How To Make a Go Kart Frame: Go Kart Frame Plans

[@gunenthusiast9373]

I made a new account just so I could give your video another thumbs up! Thank you so much. You were the only KZbinr who had the idea of welding the bolts to the steel tube to make the axle. :)

[@stickypalmping]

I love this video man I love welding frames. Thanks for actually footage building the frame. To me it's the most crucial part. If the frame is not right the go cart's not right.

[@KartFab]

+stickypalmping no problem. It took a lot longer to film while building, but it was worth it. I wanted to make sure there was good information and video out there for everyone to benefit from.

[@aboomalacani5829]

I want to build my son a go cart. I have a ladder type deer stand I built in high school that I plan to convert into a go cart frame since I no longer hunt deer. Its made out of the same square tubing you used in this video. I will be using a "stick" welder and a 8 hp Briggs and Stratton both of which I inherited from my late father. Your videos will no doubt be my guide. Thank you!

[@cakenoodles_4]

LETS GO THANK YOU SO MUCH, I HAD NO IDEAS FOR THINGS TO WELD BUT I CAN NOW WELD A GO KART FRAME THANKS MAN

[@verdebmxer4795]

You make welding look so easy!

[@KartFab]

Welding is like learning how to ride a bike. It clicks after enough practice.

[@ThatLSTahoe]

It is pretty hard

[@sleepingturtle32]

True

[@recklessrampage360]

I weld on a ship and it feels easy now

[@Rpcbasquiat]

I learned how to weld in middle school it was hard at first but with practice you won’t be an apprentice for long

[@mad_blashers2241]

Cant wait for next part keep up the good work man! Im sure that go kart will turn out really nice

[@KartFab]

+Mad _Clashers - Clash Of Clans Thanks. The go kart is already finished. Just gotta make the go kart build videos look good. Cant be uploading garbage to youtube ;-)

[@mad_blashers2241]

+KartFab oh ok yea smart thinking man

[@luiscervantes5662]

I know that this video is from 2015 but I just found it and I love it I’ve been following the playlist that you have and I’m amazed with it. thank you so much its great finding good stuff for free I even feel like I’m robbing you. thanks a lot. I’m planning to build a gokart/lawn mower to make the lawn mowing more fun. thanks

[@KartFab]

Sounds like fun!

[@NewEnglandPatriotsfan]

Absolutely love go karts they are so much fun!! It is how nascar drivers start as well, racing go karts

[@hcracer1985]

Dude. Best "how to build a go kart frame" on here and I've watched a lot. Thanks!!!

[@KartFab]

+hcracer1985 thanks!

[@WilmasHxA]

Not sure if you would recommend this yourself but I've heard it can be pretty strong.. You guys can also buy aluminum tubing and 'braze' it together , similar to welding but not quite.. I've seen brazing strength tests and it seems to be a pretty strong hold.. A brazing kit at home depot is about $70 or below.. Im trying to get into both welding and brazing so that i may build with welding and modify bicycles using brazing.. Hopefully i too can get the hang of everything then i may start a KZbin to teach others as well

[@RylanDouglas-v9u]

Im just wondering, but what kind of welder did you use for this, as well as where you got it or approximate prices too, thanks

[@ivanrodriguez6262]

Did you use gas for the welding or did you go with flux core

[@bashiera5855]

is welding hard because im thinking of getting a welder?

[@KartFab]

+Bashier 123 its like writing, you get better the more you practice.

[@bashiera5855]

Ok thanks for replying

[@ThePurplePupUwU]

Bashier 123 it was a little hard first time I welded I'm only 11 though so but after a day or 2 of welding class you get used to it its very fun too

[@ryantodd8420]

Bashier 123 no i'm 12 and i made this cart too

[@bashiera5855]

Im 12 years old too

[@fatbuddycat]

Can I use a 100 amp stick welder and 6013?

[@KartFab]

Yep

[@fatbuddycat]

@@KartFab Thanks Grant! I Hope you and your family are doing well. Always grateful for the wisdom you share with the world.

