuff out there for you guys.

[@Tannerlsx]

@@KJRaycing please do ill be using it as a reference once im able to start!

[@JermaineLeeBlueprintAuto]

I needed this one.. 🙏

[@hybridracers]

I am so confused why you would blur out your wire into the spool feed. Just something I noticed while watching your video.

[@harrisonwittmeyer7122]

I was watching this because I want to get into designing specifically cages after I graduate engineering school. I thought you were a super cool guy, then you said you can fly planes and it sealed the deal. As a private pilot myself, you gained a subscriber🤙🏼

[@KJRaycing]

Heck yeah pilot brother! Following in the footsteps of Neil Armstrong. Keep after it man!

[@harveyottotech]

I love that you make this so simple. Also, what's up with the blurred block in the middle of the welder?

[@hairybass480]

I have used toilet paper rolls to roughly figure out notches before. Lo Thisl channel is awesome. Really hoping to get to building these things someday soon. Thank you for sharing what you do.

[@KJRaycing]

That’s an awesome idea! I may actually use that, thank you. This channel was started just for you guys so your compliment means a lot, thank you.

[@charliepulley3985]

First, let me say that I appreciate your videos and enthusiasm. One day I may tackle one of these projects. I noticed while watching your video that your wire is not installed in your machine correctly. The wire should be feeding over the top of the spool to avoid the sharp turn as it feeds into the rollers. This may help your wire to feed more consistently. Keep up the awesome builds.

[@KJRaycing]

Saw that when I was editing and was waiting for this. Thank you 👍. The enthusiasm is energized by all the guys building these, gets me pumped up big time when new builds start! Thank you again!

[@suntzu6122]

Love this channel!! 2:42 what program are you using?

[@binstrap7612]

Hi and thank you for these amazing videos. Can you tell me what size tubing you use please?

[@brilliant-handle]

We just need to work on that bench design! I always like to double up plywood for the bench surface so i can have a solid spot for the vice. Also 2x4s around the perimeter and 4×4 corner posts ancored into the floor.

[@user-vi1ym9jf2t]

very nice work m i need one

[@marcinszuba5637]

Great video . I'm not a welder either but I do fly a paramotor.... And do my best at welding

[@KJRaycing]

Hell yeah man! Always wanted to do that!

[@shrugger1]

I can weld most things pretty well with my little Harbor Freight flux core. That's not the issue, it's my workshop being an 8'x11' shed. 😋

[@djalaladv1289]

Good explication many thanks

[@KJRaycing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MaldonadoMoto]

Would you know if a harbor freight tube bender would work for this build?

[@richstudios_yt]

What kind of welder is it and could you send the link of where i can buy it because im 15 and i want to start getting into it and soon i wanna try making the cross-kart :)

[@lodollar23]

Do you have a 2 seat version of this?

[@jovelynpene6751]

Very true 90/10

[@MarcelTM]

You're even stronger than the metal....... :-)

[@oshpunit987]

is the pipe that you use to build go karts exhaust pipe? You are excellent at what you do!!

[@KJRaycing]

No. It is DOM tubing. Thank you so much!

[@michelsurgers4234]

Which pipes did you use?

[@dmwelds8960]

How many meters of everything did we spend to make the entire car? hug from Portugal

[@skyfreakwi]

Good tips good advice. Not a pro welder either but I know you don't need to weave it can help it can hurt... Just listen to the crackling sound a pro welder makes and replicate that preferably in a smooth pass with 1/8 gun gap. That'll stop 99% of your spatter. I usually get relatively spatter free welds keeping a close distance. Granted my actual welds are fatter and uglier but I'm running flux core so it is what it is... Lol!

[@ClumsyGamerGuy]

I'm about to buy this but what is your tube size you use and clr because I got a rogue fab but I'm sure I don't have the die so I'm going have to purchase them

[@KJRaycing]

Crosskart Plans: KJ Raycing Crosskart Plans Overview kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4CzinaIjciHn9U Soooo much info on the channel. So excited for another build to start! Thank you for joining in on the fun 🦾

[@-A-N-U-B-I-S-]

😍😍😍

[@nynut518]

would that type of rear end work for a street legal motorcycle if i put highway tires ?

[@KJRaycing]

It is designed to be very strong if you follow all of the instructions. I’m using a hayabusa on one of my karts and I have a lot of confidence in this rear end from my experience.

[@2Bachlors1house]

I've got all the tools except for the pipe bender and the pipe notcher. Well and I don't have the pipe.

[@KJRaycing]

It is only stressful until it is in your garage. After you bend and notch your first tube you will be over the moon excited.

[@johnmukha3949]

what size dom tubing are you using ?

[@KJRaycing]

It’s in the plans.

[@ChaseMaddox-jq5jv]

what steel should i use for a kart thats about 8ish feet long width 3ft height 3-3.5 feet 8x3x3 i want to make sure its stable

[@KJRaycing]

It’s in the plans what steel to use 👍

[@rcmexicanguy7296]

Hello, which shocks are you using?

[@KJRaycing]

I tell all of the components I use throughout the build series or you can check kj-raycing.dpdcart.com for a downloadable full components list. Enjoy the build 🦾

[@Dev_skoll]

I wanna do this so badly. Almost can afford everything I need.

