| |
11-17-2010, 11:00 PM
| #1 |
| Rock Stacker Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Close to nowhere
Posts: 88
|  Frame Material
I did the search feature and I know most everone is using 1/4" brake tubing. I was just wondering why not aluminum or copper? Most everone makes the links out of aluminum. I just have copper tubing already so instead of going out and buying stuff i was just looking at what i already have on hand and could use. Thanks for any help.
|
|  |
| Sponsored Links | |
| | |
|
11-18-2010, 01:31 AM
| #2 |
| Rock Crawler Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Grants Pass
Posts: 806
|
Ease of use  . Most of us don't have the tools or skills to tig aluminum. The copper is not an ideal material because it is lacking in the rigidity needed for cage work.
|
|
| |
|
11-18-2010, 02:25 AM
| #3 |
| Rock Stacker Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Close to nowhere
Posts: 88
|
Ooops i meant 1/4 copper pipe not the tubing sorry, yeah the tubing would definitely be too weak.  But thanks for the info.
|
|
| |
|
11-18-2010, 06:45 AM
| #4 | |
| RCC Addict  Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Yelm
Posts: 1,643
| Quote:
I know what the difference is between tube and pipe, but what makes the copper "pipe" a stronger candidate??? | |
|
| |
|
11-18-2010, 10:30 AM
| #5 |
| RCC Addict Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: caldwell,idaho
Posts: 1,309
|
are you building a cage or making links? 3/16ths brake line or steel rod looks the best in my opinion for cages ,i make my links with allthread then cover it with stainless tubing or i just use plastic tubing from refrigerator water line.
|
|
| |
|
11-18-2010, 10:34 AM
| #6 |
| Rock Stacker Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Close to nowhere
Posts: 88
|
If i am reading you right copper pipe isn't the better choice vs the brake line or aluminum, it is just what i have and would be able to work with a little more easily. Copper is heavy and not as strong. I don't have a mig setup, just a really old lincoln stick welder with very little adjustment.
|
|
| |
|
11-18-2010, 11:19 AM
| #7 | |
| I wanna be Dave Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Canada, eh.
Posts: 2,919
| Quote:
Aluminum - very lightweight, but harder to work with. Not possible to easily braze (yes, there is alumiweld, but reports on joint strength aren't great). Also being a softer metal, can be damaged more easily than steel. Copper - heavy, more brittle compared to steel. Steel - cheap, readily available, very easy to braze or weld. | |
|
| |
|
11-18-2010, 10:12 PM
| #8 |
| Rock Stacker Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Close to nowhere
Posts: 88
|
I knew for links they use 3/16" but for the frame that seems a little small.  Oh well learn something new everyday right? I am still trying to figure out what i want. I was about to do a full tube frame like a KOH type rig, but after seeing Grizz's write up on Guido, that is starting to sway me. That is an awesome rig.
|
|
| |
 |
| Thread Tools | |
| Display Modes | |
| |
Linear Mode
