http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Wooden-GoKart/

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Homemade Wooden GoKartby hunter13 on October 14, 2011

Table of Contents

Homemade Wooden GoKart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Intro:   Homemade Wooden GoKart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 1:   Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 2:   Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Step 3:   Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Step 4:   Rear Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Step 5:   Drive System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Step 6:   Throttle And Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Wooden-GoKart/

Author:hunter13To the man who loves art for its own sake, it is frequently in its least important and lowliest manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. -S.H.

Intro:  Homemade Wooden GoKartThis is the perfect budget gokart for people who love speed and danger. I don't think anyone sells anything like this ,so it's pretty much one of a kind. I Installed a BriggsAnd Stratton 5HP engine on it. It has 10" tires that have a 300lb loading weight each. We got it up to 21mph. Pretty good for a hunk of pine. I have to admit, though, it ispretty cool. Diclaimer: it is very dangerous, especially without brakes. All in all, it cost me around $185. Here's a link to a video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLILV_xiJCM. I'VE GOT A NEW VIDEO: http://youtu.be/uaHUD5VmzxM

Step 1: Frame

Essentially, it is made out of pine, which is light(ish). You want a main board stretching from front to back for support. The seat is up to you. It could be a plastic chair withthe legs cut off. The engine mount should be sturdy

Image Notes1. You want a main board stretching from front to back.2. Engine mount

http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Wooden-GoKart/

Step 2: Front

Next, install the wooden front axle. I used u-bolts to clamp the metal axle (the wheels are attached to it) to the wood.

Image Notes1. My cat Pippa2. UBolts

Step 3: EngineI mounted the engine to the frame.

Step 4: Rear Wheels

Next, I went to Lowe's and got a 3/4" steel rod for my axle. I inserted bearings into wood and slid the axle through. Then, I put adjustable retaining rings on the inside ofeach bearing to keep the axle from slipping.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Wooden-GoKart/

Image Notes1. Adjustable retaining ring2. Bearing

Step 5: Drive System

I bought a sprocket and a Max Torque clutch and a #35 chain. The sprocket is actually bolted to the hub.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Wooden-GoKart/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Wooden-GoKart/

Step 6: Throttle And Steering

I just installed a simple throttle handle directly connected to the throttle. The steering handle gives you better control than your feet do.

Image Notes1. Throttle2. Steering

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Mini TractorFrom Go kartparts (Photos) byflyingchainsaw

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Comments

50 comments Add Comment view all 102 comments

 garsam says:  Mar 7, 2014. 5:16 AM  REPLYcould you tell me a full list of material needed pls tnx!!

 curvy77 says:  Sep 16, 2013. 8:33 PM  REPLYworking on something similar, but with a different propulsion system. how did u arrange the steering and where did the brakes make contact? the wheel oraxel?

 kristianhardeman says:  Nov 10, 2011. 10:03 AM  REPLYdit is cool ik ga er een maken

 cheapasdirt says:  Dec 1, 2011. 6:09 AM  REPLYI don't what language you typed that in but I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering what exactly it is you said.

 canwedoityeswecan says:  Dec 28, 2011. 3:47 PM  REPLYat least whomever posted in their native language wasn't offensive to anyone, and no words were left out as in your brilliant remark "I don't what...." Ibelieve the word would be "I don't KNOW what...." would have been read more accurately, had it been written accurately. No you are not the onlyone wondering what exactly is is that the person said. I did wonder, but looked it up, the same as you could have, instead of insulting someone withoffensive remarks. What in the world would possess you to be such an ignorant fool by typing what you did? Has nothing to do with the subject,moron.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Wooden-GoKart/

 Aaron Stein says:  Jan 6, 2013. 1:07 PM  REPLYdude big deal it isnt that offensive

 daredevil499 says:  Sep 10, 2012. 4:13 PM  REPLYhe said, "this is cool I'm going to make".

