So I stumbled across this site because I've been looking for a recumbent trike since a wrist injury that leaves me unable to bike, but as a student, I can't afford to buy one. I have a reasonable amount of self- (and internet-) taught mechanical skill, a higher-than-average degree of perfectionism, and I do most of my own car and bike maintenance. I'm also drawn to projects that have a learning curve - most recently a transmission repair on my car that I couldn't afford to have done professionally (though it would have taken the pro about 29 days less than the month it took me!)
Regarding the learning curve, I've never done any real metal fab work, and have about 10 minutes of experience on a MIG welder from about 5 years ago. So my goals are:
I'm just over 290 lbs. Thoughts on whether the stock plans are ok, or whether it would be wise to modify? Would 14 gauge be the better choice? Would rather have a lighter machine if possible.
Also curious about thoughts on the trikes I'm thinking about starting with: TimberWolf or StreetFox. Has anyone built both and have any thoughts on which would be the easier one for a first build? Thoughts on which is more "robust"? Which is more maneuverable? I'm leaning towards the TimberWolf, because it seems like it's better for carrying cargo, more maneuverable, and more robust, but I have no idea what I'm talking about, so hopefully someone can set me straight if I'm way off the mark! FWIW, I have also bought plans for the LodeRunner and Warrior.
Any and all thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks!
p.s. Are the Aurora and TimberWolf the same, except for the cargo box?
Regarding the learning curve, I've never done any real metal fab work, and have about 10 minutes of experience on a MIG welder from about 5 years ago. So my goals are:
- Learn to weld using a $99 (on sale), 115V, DC stick welder that I'm about to buy (https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/75a-mini-inverter-stick-welder/A-p8785008e).
- Build a couple of useful items for further practice, like a welding cart and/or table, and rig up some sort of smoke extraction system for the garage
- Build a trike!
I'm just over 290 lbs. Thoughts on whether the stock plans are ok, or whether it would be wise to modify? Would 14 gauge be the better choice? Would rather have a lighter machine if possible.
Also curious about thoughts on the trikes I'm thinking about starting with: TimberWolf or StreetFox. Has anyone built both and have any thoughts on which would be the easier one for a first build? Thoughts on which is more "robust"? Which is more maneuverable? I'm leaning towards the TimberWolf, because it seems like it's better for carrying cargo, more maneuverable, and more robust, but I have no idea what I'm talking about, so hopefully someone can set me straight if I'm way off the mark! FWIW, I have also bought plans for the LodeRunner and Warrior.
Any and all thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks!
p.s. Are the Aurora and TimberWolf the same, except for the cargo box?