Frame Building 101- A Basic Jig

Hello all

I have been wanting to build frames for some time now and it seems it is only a matter of time before that happens. So I have begun fabricating and basic jig. I thought some might be interested as frame building aspirations seem omni-present amongst the die hard members of this fine forum.

I will be using these plans http://www.instructables.com/id/A-simple-bicycle-frame-jig/ perhaps modifying one or two aspects.

My first task has been machining the fittings which was done in college( big shout out to CNWL and the ever obliging staff members).

From this:

To this:

Please let me know your thoughts. I will endeavour to document my progress as it happens here.

Jim

Making a jig would suggest you've already had a bit of practice at brazing - any examples?

Would sir be disposed to making some more of the above items and posting them to me?

perhaps for cash. or sexual services.

Subscribed

Nothing to show but did a couple of welding classes last year. Currently studying mechanical engineering, trying to build as much skill and knowledge before I start proper.

I would be happy to machine parts if needed. Might take time as I don't own a lathe.

Nowt like throwing yourself in at the deep end, eh? Good luck with it all, I'm in awe of you and your ilk.
So are you thinking of welding rather than brazing?

I'll probably start off brazing but do like the idea of using TIG with functionality number 1 in my book

Subscribed

I would be happy to machine parts if needed. Might take time as I don't own a lathe.

no problem waiting... would be great as I've got a fair few of the other bits I might need.

Very interesting thread and that lathe looks a serious bit of kit to have access to.

I'll probably start off brazing but do like the idea of using TIG with functionality number 1 in my book

I can see how a jig like this would allow accurate tack welding, but will it cope with brazing without distorting?

-just curious, not being critical.

tack in the jig.

remove from jig to weld/braze.

Oooh, looks fun.

Looks ace, sub'd

Looks quality , what course are you doing in collage ?

This looks like a serious thread. Good luck to you, those machined bits look lurvly

If I'm not mistaken, the jig you're building only alows for frames which have the same head tube and seat tube angle, as in the head and seat tubes are parallel. Is this not a bit of a limitation? Or am I being silly and this actually true of all bike (I think not) or is the jig more sophisticated than I thought.

Best of luck with everything, hope it all works out man.

Very interested to see how you get on. I'm doing some frame building one day a week at the moment, and I've been lucky enough to have access to a Sputnik jig.

If you fancy a chat about some of the principles they are using then drop me a line.

Very cool, will follow this project closely because I hope to be able to do the same in a couple of years. Just started ME too, and will be having my first machining / welding courses soon too.

Thanks for all the kind words. I need to buy some extruded aluminium profile next, then it is a fairly simple process of bolting the thing together. I also will make a couple of dummy axles as I don't much like the threaded bar and bolt solution detailed in the Instructables plan. Also need to think about a rotating and swivelling stand.

harold - The frame has two adjustable beams which allow for different head and seat angles.

I would be happy to machine parts if needed. Might take time as I don't own a lathe.

interested in this as well!

Looking forward to seeing this come together. I keep being tempted to build a jig (or partial jig) but get to excited about building a frame instead (three so far, and a cut 'n' shut tandem). I have some rough plans, but I really need a mill from them to work.

The extrusion based jig looks good, but I'd like something that can also clamp top and down tubes and stays relatively quickly and easily, without getting to bulky.

I could really do with a fork jig too, have you any plans for one?