 arnoutdejans says:  Dec 1, 2011. 8:05 AM  REPLYHe is from Belgium (as i do) or the Netherlands. He saids something like:"Wow, how cool, gonna build one my own" ;)

 oklipock says:  Dec 18, 2012. 12:51 PM  REPLYi like the general design. ive been looking for an easy way to do the steering. how fast is it and what is the sum of costs?

 hunter13 says:  Jan 3, 2013. 1:48 PM  REPLYMy gps says 21.4mph. As for cost, around $200

 mstandring says:  Jun 19, 2012. 7:20 PM  REPLYHow much and where did you get the back two wheels? did you drill holes into the hub for sproket? or were there already holes in the hub when you purchasedit?

 juanp says:  Jun 12, 2012. 4:59 PM  REPLYWhere did you get the motor from?

 hunter13 says:  May 31, 2012. 2:24 PM  REPLYPlease visit my new gokart here

 ChewyCov says:  Feb 24, 2012. 11:46 AM  REPLYWow great guide! I remember a few years ago me and a friend were planning on making our own go kart (we were 15 at the time and stupid) and we wouldhave killed for a guide like this! I'm hoping to give this a go in the summer!

 ashwinlit says:  Jan 8, 2012. 8:04 AM  REPLYVideo?

 hunter13 says:  Jan 25, 2012. 3:57 PM  REPLYUnder the first picture is a link.

 Hippymike96 says:  Dec 9, 2011. 7:45 PM  REPLYHow much did the engine cost? Was that the bulk of the money? Any ideas on how to make brakes?

 hunter13 says:  Dec 12, 2011. 1:01 PM  REPLYI got the engine at an auction for 60$. Perhaps bike brakes, spoon brakes, or something that clamps around the sprocket.

 codydean says:  Dec 23, 2011. 12:48 AM  REPLYsweet i got an 18 hp briggs but its vertical shaft :/ ill figure something out.

 davehart says:  Jan 7, 2012. 4:35 PM  REPLYslap a 5 speed Tecumseh transmission(found on most mtds) under it and connect your engine to it with a love joy coupling(can get them at somefarm stores). That's what i did at least...

 davehart says:  Dec 2, 2011. 6:37 PM  REPLYMy cousing and i made a go cart like this, except for it is ALOT bigger, no engine, but it has a suspension and brakes. Its realy heavy lugging up the hill butreally fun! Oh ya, and i'm 14

http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Wooden-GoKart/

 hunter13 says:  Dec 5, 2011. 10:25 AM  REPLYThat's amazing. I would advise you to add an engine in the back. It wouldn't take much!

 davehart says:  Dec 9, 2011. 4:27 PM  REPLYIve actually been thinking about putting one on it lately, a have a 5 speed lawnmower transmission that would bolt right up and an engine that i couldmount on the bed.

 hunter13 says:  Dec 12, 2011. 1:01 PM  REPLYAwesome.

 davehart says:  Dec 21, 2011. 7:53 PM  REPLYWell, i got the engine and steering wheel on it. It doesnt have a clutch so it shifts like a rock. Still, really fun and fast. sorry about the badpictures, it was at night.

 hunter13 says:  Dec 22, 2011. 12:23 PM  REPLYDude! That's a great gokart. Keep it up.

 davehart says:  Dec 21, 2011. 7:54 PM  REPLYnext photo

http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Wooden-GoKart/

 shdude666 says:  Dec 21, 2011. 6:49 AM  REPLYhow does the throttle work?

 hunter13 says:  Dec 22, 2011. 12:21 PM  REPLYThe right handle moves a rod that goes directly to the throttle on the engine.

 tonycabus says:  Oct 20, 2011. 8:42 AM  REPLYWhere's the brake?!?!?!

 cheapasdirt says:  Dec 1, 2011. 6:11 AM  REPLYYour feet suffice I assume. I've stopped more than one speeding go cart using only my feet.

 vov35 says:  Oct 20, 2011. 10:30 AM  REPLYhaha, get it, you said brake...

no really, there is none.

 hunter13 says:  Nov 22, 2011. 12:00 PM  REPLYWhat I really should do is put an electric motor on it, a car battery, a solar panel, and perhaps a little something to control my speed:)

 professorzed says:  Oct 20, 2011. 8:12 PM  REPLYI think you could add 'spoon' brakes if you wanted. Well any kind of brakes really. Spoon brakes are pretty primitive.

