Kite Buggy

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Hey everyone. I'm working on a project thats a bit out of the ordinary. A Kite Buggy which is a simple 3 wheeled cart, that steers from the feet, and is powered by large kites. Its a sport that I've been completely addicted to for the past 2 years, and I'm just now starting to make my own. I have next to no tools at all, and will be using my friends welder, under his guidance. What I'm looking to complete with this project is to design and build a kite buggy that is:CheapLightStrongAble to be broken down into a car.Somewhat appealing to the eyes, worthy of showing off at the least.There are a ton of people building these things, but most assume you have knowledge of welding, tools, supplies, etc...which I do not have. While I'll be showing my progress with this thread, I'll also be asking a ton of probably stupid questions.My first concern at this point is material. I want something that is light, strong, cheap, and square/rectangular (to do angled welds and avoid the cost of a pipe bender.) What exact type of material do you suggest? I was looking at 1x1x1 with 1/8" wall Aluminum on MetalDepot.com, which was reasonably priced. Where are some good local retailers?To keep those who are visually inclined happy, I give you PopeyeTheWelder's website, chockful of home made kite buggy goodness. He is amazing at making these buggies, and his designs are what I will be attempting.Thanks guys, can't wait to get started!
Reply:as far as a suitable material, i would first ask what kind of welder your buddy has and what your budget is... obviously, aluminum would be a great metal to work with, howeer it requires some expensive equipment to weld it. not only is the equipment expensive, but the metal itself really isn't all that cheap either. Mild steel would be fine (1"x1"x16 ga square tube would be plenty strong if properly reinforced, and it's very light), and it's the most common and cheapest material to use. aluminum also requires different grinding and cutting disks due to it's soft nature.as far as a local retailer, where are you located? try a local welding shop. usually (at my shop anyway), if a guy comes in off the street, the shop will still make a profit off of you, but it won;t be nearly as expensive as buying direct from a metal supplier.hope that helps a bit.Later,Andy
Reply:Another option to get round the pipe bender senario is to purchase some pre bent steel elbows to tube, they come in 90 and 45 degree bends, and you can cut these to get the correct angle you are after.I used this method when I made the 06 Fandango Buggy and it worked wellhttp://pic7.piczo.com/Popeyethewelder/?g=12839944
Reply:Hey, Popeye,Very nice work on your buggies.Is anyone putting skates on these buggies to use on ice?
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldordieHey, Popeye,Very nice work on your buggies.Is anyone putting skates on these buggies to use on ice?
Reply:any updates yet Barnes
Reply:welcome... barnieUnit in my fab shop dept:my good hand and team that trust me...A lone welder make art... a village full of welder make Miracles...