Anvil Bike :: Two Thumbs Up

[anthonymaietta]

I feel compelled to start this thread because of the overwhelmingly positive experience I have had with Anvil and Don Ferris over the past two years. We (framebuilders) have choices when buying from his industry, as shown by Winter's beautiful new frame fixture, but I have to say Don's tools and customer service are bar none. When I moved into my new space two years ago I purchased a Journeyman frame fixture. He was very helpful in getting it setup and dialed in. A few months passed and Mike Flannigan sold me his Anvil chain stay fixture. Don was always there to answer my phone call and respond to my email. When I told him my chain stay fixture didn't have the red centering arrow, he sent one to me free of charge. My wife coordinated a family Christmas present to me in the form of a seat stay fixture about a year ago. I had a lot of issues setting it up and truth be told I never had any confidence in it. I felt like an idiot because I know its his most well sold tool, and I just couldn't get it. We exchanged numerous emails and photos and we realized that my co-tangent fastback seat stays onto 28.6 mm seat tubes did not work with the current setup. They stays just stuck out too far. Don had developed 2 bolt blocks after I had purchased my fixture, and last week he sent those to me free of charge. The difference was immediate and awesome. Other companies build fine tools and I am sure they work well, but I will always spend my money with Don and recommend he and his equipment to my peers.

[Saab2000]

He doesn't just make fine framebuilding equipment, he used to make super duper frames too, with some of the nicest welds you'll ever see.

I wish I could talk him into making me another one with those gorgeous S-bend seatstays.

[steve garro]

yep, I have the fork/CS/SS trifecta. he sent me the red "arrow" gratis as well, and has always been there for Q's. If you want o be successful in this biz the Don is a great role model. built the good stuff, stand behind it, say what needs to be said either way. Rock On, Don. - Garro.

[Proparc]

Dons work in this industry was a game changer. Not many people can claim that. I believe Don was a student of Jim Kish. I think that is where he got his tig welding act together.

[Archibald]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.

I did begin my frame building career under the excellent tutelage of Jim Kish & Ron Sutphin (UBI) and both they and others have helped me many times since. But, I've been learning to weld since I was 12 and working in my Dad's machine shop. It was better than sweeping up chips or standing in front of a mill or a lathe. Fabricating, welding, ironworking, pipefitting has been my go to/fall back trade my entire life. Following my Dad's footsteps and actually becoming a machinist only came about by the necessities of my frame building career. We all become our parents.

[Zimmermanbicycle]

I've got the fork-chainstay-seatstay-lugvise and numerous dummy axles from Don,Love them! use them everyday I'm in the shop,still no red centering arrow though................
-Eric Z

[liberacefanboy]

I have the whole setup, from 8 years ago....Ferris rocks. Period. I do believe he is one of the MOST talented guys in this vast industry.
Nuff said.
erik

[hampco]

He makes great tools and Don has really helped me with my drinking... not sure that's a plus but there it is.

[Eric Estlund]

Another plus one- Don does great stuff. I have builders tools from several mfgs, and am glad to work with all of them. Options are fantastic, and Don will continue to get my business.

[YiPsan]

I only have the lug vise, but it's the most special of it all, thanks Don.

[steve garro]

I only have the lug vise, but it's the most special of it all, thanks Don.

I had one too {it was sweet} but i sold it - to ROSS SCHAFER for the "alma pura" project. it's in good hands....... - Garro.

[Jonathan]

Few people I respect, admire and like more tha Don Ferris. The pal is a real gem among men. His fixtures are the icing.

[Archibald]

You guys are going to make me cry...which will result in the death of both Chuck Norris & Vin Diesel.

[Proparc]

As a result of my involvement in my welding course, my tig welding instructor,( 17 years experience-aerospace tig-off the chart skills,trust me) became interested in bike tig joints. After looking a number of "Big Name" tig welders work, this was the tig weld joint that got his unqualified thumbs up. Needless to say, the "person in question" knows who's work this is.

[DanBailey]

Dear God, Erik from Peacock Groove loaned me his Anvil disc brake fixtures and Vincent Dominguez loaned me his Anvil fork fixture. To me, the Anvil stuff is like Apple hardware -- expensive, but worth it, because "it just works"...robust, well-designed, and does what I need it to without a bunch of hassle.

I'll be buying a bunch of stuff over the next two years -- starting with his lug vise kit. :-)

[Thylacine Cycles]

Some say, his goatee is made from the mane of Unicorns, and that he can make a Journeyman.......with his teeth.

All we know is.....he's called 'The Donvil'!