Suggestions for my welding cart project in progress

[Zeeman]

I'll start by saying I'm not a welder by trade, and I'm a terrible welder as a hobbyist. I have only had my welder a few months.

I'm making a cart from mostly junk that I had, or got at the scrapyard. The frame is from an old minibike, and I'd like to know if you have suggestions or comments before I go any further. Feel free to comment about my lousy welding skills. I need some good laughs. Thanks.

 

[bullnerd]

3 things pop in my head,

1) Should have kept that sweet mini bike frame intact!

b) Get a grinder for cleaning the metal.( I'm assuming your using that wire wheel in the pic)

III) Make sure you have a good ground!(goes back to grinder comment)

F) looks tippy with three wheels?

Besides that, Practice practice practice! Oh, and go to Welding tip and tricks website and watch as much videos as you can take. Helps seeing rather than talking.

 

[ndnchf]

Novel use of a mini bike frame.

I hope you will put 2 wheels in the front (same width as the rear). Stability is important. Why the giant rear wheels - are you planning to pull it across rough ground? I would use four casters of the same size, the rear fixed, front locking swivel.

 

[Zeeman]

Thanks for the comments. That's not a vintage mini bike frame. I believe it's a Chinese piece of junk. I have plenty of vintage mini bikes, but this one was just in the way. I do have a grinder, I'm just using the wire wheel because my welds are so sloppy and I don't have gas. I'm going to try it with three wheels and see if it's stable enough. Thanks again

 

[Zeeman]

The only reason I used the tires on the rear was that's what I had on hand. I just tried one locking caster on the front, but it is two Tippy. If I put two spinning casters with locks on the front do you think that would work? I can weld something to make them the same width as the rear

 

[ndnchf]

The only reason I used the tires on the rear was that's what I had on hand. I just tried one locking caster on the front, but it is two Tippy. If I put two spinning casters with locks on the front do you think that would work? I can weld something to make them the same width as the rear

Yes, a cross bar on the front with two locking casters, the same width as the rear would be good.

 

[Zeeman]

I'm doing it now. I'll post pictures soon. Thanks

 

[bullnerd]

"I believe it's a Chinese piece of junk"

In that case, its a worthy sacrifice!

 

[tdott]

Looks great so far!

 

[tonyciambrone]

Is this for a flux core or stick welder? I don't see where the bottle is gonna go. It's a cool cart but I do like having drawers for different wire spools, gloves, soapstone, pliers, grinding wheels etc etc etc

 

[Zeeman]

Is this for a flux core or stick welder? I don't see where the bottle is gonna go. It's a cool cart but I do like having drawers for different wire spools, gloves, soapstone, pliers, grinding wheels etc etc etc

It's a small welder/Lincoln Handy Mig. I plan to but a flat plate on the back between the wheels when I get one. I see you point about having more storage space for sure, but at least this will get it mobile and easier to put back in its place. There will be a bottom shelf that I'll probably put sides on, or I could even mount a tool box there. I'll post more pictures as soon as I can. I have to figure out how to change the wire spool and weld some more.

 

[ovrrdrive]

What you lack in skills as a welder you make for with your ability to look at a rusted out frame like that and see a welding cart in it. As for all those extra hooks, slots and hangers on it I can't stand having a bunch of extra **** hanging off my cart. Lean and clean for me, everything else has it's own spot somewhere else. But that's just me and I don't ever drag mine out to the end of the driveway to weld a tube buggy or anything like that. I work in the shop and everything is just an arms length away.

As always though, ymmv.

 

[Zeeman]

Thanks Overrdrive. I don't plan to take it off-road, but just wanted something different. I collect vintage minibikes as one of my hobbies. I believe you will see the 'hangers' purpose in the pictures. So far, I have about 20.00 in bolts, collars, and scrap metal.

 

[ndnchf]

That looks pretty good now!

 

[Zeeman]

Thanks. I have to decide on what size bottle I want next, then I can weld a holder on the back between the wheels. I don't weld much, but I do have some friends without welders. You know what that means! Any suggestions on bottle size for the occasional welder?

 

[Hammer1963]

Thumbs up dude!

 

[robert_dean]

Not sure on age or eyesight, but I would suggest angling the welder "tray" up a bit. Makes adjustments much easier while working, less bending over to try and read settings and so on.

 

[Zeeman]

Robert, thanks for the suggestion. The top tray is angled a little, but I'm not sure if it's enough. I can still play with things a little. I'm still working on the tank hold down.

 

[Zeeman]

I've made some progress. I got it painted, and the rear mount for the tank/floor. I also welded up one gizmo for the ground to wrap around. The last picture is of a file drawer that fits the bottom perfectly, so I plan to attach it to use as storage. More to come.

 

[Fishingfoolemjak]

Very cool little cart! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Zeeman]

Thanks. I have some new pictures of the almost completed cart, and will try to post soon.
My in-laws live in Bryson City. Small world!