Frame Question

[mudrinner4ever]

hey guys,
im getting closer and closer to getting my TLT. i cant wait!!! my question is wat do u guys use for ur frames. steel, aluminum? do u guys sugest going with like a square tube or L channel. this is my first scale crawler so im kinda runnin blind.

[ddiaz10240]

you can use both steel and alum. it is really up to what you want it to look like. the sky the limit when you build it your way

[slobin3d]

there are several for sale in the vendors section too. BB51 DS 1,2 CS1 all good chassis and all good for a scaler

[All Out Racing]

This sounds obvious, but stick with what you know. If you don't know how to weld/braze then don't use tube, sheet steel or aluminum is easy to work with while flat, but if you have to make bends it can become more complicated and may require more tools. If you are starting out, I'd go with flat or plate aluminum simply because it's easier to work with. A dremel will make just about a shape you need, and bending aluminum is easy. Just depends on your fabbing skill level. If you are going for an all out scale rig, something like a Bruiser frame is a good starting point for inspiration. My LHS has square stainless tube, which would be awesome in a scale build because it looks great when welded with a bit of skill, not to mention it's almost indestructable.

[Jamus]

How easily does small scale stainless bend? I've attempted to heat and bend larger pieces of stainless, say 2"x1/2" and it didn't go very well. You're right about it welding nice though.

[mudrinner4ever]

my fab skills are pretty good. i can weld but my problem is i go to slow so the beads are a little thick. once i get the heat right i can burn anything! wat is the most common frame, 1/4" stainless steel box tubing?

as far as the vendors, i prefer to build my own. 1. it would be cheaper and 2. it adds more personal touch(that isnt the exact words but u get the idea)

[thaclodking]

I use 1/2" X 1/16 steel bar. It is cheap and easy to work with.

[mudrinner4ever]

Originally Posted by thaclodking

I use 1/2" X 1/16 steel bar. It is cheap and easy to work with.

i asume u welded it then?

[tkruger]

I prefer to use steel on the main frame rails that take the most abuse and aluminum for the mounting plates. The aluminum is easier to work with but the steel is stronger. Also I paint all of my frames flat black so the metals bar finish does not matter.

[octigonwallrus]

depends on what you think looks scale. i have purchased a cec-1 from peej, very scale looking. and i am also going to be building one. kinda a billy bob inspired. madhatter its builder told me he used 10 gage plate steel cut it to his needs and drilled holes in it.

[mudrinner4ever]

i guess then ill do like a steel frame and make aluminum mounts. ill have to see wat the hardware store has. went and looked for box tubing and then didnt have sh!t! so ill go look again and see wat i find.