[@rahulllpaliwall]

Can you tell the pipe detail is it 1×1 pipe?

[@timboalmostdeadmijimbo]

Love this keep up the hard work look foward to building this with my kids

[@KartFab]

+tim marklew thanks! Its rough editing all the video, and comments like that help me stay motivated to keep churning them out.

[@pinu1166]

Thank you for the making the plans and the videos, very informative. I had purchased the deluxe plans from your website, but didn't get any response to my questions from [e-mail] , is that email id for communication? Few questions 1. Which steel tubes to buy for Go Kart frame, Hot rolled or Cold rolled steel? Hot rolled is cheaper. 2. Can I use an electric motor and Battery in the Live Axle or the Dead Axle plan? Thank you.

[@KartFab]

1) least expensive (hot rolled erw) 2)either one. Live BBC axle won’t peel out as easily as a one wheel drive

[@pinu1166]

@@KartFab Thank you for the quick response. Do I need to do any modification to the plans to make it work for electric motors or it will work as is and I just have to add a metal plate in the back for Batteries and the controller. Do you have any example of electric version of your go kart plans? Thank you.

[@MichiganWildcat]

just bought your plans on ebay so I haven't received them yet but i'm wondering if it's possible to use round tubing instead of square tubing for the frame? not sure if it throws all the dimensions slightly off or not.

[@KartFab]

Awesome! Well, you should have received two emails from me. I had about 4-5 people i emailed plans between today and yesterday. check your junk mail if you didn't get them yet. They will also be coming in the mail on cd or flash drive (whichever one you chose). So as far as framing material goes, square or round doesn't matter. If you have a tubing bender, you can figure out the angles on the plans and even bend it if you want it to look a lot nicer. The only reason I chose the square tubing over round is that virtually everyone that builds a go kart doesnt want to spend like $500+ on a tubing bender, so its easier to just make a few angled cuts. Also, as far as gauge of the tubing is concerned, 11 ga material is listed, but you can possibly get away with 11 ga for the front axle, and 14 ga for the rest if you weld everything up nicely. It will make the kart a little lighter. However, 11 ga is really strong and thats why I went with it.

[@MichiganWildcat]

I have them, can't wait to get started this coming spring! Watched all the videos on youtube for building the standard kit. might start there to get my feet wet then move on to the deluxe with a live axle! Thanks for sharing your plans and expertise with all of us!

[@KartFab]

No problem, most of the front part of the go kart is the same between the one wheel drive and the live axle kart.

[@Moonshinebikes]

cool videos i whould like to see single engine 4wd gokart and fwd one that whould be cool to see in the future.

[@KartFab]

+Deivydas-G hmmmm i dont think i could pull that one off

[@bonndizzle1]

Don't know if you're still following comments on this video, but my son and I are having a blast building this! Quick welding question.....are you grinding down all the welds on the base frame, or just the welds on the bumper?

[@KartFab]

Just on bumper for aesthetics. I wouldn’t reccomend grinding any otjers

[@bonndizzle1]

@@KartFab sounds good! Thanks man!

[@jordonadams4654]

Measurements?

[@mikefawc22]

Can this be done with a cheap 200-300 dollar welder from canadain tire or princess auto? 120V 125A was the one I seen today and I think there was a 130A not sure what the difference is

[@juliancarreon5339]

Do you have one for just a one seater

[@randyjoseph3413]

what software did you use to design your frame and what kind of welder did you use

[@KartFab]

cad and millermatic 251, but any welder will do.

[@Freakiersponge]

Did you use 3/16 inch square tubing for the frame? Thank you

[@KartFab]

11 ga 1” x1” but it’s overkill

[@MovieMan797]

Could you also do this with arc welding?

[@KartFab]

Yep.

[@sarahassan587]

im trying to draw it with sketchup but i couldnt make the same measures i dont kno why the space between the bottom tube and the middle one is smaller than the dimension in the plan

[@sebastianromeri4190]

Quick question... i want to build a go kart and multiple other welding proyects... what type of mig welder should i use ?

