Rack tubing?
#1
cyclist
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: vermont
Posts: 352
Bikes: road bike, mountain bike, touring bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Rack tubing?
I'm going to be taking a beginners welding class soon and would like to build a rack for the bike. I have looked at all the suppliers of frame tubes and can't figure out if any of them sell the tubing for touring racks.
Could anyone please point me into the right directions for a supplier of rack tubing.
thanks,
Could anyone please point me into the right directions for a supplier of rack tubing.
thanks,
#2
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,387
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,687 Times
in
2,510 Posts
what kind of welding, TIG?
I just buy my rack tubing from McMaster Carr. If you are going to get the rack powdercoated or plated, then you can go with 4130, and there are probably better choices than McMaster for that.
I just buy my rack tubing from McMaster Carr. If you are going to get the rack powdercoated or plated, then you can go with 4130, and there are probably better choices than McMaster for that.
#3
cyclist
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: vermont
Posts: 352
Bikes: road bike, mountain bike, touring bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The local makers shop has a TIG welder and that is the class i am taking.
What size tubing do you use and what size plate metal do you use for tabs?
Thanks,
What size tubing do you use and what size plate metal do you use for tabs?
Thanks,
#4
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,387
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,687 Times
in
2,510 Posts
5/16" stainless for most tubing, .035 wall. You can get away with .028" in 4130, but the bends might not be as nice. I usually get 1/8" or 3/32" for tabs. You can buy tabs from a number of suppliers.
Rear rack might be better with 3/8" same thicknesses. I didn't really like 1/4" for anything, but I'll probably start using it for randonneuring front racks.
Rear rack might be better with 3/8" same thicknesses. I didn't really like 1/4" for anything, but I'll probably start using it for randonneuring front racks.
#5
Senior Member
McMaster has steel tubing , not 4130 though, for half the price of 4130 at Aircraft Spruce.
https://www.mcmaster.com/standard-metal-tubing
https://www.mcmaster.com/standard-metal-tubing
#6
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,387
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,687 Times
in
2,510 Posts
mcmaster has 4130 tubing
https://www.mcmaster.com/metal-tubing
I wish it was easier to get a direct link to a page.
I usually use seamed stainless though.
https://www.mcmaster.com/metal-tubing
I wish it was easier to get a direct link to a page.
I usually use seamed stainless though.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 18,056
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4195 Post(s)
Liked 3,837 Times
in
2,295 Posts
My yet to be delivered order of 4130 tubes (for a rack) is coming from Stockcar Steel. https://stockcarsteel.com/ Not the best range of diameters and walls but good prices on what they do have.
My current rack project uses 4130 through out. 3/8" x .035" for the perimeter hoop and the center strut on each side. 5/16" x .035" on the rest. Andy
My current rack project uses 4130 through out. 3/8" x .035" for the perimeter hoop and the center strut on each side. 5/16" x .035" on the rest. Andy
__________________
AndrewRStewart
AndrewRStewart
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 832
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 90 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 18 Times
in
16 Posts
you could check and see if there's a place called "metal supermarket" near you. don't know what their total selection is since i just get regular weldable steel, but they sell to the public in small amounts, like a few feet.
#9
Banned
10mm/3/8" used by Brice Gordon.. (Mine was from the early 80s , he was brazing them together, then)..
Tubus similar,
Bike Friday used 8mm ,, Blackburn used 8mm aluminum rod..
Tubus similar,
Bike Friday used 8mm ,, Blackburn used 8mm aluminum rod..