[Kartbuilding] Plans for a Lawnmower Powered Go-Kart - Finished

[Stephen Burke]

Hi Drew,

Thanks for your comment on the kartbuilding blog. Its good to hear that 
you got the wooden frame all made.

Yes! Finding wheels and axles can be a bit of a problem.
What I done, was to use a diameter 13mm steel bar for the axle, and I 
filed/ground down the ends of the axle to 10mm. I found that the inside of 
a small bicycle wheel would *just* fit a 10mm diameter bar. It wasn't the 
strongest and did break once on me, but it worked. What I suggest is that 
you get a small axle and if need be file the ends of the axle down to 10mm 
so the wheel will fit on. You might have to get a 10mm drill bit and 
enlarge the hole in the bicycle wheel. Make sure not to weaken the wheel 
too much.

As the axle is supported inside the Wooden holder ( 
http://www.kartbuilding.net/Lawnmower_Powered_Wooden_Go-Kart_Plans/front-axle-assembly.html 
)
it would be possible to use a small size axle (10mm or 13mm).

What is the size of the hole in the bicycle wheels you have at the moment? 
What size metal bars do you have for the axles? You should be able to get 
it working.

I do agree. I wouldn't go buying wheels either as it does defeat the 
purpose a little.
Yes! Please do email on some photos of your progress and the wooden frame. 
I made these type of karts years ago, and alas I didn't think to take any 
photos myself at the time. I can put the images up into the kartbuilding 
gallery to help others. See: 
http://www.kartbuilding.net/gallery/v/OtherPeoplesKarts/high-school-bogey/

Best of luck,
-steve


On Wed, 25 Nov 2009, Drew wrote:
> New comment on your post #61 "Plans for a Lawnmower Powered Go-Kart - Finished"
> Author : Drew
> Comment:
> Hi-
>
> I started building this kart back in October.  I have the entire wooden frame built, but I'm having some problems finding bicycle wheels with hubs that are wide enough to fit the thickness of the axles required to support the heavy frame.  I have considered buying wheels/axles/tires for the kart online, but I feel like that kind of defeats the purpose of specifically finding plans that use bicycle wheels.  Please email with any additional relevant information!  I'd also be happy to send photos of my progress (the wooden frame is totally finished, all with free lumber from my neighbor).  Thanks for your time!
>
> -Drew Dillen
>