[@KartFab]

+Sebastian Romeri any welder is fine, but a gas mug is nice. Lots of first time welders go with the 90 amp flux core welders

[@user-yf5ew2fd6i]

I was wondering what the dimension of the middle bar of the number is? It doesn't state it clearly in the plans from the site, if you could please let me know thanks.

[@jayrichard9440]

Hey, so I was trying to build a frame but was unsure on what type of square tubing and the metal that I needed for my specific kart. It would be for bigger high school students and not small children. Also what hp would be recommended for this?

[@KartFab]

Use 14 ga tubing for frame and 11 ga tubing for front axle. If using one wheel peel design, 11 gage for rear axle

[@devanshgupta2702]

bro i need a help i want to know how to paint a fibreglass​ sample plz tell this in ur next video its urgent

[@kicks_one_eight]

What’s the best welder type to use to make a go kart/ buggy

[@KartFab]

Mig if you enjoy your sanity, tig if you are an OG welding superstar.

[@dkdevelops6036]

​@KartFab what about stick?

[@joeyheider9468]

if I may ask, what program are you using to design the go kart?

[@KartFab]

CAD

[@strateanuandrei1]

What Size Metal is best to make the frame?

[@toxicsnail4197]

What about aluminum as a frame material? Thinking of using 1x1 aluminum square tube with a .125in wall for my frame.

[@KartFab]

you could use it, but aluminum dents easily.

[@toxicsnail4197]

Ill keep that in mind. Should it be just as strong? Looking for cheap and low weight so aluminum seems to be the answer

[@KartFab]

you will have to check into it. Steel is my personal preference, and there arent many go karts out there made out of aluminum. It has been done though.

[@gustavbork4664]

Would it be posible for me to bolt everything togther rather welting everything toghter. becouse i don't have a welder thing!!! i know everything will be in differend levels but if i can handle that?? will it be appel to hold or will it just brake in 2... Its only gonna go on roads or gravel. not big holse or steap hills!!! pls answaer if u know!!

[@KartFab]

ClinFurze made a video on that. I dont condone making a POS go kart that is bolted together.

[@ThyWakesUp]

Can you I make this with the flux core Chicago Electric ?

[@KartFab]

Yes

[@jamiegarcia5767]

Hows it going, I have decided to make my grandson a go cart, I have never done this before. but I want to do it myself. What type of welder do you suggest I get to complete this project. Something economical ! I like the way you explain step by step how to build.

[@KartFab]

An economical one will do just fine. Most welding is about preparation of the metal before welding. Cut, bevel edges, tack, square up, then weld. Any sort of wire feed (flux core) welder will be the best starting point price wise and are the easiest to use. If you use a solid core wire feed (MIG) it needs 75/25 gas to shield the weld, but it does come out looking a little nicer. Either way a little wire feed welder wont sent you back too much. The harbor freight mig welders are a good place to start, but please use name brand flux core wire if you use a harbor freight welder (use miller/lincoln/hobart wire).

[@brycetamayo5301]

What type of welder do you use

[@KartFab]

millermatic 251

[@musicallymaximized2694]

Hello, I am considering building a go kart soon but I cant really seem to find to good of a frame for cheap on craigslist or anywhere else online. I would love to build a frame, but I don't have a welder. So I was just wondering how sturdy would a frame be if you were to bolt it together? Thanks!

[@KartFab]

+Kenneth Lett not very sturdy. Welding is pretty much the only way to go.

[@musicallymaximized2694]

+KartFab Ah okay. When it comes to welding go kart frames as a beginner, is there any specific welders you want to point me towards? I'm just getting caught up with all of the different mig welders that are out on the market and I don't know which one to get.

