Model Forum / General / Models / August 2006

Most of my small projects have used inch square tube, comes in approx 7
metre lengths and I cut and weld to match the job.

When looking at a basic go-kart frame for my kids I thought I would try
round both inch and 3/4" or even nearest metric sizes.

The idea was to reduce the cut and weld by bending or forming etc.

When I contacted a stockest I was asked what do I want steam tube, ERW or
seamless hot rolled or cold rolled and I must admit to not knowing which
one would be suitable at reasonable cost.

I have some steel pipe fixing that I would really say are cast and some
nipples! (no jokes here please) that are very heavy walled steel, but
going off these I would consider it very hard to be able to form or bend
this stuff.

I have used the odd piece of electrical conduit at  work but never had to
bend it and have always assumed it had no great stength, I connot even
remember if it was welded seam or not!

ERW being Electric Resistance welded would this lease a line down the pipe
that would be tempered different to the rest, and does it really matter?

So can anyone please give advise on what I should be asking for it will be
much appreciated.

Cheers

Adrian