davew wrote:
You do not want to have to force tubes into location to fit a pre-cut tube. This just builds a locked stress into the frame.
Not sure why someone would do this. Tack every tube in place before beginning final welding. No need to force anything. If tubes are cut within a few thousandths and you need to force a fitment then you made a mistake somewhere along the way. There will be locked stress after welding is complete, but I would argue that there will be locked stress in virtually any welded structure using ordinary fabrication methods.
TooBusy wrote:
When they want the 3D model, they create cut files for their laser tube cutter. The parts they make will be spot on AND if there are problems in the model, the laser cutter doesn't care, it just does what it's told.
Fitting things up is your problem.
Wouldn’t you say the same thing is true if you cut tubes yourself? If you get it wrong fitting things up is still your problem, correct? Get it right in the model, just as you would in ‘real life’ or you’ll deal with problems later. Being diligent is being diligent, regardless of where at in the process.
KB58 wrote:
Just keep in mind that going this way locks you into whatever size chassis it is. Use different seats, engine, transmission, gas tank, radiator, pedals, etc, potentially means that it won’t fit. Sure, tubes can be cut out, but now it’s starting to moving away from a total solution. After building two cars from scratch, cutting the tubes is a very small part of the puzzle.
Agreed on all counts.