' No Weld ' Plans

Joined
Dec 19, 2010
Messages
29
Location
Welshpool, Mid Wales
These days, that would be... uh... ME.
I'm glad I took advantage of the opportunities I had to build a whole slew of HPVs back in the day
when I still HAD a shop, welder, various tools, etc. These days I really miss it, but I see it as unlikely
that situation will ever arise in my life again. But if by some chance it ever does, I'LL JUMP AT IT!!!

***
Do they have maker spaces near you?
 
Joined
Feb 10, 2022
Messages
152
Location
Norfolk UK
Well we had nearly an inch of snow a few weeks ago which lasted almost two hours before melting. And sometimes in Summer we can have two wasps flying around in the house on the same day. You think you've got it hard- you just visit Norfolk, UK!

Can't make up my mind re a bolted 'bent. Two pluses are that:
  1. you can use aluminium for lightness without the expense of TIG welding equipment and heat treating the welds and
  2. there are those who, in my opinion, simply do not have the capability or patience to learn to weld well enough to safely build a 'bent.
Is it safe to come out from behind the sofa now?

Personally I would not have the patience to drill a zillion holes and tighten a similar number of bolts to build this way. Welding is just so much quicker and easier. But then I've been welding a long time both for a hobby and to earn my living. Having said that I would still be put off if I had to use a stick welder like Brad does. His skill is amazing. I can't imagine many folk would be capable of producing such good results on the thin/reclaimed steel we use for building our machines. I think a MIG welder is not only way simpler but more capable of allowing a learner to produce a serviceable weld- just my opinion.

Ah well I guess tomorrow I have to face our awful weather again. The wind was so strong today that several leaves were blown off our willow tree and the torrential rain has left a puddle on the driveway. But just like Brad, I have to face the hardship each day and carry on.

John
 
Joined
Oct 19, 2012
Messages
2,359
Location
Wakefield, UK
I doubt a bolted ally frame would be lighter than a welded steel one. Bolts are heavy compared to weld. Also the design of a recumbent means members are used as beams which doesn't suit aluminium so you use more aluminium to overcome it's shortfall.
 
Joined
Feb 10, 2022
Messages
152
Location
Norfolk UK
Yes I suspect you're right there. I know from my machines that the weight really starts to increase after the frame is made and you start adding the 'workings'. Each bit you bolt on seems to make a big difference to lifting it up on the bench. Building strong is easy but building strong and light is way more difficult.

I've been collecting all the ally and ultra thin steel tube etc. I can find for a possible velo type body once I find a style I like and feel I have the capability of making a decent job of. I bought a couple of sheets of corrugated plastic type stuff from Wickes which is intended as a temporary floor protector. It's very light but also very thin and really floppy and would need a lot of support so not sure if it will do the job. I suppose if it's not up to the task it may at least give me a pattern to work to.

John
 
Joined
Feb 7, 2008
Messages
4,492
Location
Nottinghamshire England
You realise someone has answered a Zombie [ dead ] thread ? 4 years old !

What is this you speak of ?

I bought a couple of sheets of corrugated plastic type stuff from Wickes which is intended as a temporary floor protector. It's very light but also very thin and really floppy and would need a lot of support so not sure if it will do the job. I suppose if it's not up to the task it may at least give me a pattern to work to.

John
Floor protector does not return any plastic sheeting on Wickes site ?

Paul
 
Joined
Feb 10, 2022
Messages
152
Location
Norfolk UK
Took me a while to find it but it's under 'Buiding materials/protective sheeting' Black correx type stuff in 8x4 sheets but very thin.
Just noticed there is a thicker stuff too (3mm rather than 2mm) but didn't see it in our wickes store. It's called Proplex.

John

Found B&Q do the same stuff under the name of Antinox but 2mm only I think.
 
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