[@carloscorona6649]

I fuckn love this man. Lol

[@KJRaycing]

Thanks man!

[@Demon_Mx2277]

What CAD software do you use to make your plans?

[@KJRaycing]

Affinity designer, then export as pdf’s.

[@Demon_Mx2277]

@@KJRaycing OK awesome ty

[@reubencaldeira6323]

Does it have to be round steel?

[@KJRaycing]

I just put the plans out and show you how I build them, you are more than welcome to use whatever you like 👍, but I have no idea how or if it will work…

[@rafaeldasilva9264]

Ola Só do Brasil curto ver seu vídeo Você tem projeto deste kart Cross

[@KJRaycing]

Check the description for links to everything. Or just KJRAYCING.com

[@paulteirney3587]

Why do you have your roll of wire fitted the wrong direction?

[@KJRaycing]

Oh that’s easy… it’s because I’m stupid 😁. Saw that in editing and just couldn’t wait to hear all about it!

[@ChristosChronopoulos]

It would be easy to tell me the model of the machine hydraulic pipe tube bender

[@KJRaycing]

Rogue Fab. Link in the description 🦾

[@ANDREWF891]

How much would the tools cost?

[@KJRaycing]

Every time I put a price it changes, you’ll have to look up current market prices. Roguefab.com has put together a KJ Raycing crosskart build package to make it easier and more affordable to get started! I wish you the best.

[@hankburton2043]

Hay mate you should try turning your wire for the mig the other way around have the wire come off from the top of the reel

[@KJRaycing]

Yup, I saw it when I was editing. Easy mistake and I've used half the spool with no feeding issues or jams; so it actually kind of shows it can be loaded either way, right? Thank you for the heads up though, I appreciate it.

[@hankburton2043]

@@KJRaycing for sure just thought I would say something just Incase you had problems and didn’t know why

[@geovannycarrionmoreno9957]

Me podrías vender los planos

[@KJRaycing]

Kj-raycing.dpdcart.com

[@krazed0451]

A way to test your weld is to cut it apart and acid etch it to check penetration... Even shitty welds will hold up to some monkey with a hammer, they need to hold up to a roll over. I'd recommend some basic welding classes, they're not that expensive. If you're comfortable just sending it, then do so, seems a shame to go to all this effort and expense and not throw another few hundred $$ at learning a new skill rather than winging it though.

[@rcppop3090]

Haha I can fly an airplane 😂

[@KJRaycing]

I was hoping for laughs with that one 😂

[@colmmorley]

Do you offer metric plans for us cool Europeans?😂

[@KJRaycing]

The plans are not in metric but several builders have converted and had successful builds. You know us Americas have to convert from metric all of the time too, do you think any of us have a 10.5mm drill bit to make a hole for a bolt? We have to convert it then figure out it's like 21/64th of an inch or something crazy; but we do it anyway... Thanks for the comment.

[@d.i.yadventurestv533]

21 min there's no one in the kart

[@KJRaycing]

That’s because I made it remote control 🤓

[@d.i.yadventurestv533]

That's awesome

[@LuisDiaz-kg1fy]

First time being first.

[@DuhItzKaiyo]

Man my dream is to build a simple crosskart but I don't have a garage 😂

[@KJRaycing]

I had to wait almost 40 years to do this. Work hard and you may get the same opportunity. I wish you the best 👍

[@wadebrewer7212]

If there is something you want to do....the only person keeping you from doingit is you. What do I mean? If you need a garage, as an example, you need money. How much? Figure it out. Chase a career thst will pay you what you need to have the life you want. It takes patients and effort to have am expensive lifestyle. When I was in my mid twenties, my cousin and I talked fantasy about building rail biggies and build a company. We could have done it...could have done what ever we wanted. It is about the sacrifices necessary to have the things you want out of life. Fact is, we never started that business or chased it, we didn't want to make the necessary sacrifices. I am not in my mid 40s, make a good living and am now getting back to these kind of projects. Don't ever say you can't do these projects, always ask yourself how you will get to a position to do these projects. It may take years or decades, if you are patronage about it....anything is possible.

[@joshwillett13]

I really appreciate your videos. You are inspiring and teaching me to do something I've wanted to do for over 30 years. I have so many things I want to build. Are you old enough to remember the Manco Dingo from the Sears catalog? I want to make something similar. Thank you from Boston, Massachusetts. Be well.

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you, sir. I am 42 so I definitely remember skimming the sears catalog. These are just as much fun to build as they are to drive! What an amazing hobby this is, right? I wish you well and thank you for the kind words. -Kyle

[@xxHOLESHOTxx]

Why blur the wire in the welder @ 8:44? Just seems odd

[@KJRaycing]

The wire is routed from the bottom and I was tired of the comments. Welder worked just fine but I didn’t want to have to swap it until my next roll.

[@xxHOLESHOTxx]

@@KJRaycing you SAVAGE. I’m fairly new to welding and It’s funny how hard “professional” welders gate keep the craft. I understand if you are welding fracture critical structures. But small at home fun stuff doesn’t matter. Thank you for the information in the video. And if you ever hear “1SG” on freq make sure to shout out the crazy Cuban.

[@KJRaycing]

Roger that, Top. 👍 The pros take all the fun out of home fabrication with all their judgement and pretty welds for sure…