Homemake Wooden GoKart 2.0

Step 9: Finished

Hopefully, I have given you a complete tutorial on how to build your own gokart. Some things on the Sketchup version may be slightly different from the real gokart, but the dimensions are accurate.

Comments

[wildafrican]

are there BRAKES.

[Londonbrig0]

Why the extra length in the back?

[hunter13]

I guess I could chop it off. Thought I could take it to work with my lunch box on the back sometime.

[mdog93]

does that rear axle have bearings in those holes in the wooden brackets?

[hunter13]

Yes, it does.

[maewert]

I think the bearings are on the wheels so the wheels are free spinning and the axle does not rotate.

[hunter13]

The axle does rotate and so do both wheels.

[maewert]

That's too bad. A much better design would be to use wheels that included bearings in the hubs so the axles don't rotate and possibly wear through the wood. Something like these $8 wheels from Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-10-inch-groove-tread-tire-40729.html

[mstandring]

If you're talking about the rear axle and tires then i think it would be better to have only the axle rotate because if the wheels can spin freely and only one of the wheels is connected to the engine with a chian, the cart with spin in cirlces. because only that wheel that is connected to the engine will spin. which is why you need wheels connected to axle that spin all together.

[maewert]

Agreed! 

If you want to run in the mud or in snow then having both rear wheels rotate with the axle would help keep you going and not get stuck.  The cart would not spin in circles if the engine only turned one wheel though as the front tires would keep it going straight, but one wheel drive would be more susceptible to getting stuck in mud or snow as you indicate. 

On dry pavement, however, having both wheels turn with the axle could cause you some problems turning.  When turning the 'inside' tire wants to rotate less than the 'outside' tire and when both tires are directly connected to an axle something's gotta give.  The cart will resist you turning on dry pavement and may squeel the tires when you force it to turn as either the inside or outside tire must slide against the pavement.  Excess tire wear is probably no real concern but the resistance to turning may be.

Maybe the author could tell us how well the cart is in turning?

[maewert]

Ah, I see your comments now that you added bearings within the wood which you did not mention in the instructable. Still bearings in the hubs would be must easier. Best Wishes

[mdog93]

Ahh yes I considered that after posting. Makes sense. Wonder where he got the wheels/ axle etc. and where is the engine from?

[hunter13]

The wheels off Ebay, the axle is just a steel pole from Lowes, and, man, there are tons of engines out there.

[chuckyd]

Where are the brakes?

[hunter13]

There are none.