1/8 scale Grave Digger

[jlhustad]

Had two Mad Force axles & wheels laying about, got some CAD skills and wanted to make my first tuber working from templates I've made myself.
The plan is to have 4WD, independent 4WS and a 2-speed operated from the controller. So "scale" in both form and functionality.
The only thing I'm not going to do is an interior, which I just find boring..

Here are the first gentle steps...

[jlhustad]

Here's another couple of pics:


Axels are featuring:

1. Freestyle RCs servo & link mounts
2. Supershafty center link mount (sharkfin) incl. spacer

Keeping things from moving while brazing is a Bi*ch :-)
(I'm using stainless 3/16" tubes, so no magnets...)

[steven318is]

i found out from alot of trial and error if you square the bottom and tac it to a flat plate its easy enough to keek every thing level and straight

[jlhustad]

@steven318is, Would do that if i had a welder :-)
I'm brazing/soldering you see... and trying to heat up that 8mm steel plate is just not practical (+I'm working indoors).
Good tips if you're welding though.

[ElChupacabra]

Use floral wire to wrap around tubes and connect them to other tubes. Trade secret. Way better than tape. Get it at your local craft store.

[jlhustad]

People of the internet, I need your help!
I'm looking for rims that will fit Clod tires and have a decent hex size (14mm and above).
I've heard that the Ofna monster pirate wheels are a direct bolt-on, but I cannot find them anywhere.

alternatively, anyone know of a better looking rim that will fit the original tires? (as the originals are, well, lacking in the beauty compartment :-) )

Any tips will be greatly appreciated !

[jlhustad]

BAM!

[jlhustad]

Front suspension tubes and a couple of supports added..

[ElChupacabra]

Excited to see this complete. The cage looks great. Awesome build.

[Cheddarcheesus]

Looks awesome! Making a tuber myself. Just wondering what CAD program you are using? Solidworks seems to be the most popular. Got some spare time so figure I might as well learn how to make my own templates. By ust winging it I go through to much material haha

[jlhustad]

@Cheddarcheesus I used Solidworks, two reasons: 1. It's the most user friendly 3D CAD package. 2. plenty of downloading sources.
I used the "Weldments" extension and made the chassis as a 3D Scetch. Youtube that stuff as it can be a bit difficult (I'm used to using multiple CAD packages, because #Mechanical Engineer :-) )

[mjderstine]

this is amazing tube work man

[jlhustad]

Lower link mounts / base plate bracket


Carbon fiber base plate, ebay trans mount, E-maxx 2-speed, Maxx driveshafts & Castle Creations motor (whichever came with the 1/8th Sidewinder system).

[jlhustad]

Axle mock-up, found an issue...


Axial AX10 shocks and my "test links"


Freestyle RC link lower link mounts, SuperShafty sharkfin upper link mount & the Freestyle RC Servo mount.


Found a clearance issue with the servo being mounted off center, limiting the travel.
Time to make my own servo mount so the the servo is in the center of the axle...

And last but not least a big shoutout to Michael at SuperShafty & Josh at Freestyle RC for excellent customer service! much appreciated.

[Gula]

Why didn't you get the freestyle rc center link mount?

[brian9o12]

Looks great. Subbed

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

[jlhustad]

@Gula; it would give the standard axle a bad roll center. if I shortened the axle and had the pumpkin in the middle, no problem...

[jlhustad]

Some more tubework done...

[jlhustad]

Chassis update


Thicker swaybar rods arrived from Freestyle RC (as the stock rods were a bit too flexible at full length).

[jlhustad]

Guess what I got in the mail ? a whole heap of awesome, that's what :-P


RC4WD Rumble tires & OFNA Dominator wheels




Size comparison, stock VS Clod size


So do you guys think I made the right decision?