Rod roll cage vs tubing roll cage

[JSoto777]

I want to build a metal roll cage for my chimera. I'm thinking of doing 3/8 aluminum. I just don't know if I should go with rod or tubing.


I want thins to be very strong


Any suggestions??

 

[Ol' fart]

my 2 cents

With aluminum you should go with rod. It is stronger but the main reason is the welder will have a hard time welding the thin wall without melting threw.

Consider 4130 steel tubing, MUCH stronger and your welder will have no problems welding it, in fact, I'm sure he would prefer steel over aluminum.

 

[JSoto777]

With aluminum you should go with rod. It is stronger but the main reason is the welder will have a hard time welding the thin wall without melting threw. Consider 4130 steel tubing, MUCH stronger and your welder will have no problems welding it, in fact, I'm sure he would prefer steel over aluminum.

How heavy is the steel compared to the alluminum?

Where can I get this steel tubing?

 

[rampage idiot]

How heavy is the steel compared to the alluminum?Where can I get this steel tubing?

I used 4130 on mine way stronger than aluminum I get all my metal from Online metals http://www.onlinemetals.com/

 

[Guest]

The thin walled 4130 is strong. It is nice and light too.

 

[Ol' fart]

It's not cheap so you'll want to do some tests before you start bending and welding. Try making the cage out of wood first. You can get 3/8th rods cheap.

Use a hot glue gun to join the dowels. Once you have it looking like you want it to measure all the length's to determine how much tubing you'll need.

 

[Ildy666]

It's not cheap so you'll want to do some tests before you start bending and welding. Try making the cage out of wood first. You can get 3/8th rods cheap. Use a hot glue gun to join the dowels. Once you have it looking like you want it to measure all the length's to determine how much tubing you'll need.

Good idea i might have to build one....

 

[Guest]

Very true.

4130 is very rigid and is a bit more difficult to bend.

 

[JSoto777]

It's not cheap so you'll want to do some tests before you start bending and welding. Try making the cage out of wood first. You can get 3/8th rods cheap. Use a hot glue gun to join the dowels. Once you have it looking like you want it to measure all the length's to determine how much tubing you'll need.

My dad got the hook up at work got some pipe to practice on. I have a little experience bending pipe so I think I can do this fairly easy. Also I have the plastic roll cage that's in my chimera that I will use to copy.

I'm gonna bend and cut all the pipe and the welder will weld it for me.

I think I'm gonna go ahead and try out the 4130.

Which thickness is recommended?

.028

.035

.049

.058

.065

.083

.095

 

[rampage idiot]

I used .035 because .065 was a real bitch to bend with the tubing bender I have

 

[Guest]

I also used .035, it's plenty strong.

 

[JSoto777]

We'll I started last night after work. And finished all the bends and most of the cuts. Just got to get about a foot more of 3/8" then 18 inches of a smaller pipe. Here are some pics View attachment 6954





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[JSoto777]

View attachment 6955 Here's another





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[rampage idiot]

Wow that's a lot of pieces , looks good! what type tubing bender are you using?

 

[Guest]

You should add a bar to fasten it mid chassis as well. That will help with chassis flex. They should of done that on the chimera cage and eliminate the motor cage.

It's look'n awesome!

 

[JSoto777]

Wow that's a lot of pieces , looks good! what type tubing bender are you using?

I don't know what type it is. My dad borrowed it. Here's a pic of the bender tho View attachment 6956



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[JSoto777]

You should add a bar to fasten it mid chassis as well. That will help with chassis flex. They should of done that on the chimera cage and eliminate the motor cage. It's look'n awesome!

Thanks, and I will consider the mid chassis bar. Cool

 

[JSoto777]

Anyone have tips on making a sadle cut in 3/8" tubing???

 

[Guest]

I just used a grinder.

You really don't need to much as the welds will fill a lot.

 

[JSoto777]

Icic. I'll try that. Do they sell like pre made saddles that will slip over the pipe??