Custom Frame

[Cpyonker]

I am building my first scratch frame but I lack a welder how else should I secure the prices together? Thank you for any helpful ideas.

[Rjohn929]

Braze it.

[mikemcE]

Jb weld. Messy and takes 24 hours to set. Brazing still needs a torch set.
At that point silver solder lost its advantage .

Or learn tig.....

Hang up and Drive

[Rjohn929]

You can braze with a simple mapp gas torch.

Do people actually JB weld them?

[Cpyonker]

I am only 14 and can't afford a welder yet. Also Please explain your techniques

[mikemcE]

At 14, I don't think your local tech school will take you. You need more skills than fastening bars together, such as precise measurement, cutting and bending.


Hang up and Drive

[mikemcE]

Originally Posted by Rjohn929

You can braze with a simple mapp gas torch.

Do people actually JB weld them?

I saw one done that way..... I couldn't and wouldn't


Hang up and Drive

[Rjohn929]

A mapp torch is about 30 bucks. It's the silver rod that's going to send you to the poor house. There are lots of threads of how to braze/weld.

[Rjohn929]

YouTube has a ton of how to videos.

[Druxus]

Or you can bolt everything together. My first custom built frame was out of aluminum. I used smaller peices of aluminum angle to hold the frame rails and the crossmembers together. While not as rigid as welding or brazing, it is still a viable way to make a frame. Aluminum is easy to drill and cut. Just use a bit of locktite on the screws after its all done and it will last a long time.

[Cpyonker]

I have fabricated parts before such as links bumpers and driveshafts all which have worked well but have used different fastening techniques

[hotwheels000]

Steel frames will require a torch to heat and bend/braze. Aluminum can be be fastened as mentioned above. Your best bet may be to buy chasis rails already to go, axial rails can be found for 30.00. Much cheaper than getti g the tools for custom frame fabrication. As money allows you could slowly buy the needed tools for your next adventure in customization.

[badhoopty]

if you just try to scratch build an entire custom tube chassis without any previous experience or knowledge, you will not have a good time.

start small. like making shock hoops and brazing them to the rails of a stocker scx. maybe buy a used rig that somebody else has already done a bit of tubework to and add to it.

my first brazing project was torching apart a used and very beat up tuber brazed out of stainless and then modifying it.

[Highmark]

I agree. Start with an SCX-10 or Vaterra and build sliders or bumpers first so you can get a feel for what you're doing. Building a frame from scratch is not a good way to learn.


There are tons of threads about silver soldering and brazing already in the tools section.

[Cpyonker]

Thank you all for the help as far as the frame goes, I found a Slab of steel in the someone's trash and I think I will try cutting it without welding it.

[Roodki]

Buy a mapp gas torch and learn to silver solder. You can use the torch to solder and heat metal to bend. I printed out a blueprint of a Jeep Wrangler frame I found online to the exact size I wanted it and then bent a 1/2" square tube to match. I cut the tube in half lengthwise when I got it bent right, and had 2 matching frame rails then. Then you can figure out all your mounts and cross members. I think building it is half the fun, go for it and don't give up.






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[Crawlin' Lobster]

Originally Posted by Roodki

I printed out a blueprint of a Jeep Wrangler frame I found online to the exact size I wanted it and then bent a 1/2" square tube to match. I cut the tube in half lengthwise when I got it bent right, and had 2 matching frame rails then.


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How did u go about cutting it lengthwise?

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[TacoCrawler]

You could use a 4.5" cut off/grinder and manually cut/grind both left and right frame rails,
then make cross members to bolt the two halves together.

Minimally a drill press will be need be utilized to drill the holes required on the frame rails.

Obviously there are easier ways and harder ways.
But this could be done if ya take yer time and learn how to use a cut off/grinder safely and efficiently.

I've done some purdy amazing things with mine.
Tho' eye and face protection is mandatory.
And it's very dangerous if yer not careful.

14 is kinda young to have the patience and aptitude required.
But I taught myself to weld... and think I could've done it at 14 as well.
Tho' in reality... I couldn't afford a welder purchase until I turned 40.

A laser cutter would be more precise as far as frame rail cutting...
But not everyone has that kind've cash to spend.

I have a welder for my 1:1 welding...
But 220v MIG is not the best of welder's for small work.
But it gets it done.

Besides owing my welder... my 4.5" cut off/grinder is my most used tool.
Built my 1/6 RC frame and rebuilt my 1:1 1953 M100 trailer using it.
But my welder was required to fill in holes and weld new metal into certain areas.

Other options...

this user constructed his using wood and 3D printing...

making 1/6 scale chassis

and another bolted his alloy frame rails together...

Hummer H3T Camper

I prefer using steel over aluminum 'cuz IMO it's easier to work with.

At 14 yer still a minor... so get your parents permission...
and be safe... read everything related and know the pitfalls before you attempt.

Remember... safety is the first priority.

[MiteyF]

Originally Posted by mikemcE

Jb weld. Messy and takes 24 hours to set. Brazing still needs a torch set.
At that point silver solder lost its advantage .

Or learn tig.....

Hang up and Drive

JB Weld will NOT work for a chassis. Ever.

[Roodki]

Originally Posted by Crawlin' Lobster

How did u go about cutting it lengthwise?

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I used a large cutoff wheel on a table saw, but with patience you could do it with a grinder.