[@KartFab]

well, if you are on a budget, you should get a cheap 90 amp 110-120v wire welder, the kind that uses flux core wire. Then, swap out the wire for a premium wire like hobart, or lincoln (youc an pick it up at home depot). The wire matters more than the welder. Practice on some scrap, and check out weldingtipsandtricks.com for some tips. Now, if you are planning on getting a nicer welder, you can get a gas mig welder (just like a flux core, but uses solid wire). A solid wire mig welder can do both flux core or gas wire welding. Gas wire welding (what most people call MIG) makes some of the best looking welds and requires less cleanup. It does cost more for the welder, and gas bottle. cheap brands are anything from china, or harbor freight. They are good for ocassional use. so if its going to be yoru only welding project, this might be a good choice. Better brands include hobart, which is like a step down from lincoln and miller (miller makes hobart). You cant beat lincoln or miller, they are like the ford and chevy trucks of the welding world. You can sell them for almost as much as you paid for them.

[@musicallymaximized2694]

Thank you for the information! It's much appreciated!

[@connor.mp3539]

What is a good place to ride a go kart i dont have a big yard at all

[@brainsballsengineering9136]

Down an empty neighborhood street or in an empty park parking lot. Make sure you're not bothering anyone, though! :)

[@ajaxpaolini7986]

What kind of welding machine are you useing in the video?

[@KartFab]

Millermatic 251

[@ajaxpaolini7986]

@@KartFab thanks for the reply, do you think I Millermatic 141 will get the job done

[@KartFab]

@@ajaxpaolini7986 yes, i used to have a millermatic 130 and its a good machine

[@leoaquino8147]

Hola . Soy de Argentina. Puedo soldar con FLUX ????? ESPERO UNA REPUESTA GRACIAS

[@KartFab]

Claro

[@Twilliams60142]

What amp welder would be ideal for a project like this?

[@KartFab]

any welder would work, even the small 90 amp welders.

[@joeyheider9468]

ive downloaded the go kart frame plans, and was wondering if, a 5 foot tall person will be able to fit in this go kart, building for a friend, how much longer should I make it when I build the frame

[@KartFab]

yeah its fine it will fit

[@Twilliams60142]

What about a 6 foot 2 inch tall person like me?

[@KartFab]

im 6'3" and fit in it. You can extend the frame by 6" and fit better.

[@Twilliams60142]

I'm guessing you mean 6 inches?

[@ndukwu77]

Did you use solid works to plan the go kart

[@KartFab]

+mani 77 cad

[@ndukwu77]

+KartFab Do you have any videos of you making the kart on a CAD

[@KartFab]

+mani 77 No.

[@zachawesome10]

What rods would you recommend for stick welding

[@KartFab]

+Zach the all purpose ones are fine 6013

[@vice8463]

what size tube steel is used and how much?

[@KartFab]

It’s listed in the plans.

[@mikencrew8885]

Where did you get your tires from??

[@KartFab]

Link to all parts is in pdf plans

[@intensesnpr1131]

Can u Chang the dead axle to a live axle even tho it's welded to the frame

[@KartFab]

It's pretty complicated. You would have to basically cut off the old axle and install a live axle kit.

[@seferinorodarte4572]

What kind of welder are you using.

[@KartFab]

+seferino rodarte mig

[@Chickendude1]

could you use a stick welder as in the Hobart stick mate 205?

[@KartFab]

yep, any welder will work.

[@sleepingturtle32]

@@KartFab even cheap ones?

[@intensesnpr1131]

Do u make one seater go kart plans

[@KartFab]

+InTense Snpr1 nope. But I can in the distant future. Thanks for the input

[@CertifiedRippers]

do you have to grind welds???

[@KartFab]

No

[@connerwilson2357]

I have a couple of questions. What program do you use to make the plans and where do you get the materials for the go kart.

[@KartFab]

+Conner Wilson 1) CAD 2) materials I got from hardware store (hardware), steel distributor (steel) and parts from go power sports here www.gopowersports.com/go-kart-kit-without-engine/#aid=2986 If you remember Iade an entire video and webpage on the question you asked. It's called go kart materials.

[@connerwilson2357]

Thanks

[@JakeDancel]

Can this be recreated with steel pipes and fittings?

[@arthurvasquez6137]

Jake Dancel sure it can tubing can be used and may even look better . i would use 1 inch tubing or 1 1/8 tubing

[@Just_ak669]

Can you pls tell me the measurements

[@saekisop]

which is good? 2 seater or 1 seater

[@KartFab]

2 (bench)

[@sleepingturtle32]

@@KartFab why?

