Tadpole design?

[jimFPU]

I'd like to convert this to a tadpole, but I'd like to do it with out purchasing several different plans...I'm just cheap that way sorry Zombie. Any way to combine soem plans for customizing this to a tadpole? I like the long design that is represented here, but only want a single rear drive.

BTW I will probably have to sub out the welding as I can't do it right now (no equipment-no expierence.)

[AtomicZombie]

Answers to your questions...

1) Converting the SF to a tadpole would be difficult as you would need to move the two front wheels behind the cranks or it would be unstable due to the loss of track width. I am going to say no unless you are a Jedi garage hacker.

2) Contracting out your welds is probably a bad idea. Welding is the easy part. Getting angles set up, testing the components, and making small adjustments / repairs is where the real work is. Chances are the welder is not going to care, and will simply weld it the way you brought it. If the welder does care, the amount of labour it would take will cost more than a new Greenspeed trike.

Brad

[jimFPU]

OK, so your saying that having the wheels in front of the crank actually makes it more unstable than a traditional tadpole? Interesting...I kinda figured that it would be the other way...I'll have to get out the Lego's and do some test...I'm sure your right, but I have to see why.

Understand about the welding...guess I'll just have to take a community college class...never can get too much school any way.:eek:

[trikeman]

jim - taking a welding course is a good idea, but it is not necessary. A lot of us here (including me) never welded a day in our lives, until we started building these bikes. I won't say my welds are as pretty as I would like them to be yet (been welding a year now) but they hold. Its a lot easier with a wire feeder welder (MIG), but I am also teaching myself to use a stick welder.

[jimFPU]

Did you build the one in your avatar?

I'm a licensed aircraft mechanic, so I think I could pick it up...just money for tools...or maybe I can actually take up the neighbor on using his...he says he doesn't know how to use it either...:D

Maybe I'll go out and get a small welder from one of the 'box stores'. Any ideas on a decent cheap one for purposes listed on this site?

Than I'll have to download plans...I may become a garage builder yet...I'm already retired from the military...second career? LOL!

[trikeman]

Did you build the one in your avatar?

I'm a licensed aircraft mechanic, so I think I could pick it up...just money for tools...or maybe I can actually take up the neighbor on using his...he says he doesn't know how to use it either...:D

Maybe I'll go out and get a small welder from one of the 'box stores'. Any ideas on a decent cheap one for purposes listed on this site?

Than I'll have to download plans...I may become a garage builder yet...I'm already retired from the military...second career? LOL!

Yes I built that one. Here are some early views I took last year before it was finished. I had been welding about 2 months then, but probably had only put in less than 8 hours of learning time:

http://www.atlantamusclecars.com/DeltaWolf/DeltaWolf.htm


Small welders suitable for what we do cost anywhere from $100 to about $400. Obviously, the more you pay, the better welder you will probably get. If you get a 230v welder, you will be able to weld thicker metal, but its not necessary for building bicycles.

I have this one, that I paid less than $400 for on sale, but you can pick them up on Craigslist used for about $250-$300. My son learned to use it ni about an hour.

http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/wirefeed/handler140/

I have also heard good reports on the Hobart welding forum on this one, but it will only do flux core wire:

http://www.toolking.com/hobartwelders_500521a.aspx


You can get a good stick welder (Hobart, Miller, Lincoln) for around $100-$150 used on Craigslist/eBay, but they are a bit more difficult to learn. I bought a used Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC model there for $200, but you can get them cheaper.

[jimFPU]

OK, so the small MIG's (with or without gas) from Home Depot or Lowe's are fine for this application...

[trikeman]

OK, so the small MIG's (with or without gas) from Home Depot or Lowe's are fine for this application...

Yes, but if you want to save some $$ most I have talked to are very happy with ToolKing's refurbished "A" welders. They also put them on sale at Northern Tool, Tractor Supply, and Sears periodically. I don't think it makes much difference whether you get a Lincoln, Hobart, or Miller, but you may have a favorite color, and Hobart has super support. Some here are also happy with the Clarke units sold at Northern Tool.

This hub was hand welded from a few washwers, some steel rod and a few bearings with Brads plans and my little welder at the time I built my trike. I don't know how I ever got along without a welder.

http://www.atlantamusclecars.com/Paint/Wheel2.JPG

its still riding strong.

[jimFPU]

Northern and Tractor Supply...forgot about those...right down the street from here too! I'll look into ToolKing also, that one is new to me. Thanks.

[TheKid]

I use a flux core wire welder I bought from Pep Boys for $180. I was there the other day, and they have the same welder with a cart, auto darkening helmet, and gloves for $200. I've been using it for over a year with no problems. It's a 110 volt unit, and through these forums I learned that it would work better on a line with 10 or 12ga. wire, instead of my 14 ga. extension cord. I tried it with a 12 ga. extension cord, and it worked much better. I then made a 10 ga. cord, but the performance doesn't seem any different than the 12 ga.

[jimFPU]

All good info, thanks.

[AtomicZombie]

Just think about the three points hitting the road. If you stretch the triangle, your stance is greatly reduced.

Brad


OK, so your saying that having the wheels in front of the crank actually makes it more unstable than a traditional tadpole? Interesting...I kinda figured that it would be the other way...I'll have to get out the Lego's and do some test...I'm sure your right, but I have to see why.

Understand about the welding...guess I'll just have to take a community college class...never can get too much school any way.:eek:

[Sparky]

i was taught to weld with a stick(arc) in 15 minutes by my dad. i welded 2 parts together, and didnt touch a welder again until about a year later i bought a welder and started on my first project- a front bumper for my jeep. its easy to get the hang of. and wire-feed is even easier. mine is 220 volts, plugged into my dryer outlet, and i use 6011 rods.

after a rear bumper for the jeep, a trailer, various other projects and this quad, im pretty good at it.

the best part is, you weld it and it breaks, grind it off and try again. if its ugly, do the same till it looks good. and, if the globs get SO bad that its horrible looking, get a new peice of metal and try again.

so 3 years later, and a more than a few run-ins with rocks and trees, this sucker is still holding on-
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a318/sparky96181/jeep010.jpg

[jimFPU]

Looks good...well haven't ever been really afraid to try anything else...BONZAI!!!

[TheKid]

Like the Nike commercial says, just do it.

[jimFPU]

I'll keep you updated...and probably be back for lots more help.

[trikeman]

By the way Jim, Brad uses a simple 230v AC only arc welder only, which I believe is a name brand, but even new those sell for just north of $200 at places like Tractor Supply. I think Brad is obviously a talented welder, and he cheated and took a welding course, but it just shows you what can be done with the World's simplest welder - the AC arc machine.

[Sparky]

it is off road ready. tried and tested!

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a318/sparky96181/galahadflex.jpg

my other hobby. and yes, i made it up and over that ledge. :)

[TheKid]

No Crazy Glue needed there!

[AtomicZombie]

Crazy climber! Say, what's up with the reef on Galahad?

Brad

[Sparky]

that was our december off-roading trip.

to get in the christmas spirit, i always put a wreath or bow on the front. dunno about other places but, its fairly common 'round here. some people do tinsel or garland also.