Frame Builder's Thread

HSS hire will rent you out an Oxy-Acetylene brazing kit for £70 for a weekend, I aim to do all the tube prep before then have a solid weekend of brazing.
http://www.hss.com/g/55800/Oxy-Acetylene-Welding-Kit.html

So how did the frame turn out yoav? Intrigued by the Dave Yates course, always wanted to do it.

So how did the frame turn out yoav? Intrigued by the Dave Yates course, always wanted to do it.

Turned out ok, thank you. Frame is now away for painting. I'll post a picture of it when I get it back.

Building the frame was an interesting experience; physically and mentally exhausting. As someone with no previous experience in metalworking, apart from metalwork classes at school 40 years ago, I had to learn basic skills such as cutting and filing tubes from scratch, as well as how to use oxy-acetylene to braze. It was a matter of being shown how to do something then trying it myself, over and over for each step of the frame building process. Until now, I has now idea of all the steps required to hand build a frame.

Dave is a builder of the old school. No computers here. Everything is done by eye. An ex-metalwork teacher himself with years of experience, he does a very good job of imparting his knowledge of frame building as well as anecdotes from his years in the business. By the end of the week, I was hearing the same stories for the second time :-)

I built a conventional lugged road frame and forks. You can build a fillet brazed frame but that is more time consuming and probably suits someone who comes to the course with more experience.

My frame is far from perfect, if you look closely, you can see where the finish is a tad scruffy but it is straight and true (so Dave said) - probably more so than some mass produced frames.

It is an experience I highly recommend.

Hi guys,

I've a question for you builders out there.

Is there anyone out in Essex or East London edges that could perhaps do a little repair job for me? I know London has a bunch of people but thats a bit further out of my way so last resort.
Or can you guys point me in ther right direction. Got a braze on I need rebrazing on.
thanks :)

Burls?

Oak is in Hackney Wick - how's that in terms of distance?

Oak could be done. It a bit of a trek but Ive got a 45 min train ride into Stratford so totally possible. Cheers guys.