thank you Richard for these very inspiring thoughts
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I am not saying the opposite, but it is also true that thanks to the experience of some, the tools have evolved, which makes the work easier or faster...
When it comes to spending money, I tell myself that I can't afford to buy cheap.
In the sense that it is better to spend a little more initially and have durable tools than to have to buy cheaper more often.
the main thing is to find the right tools and especially those that are suitable
Agreed !
This is what I did by buying Jim Stein's jig, he built several bikes on it in the late 70's and early 80's before deciding that it sucked and he kept on making tools - it was a great jig to learn on as it taught me how a machinist though a bike should be built which is way different then how I build one now by a long shot and a number of years later I got to sell it back to him for the same $400 minus the engine repair stand which my Anvil and an actual anvil share space on - I started with basically nothing but a big picture frame and a wonky rear end jig that ran off the CS angle and had a bad twist to the left.
From there I decided I wanted to live it up and have a jig with NUMBERS and ANGLES as I was building four bikes at a time with helper and we needed faster.
Then, bikes changed and my HJ would no longer accept the front centers that 29ers demand so here I am with my Anvil and my Bringheli alignment table but still hand drawing blueprints for every bike.
Some things change some stay the same.
- Garro.
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I can not stress enough the information learned through the design and construction of a bicycle fixture for a new builder... no number of frames will teach you more about bicycle design parameters and confirm a solid understanding of the numerous elements to be considered and how they interact.
I've been through 3 iterations of fixtures in 30 years and am constantly finding new ways to improve; two tool steel fixtures made in house, and one Aluminum tool plate that I worked on with a friend that has been taken to the next level by another good friend and fantastic fabricator.
A fixture, at a minimum, should be accurate, repeatable, provide superior access to all joints, and process all construction (material) types.
Dream it up and build it... you will not regret the experience or knowledge gained.
cheers,
Rody