How to Build a Go-Kart out of a Sheet of Plywood

Plywood Selection

• 1

  Select a sheet of plywood that is between 4 and 6 feet long, based on the height of the intended driver. Remnant plywood is okay to use, since the sheet can be trimmed to desired size with a hand saw.

• 2

  Plan the frame for the go-kart by drawing your design on the plywood and trimming it to the design dimensions with the saw. Measure and trim the 2-by-4s to form a rectangle, then measure and saw two 2-by-4s to form a triangle at the base of the rectangle you just formed. Attach the 2-by-4 shape to the bottom of the plywood with the triangle under the trimmed end of the plywood. Nail the frame to the plywood and sand the edges of the wood to smooth out the ends. Nail one of the 2-by-4s to the end of the triangle so that a steering column can be added. Sand the edges of the wood to smooth out the ends.

• 3

  Nail the wheels directly to the bottom of the framing material, onto the short ends of the rectangle at each corner. For more complex steering ability, attach metal axles to the short ends of the rectangle on the frame with bolts and brackets. Attach the wheels to the axles with casters that will allow the wheels to move freely.

• 4

  Nail the steering post to the front of the go-kart̵7;s frame, directly onto the 2-by-4 you nailed to the end of the triangle portion of the frame. Weld the steering blocks to the frame and to the steering post.

• 5

  Attach a seat directly to the plywood base of the go-kart. Measure the distance from the front end of the go-kart and place the seat far enough to the rear of the go-kart to give the rider leg room. For the seat, use the top of an old office chair and insert the post into the plywood.