From sketch to decision
Follow the move from sketches to CAD. Pick a design choice and explain the competing requirements.
Possible outcome: An annotated design brief
Schools & teaching projectsA real kart build.
A real kart build.
Plenty to learn from.
Explore go-kart design, costing and fabrication through the Dad Drift Kart: a project drawn in CAD, built in a garage and revised along the way.
Use the free story and videos as a case study, or assess the files for a supervised workshop project.
By Luke · Designer and builder · Melbourne, Australia
Choose the part that fits your program
A complete running kart does not have to be the class outcome. These are suggested activities for teachers to adapt to their students, facilities and available time.
Understand an assembly
With access to the relevant files, inspect selected components and explain how they fit together.
Possible outcome: A component study with dimensions
Price a real project
Compare new parts, donor components and outsourced fabrication using current local quotes.
Possible outcome: A sourcing proposal with assumptions
Plan the work
Study the frame and jig sections. Identify dependencies and propose inspection points for teacher review.
Possible outcome: A manufacturing process plan
Learn from revisions
Explain why trial fitting came before final welding. Document a fit problem or a proposed change.
Possible outcome: A revision log with evidence
Tell the build story
Explain the project to a defined audience using photos, the published story and build footage.
Possible outcome: A presentation or project pitch
The story and videos are free to read and watch. Detailed CAD and drawing activities require the appropriate Builder Pack access.
Start with what is already documented
The build story
Donor parts, frame fabrication, jigs and trial assembly. Ask what was planned, what changed and why.
The cost breakdown
Use the reference budget for a sourcing exercise. Replace figures with local quotes and identify the extras.
The CAD and drawings
Review the paid package, file formats and workshop requirements before setting a fabrication brief.
Plan the scope before buying parts
The Builder Pack includes assembly CAD, dimensioned drawings, fabrication files, jig templates, a bill of materials and build notes. STEP files can be used in Onshape and other compatible CAD software.
Reference budget · USD
$149Digital Builder Pack
$2,027New parts & materials
Combined reference total: US$2,176, before freight, consumables, tools, taxes and any hired assembly or welding labour. Prices vary; get current local quotes.
See the budget and its inclusions →Assessing a physical build
This is an adult-sized petrol drift-kart design and a fabrication package. It is not a prepared lesson course or a step-by-step student manual.
A physical build needs appropriate fabrication experience, equipment and supervision. The original frame needs suitable tube bending or an outsourced bending service, alongside welding, cutting and drilling.
The school needs to assess workshop activity and any proposed vehicle operation through its own approval process. Studying the design, making selected components and operating a completed kart are different project scopes.
Questions from teachers
Can we use it without building a complete kart?
Yes. The suggested activities include design analysis, costing and communication. Choose a scope that fits your program. Detailed file-based work needs the appropriate package access.
Can students use Onshape?
The package includes STEP assembly files that can be imported into Onshape. Review your school’s software setup and agree classroom file access before buying.
How many lessons will it take?
There is no verified classroom timetable yet. Time depends on the activities, student experience, equipment, procurement and teacher preparation. Discuss your scope before committing to a completion date.
Is it aligned to a particular curriculum?
No formal curriculum mapping is offered here. Teachers can assess the suggested activities against their own course requirements.
Has a school completed the build?
I’m in contact with teachers planning classroom projects. I don’t have a completed school case study to share yet.
Can we share the files across a class or make several karts?
Contact me before purchasing so we can agree the permitted classroom access, number of builds and support for your program.
Tell me what you have in mind
Send me your subject and student level, workshop facilities, country and timeframe. Let me know whether you want to study the design, make components or assess a full build.
We can talk through the scope and file access before you buy.