Rack Materials
 

I was very inspired after going to the NAHBS and seeing all the fine work. I'm going to make a rack as my first project. Where do you find the tubing for this type of project? I looked at frame builders supply websites but I can't find any. Any info would be appreciated.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com
http://www.onlinemetals.com/
there's also Dillsburg Aeroplane Works 717-384-5865

look for 4130 3/8" X .028"
people have reported having good results with a bender like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SWAGELOK-3-8-15-...QQcmdZViewItem

Anyone tried brake line tubing? It's easy to find in 3/8" X .028" stainless.

I built two from 10mm hydraulic tubing because it was what I had available. It was very easy to bend and a real booger to weld. If I do it again, I`ll use 4130.

EDIT: By the way- there are some threads on the utility bike forum with interesting ideas for rack building. I don`t remember if they were stickys or not, but a forum search would probably turn them up.

You can braze stainless, I haven't tried it with racks yet.

Main advantage would be the naked finish, if a lot of polishing.

There are some builders using stainless for racks. Maher had one on his site. The one problem is that it isn't seemingly available in many wall diameters and 028 is on the thin side.