Any tips on building custom tube frame?

[HAM]

I have been into r/c vehicles for the past decade and have always had a blast fiddling around with stuff in the r/c realm. A year and a half ago i was given a HPI WK from a friend of mine (He said it was to slow and didn't amuse him) and loved it. Although i still avidly use it and love its simplicity (used the WK to get my girlfriend into r/c) I feel its time to step up to a new challenge.

I am trying to build a full custom tubular frame for scale trail rig using the pro-line '08 F-250 body. I know i could just go out and buy a pre-assembled tube frame but i want to test my abilities. My plan is to use 3/16" brake tubing and have already been practicing brazing them together (i.e. cope joints, butt joints, miter joints) but when making frames I am a little stumped on how to fit multiple pieces together, like say a simple box.

I guess my question is does any one have any tips on how to jig/hold a frame together to keep its correct shape/dimensions while brazing the joints? Any helpful insight would be greatly appreciated

Yours Truly
HAM

 

[HAM]

I know I are N3WB butt please... HELP!!

 

[AX10wannabe]

nobody's replying because there is a pissload of info about this topic already. are you brazing it?

 

[HAM]

Yeah I will be brazing it together. Before I posted this thread I tried searching for info but all I found was reviews off pre built frames, brazing tips (which will be helpful), and tool info (also helpful). I could not find info on what I need help with, jigging up frames. So if you have some info or can point a newb in the correct direction that would be great.

 

[Drail]

i get ideas in my head and use this stuff to bring it to life"thumbsup"

one of the last one's i did up:mrgreen:

 

[HyperMark]

I haven't got to that stage yet, but I think some people use these.
Its what i'll be using.
Helping Hands

 

[HAM]

I haven't got to that stage yet, but I think some people use these.
Its what i'll be using.
Helping Hands

Thanks Mark! That'll be perfect for when I need both my hands free.

 

[RksPlz]

I don't think your gonna find a jig for anything. I'm starting to get into brazing. But like Drail hinted almost all these creations are one off's for the most part you just think and build. But there are alot of clever tools an tricks that the pro's have shared here.

 

[jmz6]

Practice...Practice...Practice....
That tells it all...

Really though most of us have become creative with holding stuff together, magnets, tie wire, metal clamps, helping hand thingy's, baling wire, bubble gum... the list goes on. Of course a little thought and planning is required so you don't melt previous joints. Squaring things up just takes care and measurements. Look through some builds here and you will get a good idea of how others have tackled the same issues

I see that you are from Hackettsburg' (LOL) I grew up just the other side of the mountain in Hope. Have you checked out GSRCRC.COM (NJ) and EPARCCRAWLERS.COM (East PA)? Both clubs have a series of comps up at Schooley's Mtn and Hacklebarney as well as quite few other semi local locations.

 

[BLKXJ 96]

I MIG all of my stuff, that way I don't need to worry about holding it all together.