Framebuilding Rules

[Doug Fattic]

I don’t know if anyone wants to play this game, but I’ll start. What are some basic rules that if followed contribute to better work? Here is one of mine:

Rule #1: don’t leave much extra length when cutting off a tube (to compensate for making a mistake). There is a tendency of my students to want to leave something like 3 or more mm from the mark just in case they cut crooked. What happens is that they have to file all this extra off which either wastes time or gets them in trouble because they don’t file straight. I suggest that if they start to cut crooked, stop, change tube position and start cutting again.

Making an entire circle Sharpie mark with the guidance of a slip tube helps visualize if the cut is going straight. A slip tube’s inside diameter has just enough clearance to slide over another tube’s outside diameter. Usually they have an 1/8th inch greater outside diameter with a wall thickness of .058”. For example a 1 1/8” tube with a wall thickness of .058” will just slip over a 1” OD tube. These tubes are commonly available online in 4130 steel tubing at Wicks Aircraft or Aircraft Spruce companies. These are the tubes used in making a bilaminate lug. Of course the tube end needs to be squared with a belt sander or lathe.

[Will Outlaw]

Rule #2: Flux is cheap. Act accordingly.

(This from a complete amateur, but it's worked so far. :-) )

[bencooper]

Rule 3: Rods are cheap, start a new rod for a new joint.

(I avoid Rule 1 problems by always using a tube cutter or cutting guide)

[Michael Gordon]

I guess going back to Doug's post which started this thread, I'd add the always valid, age old adage of... Measure twice, cut once!

[zank]

Rule 4: don't use dull files and cutting tools.

[Doug Fattic]

Rule #5: A neat and organized work area contributes to better and faster work. For example I like all my files to be organized by size, shape and cut and I can grab the one I want without having to take my mind off of my work.

[fortyfour]

I put this together a while back, but it still applies...

[zank]

Rule 3: Rods are cheap

Depends on the rod. I try to use 34-35" of a 36" rod. I'm frugal.

[Mike Mcdermid]

Depends on the rod. I try to use 34-35" of a 36" rod. I'm frugal.

Oh to have a 36" rod

[EricKeller]

you wouldn't like it, I can tell you that

[edoz]

Depends on the rod. I try to use 34-35" of a 36" rod. I'm frugal.

At my day job the new president wanted us to weld the rod stubs together because he thought we were wasting too much.

[bencooper]

I tried doing that, really got better things to do.

Silver rods, of course, get used up completely - I have a couple of little holders so I can use all but the last 5mm of a silver rod.

[devlin]

Big rule for me is...DON'T RUSH! Take your time and do it properly.

[Amaro Bikes]

Tig rules:
1-Triple Clean
2-Position
3-Quiet mind (many other things to do when ill/angry/worried)

General rules:
-It's your own thing. Own it. Be true

[Amaro Bikes]

What the hell, there's just one rule:

SEE IT DONE

[hmbatrail]

So many rules.
1. See a doctor to get rid of it
2. The Lord loves a working man
3. Don't trust whitey
4. You do not talk about Fight Club
5. My sister is off limits

[Dazza]

# 1. If you are taking money from a punter, then a proffie metal worker must have the most beautiful and most useful tool.
To not have one is slumming it, putting limits on your quality and chaining one's repertoire to the same old same old basic.
Used for numerous operations daily and making tools and ........................................
You can hide in a workshop without a lathe, but you are never going to go anywhere with respect.
If mine broke, every thing stops and I go and get it fixed or a new one immediately, not a moment's hesitation.
Mine has not missed a beat for 28 years, but for one new drive belt replaced




H

[hmbatrail]

Hmm, all those frames built over the years by all those no talent hacks without a lathe. It makes me weep for mankind.

[David Tollefson]

Hmm, all those frames built over the years by all those no talent hacks without a lathe. It makes me weep for mankind.

I guess I now know why my brazing doesn't look like Garro's or Estland's...

[Dazza]

Hmm, all those frames built over the years by all those no talent hacks without a lathe. It makes me weep for mankind.

I tell it as I see it, feel it, and know it as this.
I grew up working in two frame shops, the first with out even a bench drill, it was all just plain rough. Dreadful.
We are half way in the second decade of the 21st Century
It is about lifting the bar for what is a niche industry for a high end product.
There is no kudos or more $ for ye old ways and ignorance.

'the desire to become more and more what one is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming.’

Maslow, 1943

It is about being a professional metal worker with insurance.
So for me, a lathe and making ones frame tools and odds and ends and many operations in the frame making process with a lathe is my recommended #1 rule.
If one just wants to make basic, super. Read my first post.
If one wants to make touring bikes, randos with details then............................................