[python] Re: Alu Python

Sam,

I am new to this group and I hope that noone takes offense. I, too, am currently building a python. I like the concept of a center steer, but I want to make mine a trike. Sorry, Jurges. :-)

At the risk of upsetting any one. I would suggest you check Rickey Horwitz's Thunderbolt MKII. I don't recall the exact url for the plans, but they are somewhere on the ihpv pages under practical innovations. Rick has much to say about using aluminum.


These are my thought from reading and talking to people who weld aluminum.

FIRST! If you are going to weld aluminum, get the right equipment and be prepared to spend MONEY!

Now, Here's the truth.

We all want to build a vehicle as inexpensively as possible.

Get yourself a couple of bikes that no one wants and follow as closely as you can what the folks on this group have done.

BUILD THE DAMN BIKE!

(Sorry, but that is the hardest part. :-) You have to build one. Use 2x4 lumber if you have too, but build one.

Don't plan it to death.

If you are looking for a lightweight bike, trust me, learn about graphite composites. It's cheaper than trying to build from aluminum and easier to learn. Learning to weld aluminum is NOT easy!
And the TIG equipment is not cheap.

Now! for the good stuff.

Oxygen/Acetylene is relatively cheap and not that difficult to learn. MIG welding is easiest to learn, but not always the best.

If you have not built a bike or had much experience with welding, I'd suggest Oxy/Acet and braze it.

Brazing is much like soldering. If you can't solder, do everything but build the frame yourself. Take all the parts to someone who knows what they are doing.

DUH! I can do that with aluminum. GOOD IDEA!

I'm sorry, Sam, I was having a bit of fun at your expense, BUT!!!! I know from experience, having had a frame fall apart on me, that I CANNOT weld aluminum.

I FREAKING tried! LOL

Honestly, if you want light weight, I'd suggest you try fabricating tubes from carbon fiber. I have tons of info on that and will be happy to share what I know.

Best Regards to all who read this.

Michael (SpartanSmoke) Fresno, California.

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