[@axeplayz3628]

How long does it take to complete the hold project and can you make more videos with different ways and designs on making go karts??? ps-i love your videos and dedication you took to making the videos they were really fun and helpful on how to make go karts please keep it up:)

[@KartFab]

+Sgt_Piggy 10 thanks. It's not too expensive. I'll be releasing another build video later on.

[@axeplayz3628]

KartFab thanks soo much :)

[@outlawperformance7086]

what kind of welder do you happen to use?

[@KartFab]

+mary jane millermatic 251 but any welder will work

[@saekisop]

which is the cheap engine for go kart? it should last long

[@saekisop]

please suggest me a engine name

[@KartFab]

+MOVIE CHANNEL predator 212cc

[@brodiedollar3241]

Where did you buy the metal tubing????

[@KartFab]

Local steel distributor

[@brodiedollar3241]

@@KartFab lowes???

[@ricksorrow]

What welder are you using?

[@KartFab]

Millermatic 251

[@ricksorrow]

@@KartFab mig?

[@KartFab]

@@ricksorrow yeah solid wire 75/25 mix

[@nici8886]

What's the size of the frame?

[@juniorrexhepi7904]

What size of steel do you use here

[@KartFab]

look in the go kart plans, all dimensions are spelled out

[@KnowledgePark]

Ehich welding type did you used for steel?

[@KartFab]

mig stick and tig. Any type will work, but MIG welding is what most people do.

[@KnowledgePark]

Thanks and can you tell me how much weight of 1 meter of square tube that you used?

[@KartFab]

i don't understand your question

[@KnowledgePark]

I mean how much weight of steel rods or beam for structure of gokart. I mean weight of weight steel that is significant in any car?

[@KartFab]

you can do the math, so google 'how much does 1 foot of 11 ga. 1" square tubing weigh" then multiply it by how much the plans call for

[@chrisdoesthings4436]

Good video, I was wondering what you used for the frame and where I could obtain it?

[@KartFab]

+ChrisDoesThings read description for plans. Download plans. It spells out how and where. Google steel distributors near me.

[@ClintonC1991]

would any 110 mig welder be good enough for this job?

[@KartFab]

+Clint Cochrane yup

[@dhananjaysaxena1698]

How much weight it can hold

[@KartFab]

A lot. We’ve even jumped it with no problems.

[@dhananjaysaxena1698]

KartFab thx bro

[@cartoontrooper]

What type of welding machine are you using?

[@KartFab]

A mig welder. (Millermatic 251).

[@cartoontrooper]

Ok, thanks!

[@cartoontrooper]

Do you think a 100 amp stick welder using 1/16 in sticks would work? It's a cheap $100 from Amazon. I just need it for this project so reliability is not an issue.

[@KartFab]

Even a cheap harbor freight or Chinese $100 flux core wire welder works (e.g. 90 amp). I hear the wire sucks so buy good wire (Hobart at Home Depot is good)

[@cartoontrooper]

Thanks! I was worried that my frame was going to fall apart if I used a bad welder.

[@olivierberg9771]

Are you working with inches or cm

[@KartFab]

Inches

[@pandatactical4530]

How thick is the tube you used?

[@KartFab]

+Wayne Filardo 11 ga

[@coreyscranton4764]

What gauge of steel are you using?

[@KartFab]

+corey Scranton 11 for frame 16 for floor pan.

[@kadinbrokop6369]

thank u this helped so much

[@greghayes9320]

What type of metal do you use?

[@KartFab]

+greg Hayes just mild steel

[@kinetickakey5761]

Is the measurement in meters and centimeters.

[@randomkillz8076]

What size tubing is that

[@KartFab]

1"x1" 14 ga sq tubing

[@josecubik3529]

Which plan software do you use??

[@KartFab]

+Jose Cubik CAD

[@josecubik3529]

+KartFab thanks

[@tanujakumawat3657]

Name of welding??

