Rack tubing?
03-10-19 | 11:34 AM
#1
Thread Starter
cyclist
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: vermont
Bikes: road bike, mountain bike, touring bike
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,
03-10-19 | 11:54 AM
#2
Randomhead
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 25,930
Likes: 4,825
From: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
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.
03-10-19 | 02:10 PM
#3
Thread Starter
cyclist
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: vermont
Bikes: road bike, mountain bike, touring bike
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,
03-10-19 | 02:29 PM
#4
Randomhead
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 25,930
Likes: 4,825
From: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
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.
03-11-19 | 08:41 AM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 561
Likes: 73
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
03-11-19 | 07:30 PM
#6
Randomhead
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 25,930
Likes: 4,825
From: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
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.
03-11-19 | 09:11 PM
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 19,353
Likes: 5,471
From: Rochester, NY
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
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
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AndrewRStewart
AndrewRStewart
03-12-19 | 08:39 AM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 833
Likes: 18
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.
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