The Dimpler (not a nick-name)

[veryredbike]

Realized that the Henry James BB I just got needs stays a tiny bit more on the round side of oval than my previous builds, and has the sockets slightly farther towards the outside. So, that means some dimpling. Took a look around, saw what folks were doing, and made a quick dimpler out of a piece of seat stay with some internal support. I still need to make a wooden rest for the other side, but the results were good on my test piece.

I'm curious if I'll have to dimple the other side. Anyone have experience with Henry James BBs and full sized cranks? I'm most likely going to use compact, and that should fit fine, but I'd like to have the possibility open.

dimpler 4.jpgdimpler 1.jpgdimpler 2.jpgdimpler 3.jpg

[suzyj]

I've used his BBs on a couple of bikes, but haven't needed to dimple anything. I just use true temper chain stays that are already the right oval to fit the BB.

[e-RICHIE]

I've never dimpled the interior (for the tires) when the exterior wasn't in need of extra space (for the c'rings) too atmo.

[veryredbike]

Part two, made of epoxy putty billed for patching concrete. Seems plenty strong, and I basically molded it to the chain stay by pressing it gently with a vise. Ugly, but it should keep the pressure on the other side nice and even. Fun stuff, I'll have to play with it again when it's time to curl head tube badges.

dimpler 5.jpg

[e-RICHIE]

Here was my routine back when I did these things atmo -
dent - a set on Flickr

[progetto]

Richard, You run with all the high tech tools, no wonder your work is in demand.

Here was my routine back when I did these things atmo -
dent - a set on Flickr

[e-RICHIE]

Richard, You run with all the high tech tools, no wonder your work is in demand.

When you "learn" in London you're never far from your dirt floor roots atmo.

[veryredbike]

Here was my routine back when I did these things atmo -
dent - a set on Flickr

I saw that when I was combing for ideas. Helped me set my criteria: 1. Simple to make 2. Works.

With the dents for the tire and cranks both done, it gets a bit skinny (about 12mm thick), but the transitions are nice and smooth. I'm going to call it a success.

[boots2000]

Love the anvil.

Richard, You run with all the high tech tools, no wonder your work is in demand.

[fortyfour]

I'll add this to the dimple discussion/s: You're creating a forming tool and if that tool's face has anything less than a smooth to mirror finish, you will transfer any imperfections in the tool to the object you are trying to form.

Wood also makes a good backer. Preferably maple but you can quickly shape any wood with rasps and sand to a fine finish. Here's both of mine (road dimple backer is lower in the picture using a wood backer):