[@jochendecaestecker5095]

can you also make mini bike plans

[@KartFab]

+Jochen Decaestecker next year

[@nathanmoreno627]

What type of metal is thst

[@KartFab]

steel metal for the go kart frame

[@bren10acres]

I have ordered most of my parts and steel. Have the motor already. Still need to order the parts kit from GoPowerSports.com. How large is the I.D of the 2-1/2 inch washer for steering wheel?? or does it even matter?? By the way, love the videos! They increase my confidence in building the kart...My daughter is going to love it....Thanks!!!

[@KartFab]

+bren10acres the washer Id doesn't matter, it just needs to be a circle that the steering wheel bolts to. You could event cut out a square plate and it would do the same thing. Thanks! feel free to message me a picture of the go kart on my social media when you finish it. It is always cool to see the other builds.

[@cyrus987987]

Gap them weld joints: penatration is very important for this application.

[@bigfig7666]

What metal did you use

[@frog1443]

Steel obviously if he welded it without tig

[@saekisop]

is there age limit for riding this go kart?

[@houstonboy7463]

is MIG welding easier

[@KartFab]

its the EASIEST way to weld :-)

[@traxxasrcfun]

+lily-liver lol ive never heard anyone say that

[@Beast1CocoPuffs]

I actually want to buy a welding machine to make my own go kart with my nephews for a hobby. can anyone recommend a good starter for a novice?

[@arthurvasquez6137]

Jr Lopez miller 250 mig its a great machine . Lincoln is also great to use .

[@mikafilla3517]

chassis measures are the 2M x 4M ???

[@OK-ji9fm]

im sorry but did u say 13 feet long 6 feet wide

[@ahmedkarim4809]

Hey,I want the lengths of the frame by meter & cm. Quiqly please.

[@KartFab]

+Ahmed Karim great question. Please read description and go to download plans all dimensions are imperial. Google can convert imperial to metric.

[@ahmedkarim4809]

Kart fab thanks

[@ahmedkarim4809]

Sorry,If you have an autocade send me

[@jesedhernandez2311]

Hi,Can someone tell me the units of measurement,please ?

[@KartFab]

imperial, eg. feet, inches

[@dhenzbangkaling4047]

Wow it so cool

[@saekisop]

is this go kart run by petrol?

[@KartFab]

+MOVIE CHANNEL yes

[@saekisop]

👍

[@LiveAlohaENT]

Is the frame steel or aluminum?

[@KartFab]

Steel go kart frame

[@marekksindolar]

how much hours is needed to make gokart like this?

[@KartFab]

+BaxoBest depends on skill level, 8-36 hrs

[@kencoonen8123]

Nice!

[@FastnFuriousRC]

What do u use to edit ur videos?

[@KartFab]

+Fast n' Furious RC Adobe elements (photoshop for pictures, premiere for video)

[@FastnFuriousRC]

+KartFab How money much is it?

[@KartFab]

+Fast n' Furious RC about $80 IIRC

[@FastnFuriousRC]

+KartFab Would you say its worth it? cause I've been looking for a good video editing software.

[@KartFab]

+Fast n' Furious RC I used windows movie maker (the one that came with windows 7) for most of my previous videos. It's easier to use and has a lot of good features. It crashed like crazy and I got sick of it. I'd never go back to it, but it is simple enough and free.

[@gustavbork4664]

Can i use Stick welding for this project?? Or do i really need at mic welder??❤️❤️

[@KartFab]

+Gustav Bork any welder will work

[@paulbrosco281]

just awesome

[@krisblanton8563]

I like it

[@shoiebrahman5255]

Hey, I dont have the budget to make the frame form steel...will using wood work???

[@KartFab]

That is a common question, and the answer is not simple. Wood will rot and swell, and does not have the structural integrity for jolts and bumps. I am a member of the DIYGoKarts.com forum and new people are always asking if they can make a wood go kart. People who try, usually give up because it breaks. One guy successfully made one and he drove it and it broke while he was riding it and he almost died. He was seriously injured. Please do not make a go kart out of wood.

[@shoiebrahman5255]

KartFab Thanks alot for the reply.