| The age old question that comes to mind when talking | | | | of rollovers. Also because of the wood, it is much |
| about go karting is steel versus wood for your go kart | | | | harder to put a roll bar or cage on the kart, whereas, |
| frame. Well maybe not an age old question but | | | | with a steel frame you could add one easily. With a |
| definitely a question that surfaced when metal tubing | | | | steel frame, the weight is less and therefore the |
| became readily available at the turn of the century. For | | | | overall speed can be greater which in turn can result in |
| many generations, including my father and his father, a | | | | more accidents caused by speed. |
| go kart frame was made from wood. It was cheaper, | | | | Another thing to consider is that a wooden chassis will |
| and metal was not readily available. | | | | typically last a fraction of the time a steel one will. For |
| Now with technology, and an ever increasing surplus | | | | example, as the engine vibrates, the stress on the |
| of resources, many people now choose to go with a | | | | screws and fasteners is much greater than with a |
| metal frame when building their first kart. | | | | steel frame. |
| The main question is, "Which is better metal or wood?". | | | | One disadvantage of a steel go kart frame is that it |
| One might argue that wood is cheaper than steel, and | | | | requires a greater knowledge of assembly. Most steel |
| to some degree that is true, but, as you start adding on | | | | chassis will require you to have some knowledge of |
| different pieces of the puzzle, such as engines, | | | | welding, whereas a wooden one requires basic |
| steering wheels, braking systems and suspension, a | | | | knowledge of woodworking tools. You could easily |
| wooden frame can be just as expensive as a steel | | | | build a wood go cart and be racing around in one |
| one. | | | | weekends time. With a steel frame you could be |
| So know that you have seen both options, and you | | | | looking at a week or longer depending on how much |
| know their costs can be comparable, you have to look | | | | time you can devote to fabrication. |
| at other attributes that will help you make your decision | | | | As you can see, there are advantages, and |
| on choosing a wood or steel go kart frame. In my | | | | disadvantages of both wood and steel go kart frames. |
| opinion the first and foremost is safety. There are | | | | Ultimately the decision comes down to your budget, |
| safety issues with both and mainly it comes down to | | | | skill set, and preference. Whichever you choose I |
| what you are personally comfortable with. | | | | know you will have many hours of fun, not only building |
| The center of gravity on a wooden chassis will | | | | but racing in your new go kart frame. |
| typically be about 8"-12" higher than on a steel chassis. | | | | Now go build that kart, start racing, and let me know |
| This higher center of gravity can increase the chance | | | | how it goes. |