How to be a frame builder

[FunkyPorcini]

I want to learn how to build frames. I have for many years. I am not looking to make money from it and most likely it will be to the benefit of myself as well as loved ones. My main interest is steel. I have a full time job and this would be a hobby.

There seems to be some pretty knowledgeable people on this board so I was wondering if I could get some good input. I had a little fantasy of being a free-working apprentice to a great builder but I am finding that notion is very naive.

Do any of you have advice...suggestions...input...recommendations on how I should get started?

[97CSI]

There is a week-long course in Oregon where you build your own frame. They advertise in the back of Velonews. And, you go home with your own frame. Built by you. Lugged and other materials. Your choice. If you want to go upscale, then you can do the same thing in Italy. A few $$ more :D , IIRC.

[e-RICHIE]

lurk/read/post on the framebuilders
email list and on the frameforum.
links:
http://www.phred.org/mailman/listinfo/framebuilders
http://www.frameforum.net

and don't forget - i paste many of my killer posts on
my blog and love seeing that hitcounter overheat:
http://richardsachs.blogspot.com

hey - thanks for reading.
e-RICHIE©™®

[csb]

http://www.hottubes.com/

[e-RICHIE]

http://www.hottertubes.com/

[Dr. Doofus]

do a google search for "framebuilding school"

its becoming a minor industry of sorts...DeSalvo, Yamaguchi, Kish, Hot Tubes....

taking a couple of welding/machining classes at a community college before you go would be a good idea...knowing mitiring and brazing before you get there would go a long way towards getting more out of the framebuilding class...

and one more thing

the school would be at least two grand. some community college, another grand. setting up a proper shop in your back shed. more thousands.

so

don't say "I just want to do it as a hobby"

planting tomatoes is a freaking hobby -- if they suck, so what, grow some more

the time and money you invest in learning how to make a frame, and the cost of making a few frames on your own to be pleased with the results (i.e., you actually want to keep riding the thing after you build it up) merit a passionate, borderline crazy approach.

say "I want to learn how to make the absolute best frames I can, and do them for family and friends"

then you might get something you're happy with

(doof doesn't believe in half-assing anything...except racing...and he's trying not to...but INTPs aren't exactly the cuthroat type...of well)

[csb]

http://www.hottertubes.com/


http://www.lucidnotion.com/photos/ben/tubing2.jpg

[csb]

http://www.spudstravels.com/Travel%20Archive/North%20America/USA/New%20Mexico/New%20Mexico%20images/Balloon%20basket.jpg

[97CSI]

I want to learn how to build frames.

Do any of you have advice...suggestions...input...recommendations on how I should get started?Buy the brand-new oxy-acetylene torch kit I bought a couple of years back thinking I wanted to be e-RICHIE (so much for that). Believe I got it at the local Airco welding supply shop. I've had all the classes and machine-shop experience (grad-school in physics). I just don't have any talent. :crap: On or off the bike.

[csb]

.

[FunkyPorcini]

You guys are great. Thank you very much for the info. I will have to throw it into my brain processor and see what kind of mush comes out the other side.

How many bikes am I going to have to sell to get myself started /ha

I'm new around here but I am already really liking this place.

[zank]

I was lucky when I started building, because there was a fella in my town who built frames in the 80's and he let me borrow his jig for the first 10 frames. This gave me time to save for my Henry James jig. But, as Richard pointed out, take a look at the archives from the framebuilder's list. Many of the guys starting out using minimal fixturing. You can find some useful information there.

Besides that, I started with an old torch, some files, and a very strong desire to learn. I paid my local shop to tap and face the frames until I saved enough to buy my own set. And, I started with insurance. Oh so important. They may be your friends and family, but the hard reality is cycling is a dangerous sport. You have to aks yourself, do I feel comfortable with my brother flying down a descent at 50 mph on one of my framesets? If, God forbid, something happens, who is going to pay the bills? I know that sounds tough, but something to consider.

I would check out Paterek's newly revised manual. You can get a copy at Henry James. www.henryjames.com. Then, after reading the book, consider a class. As has been mentioned, the classes are not cheap. But, you will come away with a frame for yourself. That, in itself, may satisfy your itch.

Good luck with your decision! For myself, I love building frames. I got into it because I wanted to build a better cross frameset than what was commercially available in the 90's. That was what drove me. Hopefully, you have your own vision.

[erty65]

Here (www.bikeschool.com)

[Dekonick]

Watch Junk Yard Wars :rolleyes:

Good luck! I know that I could never be a framebuilder - hands too shaky. :D