Like a banana

[ayjay]

I am welding (sticking lumps of hot metal to) my chassis and watching it curl up as it cools . My rolling chassis only goes round in circles you need arms like a gorilla to wrench the steering wheel to hold it in a straight line

I've been reading too many of those posts that warn against distortion as the welds cool -- having nightmares ,waking up screaming!

It didn't really end up like that or at least not as bad anyway. I got a slight curve ( I can see light between the bottom rails and the table top) but its good enough for me --I studied at the Bodgit & Rush Academy of Precision Engineering.

But wow isn't it great to stand back and look at it and say " I did that !" So if,like me, you feel a little less than confident, take heart , It will be all right on the night! (probably)

[minicountryman1961]

Originally Posted by ayjay

It didn't really end up like that or at least not as bad anyway. I got a slight curve ( I can see light between the bottom rails and the table top) but its good enough for me)

I choose to believe my build table has sagged.

[ayjay]

My thoughts exactly ( near enough is good enough!)
Cheers

Adrian

[vetteman1355]

Ever look at a flat bed trailer when it's empty ? sit you ass in it and it will be straight !!!!

Nigel

[HandyAndy]

Originally Posted by ayjay

But wow isn't it great to stand back and look at it and say " I did that !" So if,like me, you feel a little less than confident, take heart , It will be all right on the night! (probably)

Yes indeed, that feeling is a very special moment

Just wait for when your car is finished & someone asks you where did you buy it from? & you can reply..." I didn,t buy it, I MADE it"

keep up the great work you are doing & keep the build photos coming, we all like photos

cheers
andy

[flyerncle]

Its the nature of the beast,it like's to twist.

Mine was fully welded tied to a car jig and still moved.

There is a knack to welding light gauge tubing so it doesn't twist but it takes years to master, I'm 45 and been faffing about welding stuff together since I left school.

Clamping doesn't work and cutting to dead on sizes cause problems as does cutting angles spot on....just because you cut two pieces of tube at 45 degrees doesn't mean you will end up with spotty dog 90 degree once welded.

[Talonmotorsport]

The chassis needs to be curved so you can run lower ground clearance but still get over speed humps!

Originally Posted by Talonmotorsport

The chassis needs to be curved so you can run lower ground clearance but still get over speed humps!

Now that made I laugh...about right too.

The other thing is there seems to be enough tarmac to make speed bumps but none to fill the pot holes.....odd that!!!

[Bonzo]

Originally Posted by fabbyglass

There is a knack to welding light gauge tubing so it doesn't twist but it takes years to master, I'm 45 and been faffing about welding stuff together since I left school.

Clamping doesn't work and cutting to dead on sizes cause problems as does cutting angles spot on....just because you cut two pieces of tube at 45 degrees doesn't mean you will end up with spotty dog 90 degree once welded.

By eck Mark, that's the most sense you have made for ages, are you having a sensible day

Only kidding mate, some darn fine comments there

The importance of a propper weld gap can never be under estimated in the war against distortion & knowing how any given joint being welded is likely to pull, is all part of a welders skill