Basically, a 'spoon brake' is like putting your foot on the wheel and applying pressure with the sole of your shoe until the wheel stops. Instead of your ownfoot/ boot though, you would be stepping on a pedal which would be pushing a big chunk of rubber against the wheel.

In your case, maybe a 2 x4 underneath and behind the seat which presses against the wheel when a foot pedal is pressed down. You'd have to screw on achunk of rubber to the 2 x 4 such as an old car tire or something. Boot heels would work well as brakes too of course. I guess if you really wanted it to look'Fred Flintstone'/ Little Rascals' you could just use the whole boot.

Try to put the brake pedal on the left side of the go-cart, since most people are intuitively familiar with this as the brake position from driving cars.

 hunter13 says:  Nov 17, 2011. 10:49 AM  REPLYGood point, I should put brakes on sometime.

 hunter13 says:  Nov 17, 2011. 10:48 AM  REPLYI partially shredded the soul of my left boot trying to stop it while going down the road.

 voyageur10 says:  Nov 15, 2011. 2:30 AM  REPLYMy thoughts exactly! A set of spoon brakes and this thing would be top notch!

Awesome go-kart, thanks dude!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Wooden-GoKart/

 voyageur10 says:  Nov 15, 2011. 2:33 AM  REPLYThanks for this! Cool project.

 jwolski1 says:  Nov 3, 2011. 2:25 PM  REPLYGreat project! I've wanted to build something like this for years.

To everyone complaining about features and safety: I did things way more dangerous when I was a kid than to drive something like this. Parents today areobnoxiously over protective. You can't wrap your kids in bubble wrap at all times and there is nothing wrong with bumps, bruises, and road rash. Just be happythat your kids are outside playing and not glued to the TV.

I have 3 young kids and would let them play with this under close supervision... although i think my wife wouldn't. :)

 hunter13 says:  Nov 4, 2011. 1:00 PM  REPLYMy kids aren't doing ANYTHING right now... actually, I don't have kids (I'm fifteen). I see your point though.

 jwolski1 says:  Nov 4, 2011. 1:08 PM  REPLYWell, I'm 34. So, you are a kid to me. :) Have fun with the kart!

 Kasm279 says:  Oct 20, 2011. 9:31 AM  REPLYTry using a lever that pushes against the rear sheel(s) for a brake!

 hunter13 says:  Nov 1, 2011. 8:18 AM  REPLYThat will rip the tire though.

 Kasm279 says:  Nov 1, 2011. 2:58 PM  REPLYNot if it pushes flat against the tyre, I suppose I should have specified that. (i.e. with O the wheel and | the lever) |O or when pushed, /O.

 myles136 says:  Oct 20, 2011. 7:14 PM  REPLYRWD cars are one wheel drive....no problem....so it torques to one side....so what!

 hunter13 says:  Nov 1, 2011. 8:25 AM  REPLYReally annoying.

 myles136 says:  Nov 1, 2011. 9:33 AM  REPLYNorthern Tool and Equipment has Go-Cart Differential axles in their catalog and on-line. Copy and Paste this link.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_35768_35768

 joeofloath says:  Oct 20, 2011. 7:29 AM  REPLYFor easy braking, maybe find a cable operated clutch and use engine braking? Won't stop you fast, but you'll be able to slow down faster than byfreewheeling!

 hunter13 says:  Nov 1, 2011. 8:12 AM  REPLYI did do some engine braking while going down a hill. It nearly skidded the tires.

 joeofloath says:  Nov 1, 2011. 9:06 AM  REPLYWow, that's surprisingly effective!

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