tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492685525705691186.post2494031954424743154..comments2024-03-28T11:56:48.304-04:00Comments on The Retrogrouch: Torchbearer DaydreamingBrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12110998345857993287noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492685525705691186.post-29760249082263000062013-12-30T18:40:57.406-05:002013-12-30T18:40:57.406-05:00You don't need all that stuff to build a frame...You don't need all that stuff to build a frame. In fact a fair number of builders will tell you that you will understand the process better if you do the 1st few without a frame jig. My first frame, the mixte I built my wife in '79, still draws compliments. <br /><br />Now with the internet there is so much information out there I don't see a need for a class just to build a few. A class might be useful to help you speed up production. Also there are now computer programs online for printing templates for "Mitering" tubes. Only cyclists call coping "mitering".<br /><br />When I built Jane's mixte I had a few hand files, a roll of 1" 80 grit sanding cloth, a pair of very true wheels, a handheld electric drill, some drill bits, a hacksaw, a vice, a borrowed set of leaky torches & regs and a few other minor tools and a draftsman's adjustable triangle. With these I was able to cobble together a fork jig. A friend with a drill press made me some wooden blocks for holding tubes in the vice.<br /><br /> I'd had a gas welding class at a community college years earlier when I was racing motorbikes, so I knew how to keep from blowing myself up.<br /><br /> A Park type stand is nice for brazing. as you will want to keep re-orienting the joints to keep gravity working for you instead of against. Jigs are for tacking only, you will get a lot of distortion, brazing in one. A few pros can do it, you can't. <br /><br />A frame jig will speed things up, but build yourself and family a few frames first to see if you are cut out for doing it as a business, before spending the money. I've never used one as I'm not trying to make money. A good plan might be to only buy advanced tooling with money you've made without it.Mark Stonichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15982885073239168070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492685525705691186.post-12388644957257024192013-11-30T17:35:31.339-05:002013-11-30T17:35:31.339-05:00Thanks for the comment, Nathan. Mike Flannigan'...Thanks for the comment, Nathan. Mike Flannigan's course is one of those that I've read about. Sounds like a good one. I wish the investment was a little easier to make. You're right -- heart-stopping.Brookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12110998345857993287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492685525705691186.post-64514446535167880982013-11-30T14:51:30.510-05:002013-11-30T14:51:30.510-05:00Too bad you're so far from Boston, I know Mike...Too bad you're so far from Boston, I know Mike Flannigan (http://antbikemike.wordpress.com) teaches a course in frame building that also includes all the fixtures you would need to go into production. Not a cheap course by any means, but you'd be learning from one of the best.<br /><br />I'm at the start of my working life, and considering buying an existing bike shop. The cost of that is heart-stopping.Nathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18289009784609315495noreply@blogger.com