Frame building in B'ham

I know a few of us are interested in learning some more about frame-building, there's been quite a bit of interest brewing with people I have spoken to lately.
So, here's a thread to connect those that can teach with those who'd like to learn.

I'm interested in possibly making a tall bike, not really looking to learn conventional techniques but just sort of bodgy rat bike welding.

And now I've started the thread so classily I'll step aside...

I have a TIG welding set waiting in the wings and a fully equipped space to do it, building a frame has been on my mind for a while.

Typically it will be a Mountain bike frame I want to build, in good old steel.

I did find somewhere to purchase MTB drop outs, threaded bottom brackets etc but I'll have to dig it up again as I have re-installed windows an stupidly did not back up my favourites. Some nice Ritchey parts as well.

Bonding them together would not pose any problems and if I sweet talk work I might be able to get heat treatment for a frame (s).

All that eludes me is the jigs/fixtures to build one, I can't seem to find nothing at all useful.

Be nice to see some brazing being performed as well, been a long time since I saw any form of Gas welding.

Interesting thread!

There's a few companies online that sell all the bits and bobs, no idea which are good but here's one I've looked at a few times.

http://www.framebuilding.com/

They do kits - http://www.framebuilding.com/Tubeandpartsbundle.htm

I am well up for building a frame for myself/learning how to build frames/joining a company making frames in Birmingham. I have no experience, but am enthusiastic!

Ive used a oxy/acetylene torch once and just brazed two pieces of metal together to see if it worked. It did, was surprisingly solid neat join.

What scares me is the temperatures the flame gets too, 3,500 °C
If you were to accidently point the flame onto your arm it would not be pretty.

I'm doing jewellry at the MAC with torches, pretty easy to pick up the procedure again. I've soldered copper water pipe a fair bit before that and did some MIG sculptures back in the day.
Slim chance of setting fire to my own arm I think, just have to remember to wait before picking hot things up...

Does anyone have some pictures of Venom frames? They be rather sexy...

I've done copper pipes and a bit of angle iron years ago with my dad when i was about 12, nothing since.

Starting a list of Birmingham frame builders ive heard of:

Tower Cycles
Venom Cycles
BSA
Our Resident Perks (dont know whether he was here when he was building though)
Birmingham Wheels Team BMX's (no idea who built them but they had their own frames)

.

"The frame design and exact mitring of the tubing is executed by former international racing cyclist Howard Darby and correct brazing techniques are carried out by Lloyd Brown."

I would love to build a one speed wonder that would withstand all of the car impact i tend to get....

I'd love to get into frame building either by an apprenticeship or working for a frame building company. I have no idea of where to start looking for info or placements etc. I would also like it to be near where I live, Southampton. Any one have any info/suggestions?

I would love to build a one speed wonder that would withstand all of the car impact i tend to get....

You had one of those, but you sold it.

I'd love to get into frame building either by an apprenticeship or working for a frame building company. I have no idea of where to start looking for info or placements etc. I would also like it to be near where I live, Southampton. Any one have any info/suggestions?

I think your all out of luck for framebuilders in southampton. Why not do a course at a college instead?

You had one of those, but you sold it.

That's the comment of the day DFP. You are so right.
However, I did it for love.

Thats the exact site Void..played.

Talking to The Welding Engineer at work i could feasibly build a frame in my garage no problem.

Hmm proper back yard bike.

I pass what I think is a cycle factory in Digbeth near where the polo courts are by the flats on Alcester Street

I too have no experience of anything but would love to get hands on with the process and learn.

Thats just reece cycles, a local distributor of basic bike stuff. Nothing particularly good.

wash your mouth out young man!
Look at this Reece imported quality:

Probike. Its in the name - *PRO *bike. We can only dream of deserving the pro treatment.

Lmao

Does anyone have some pictures of Venom frames? They be rather sexy...
I worked at venom for a while (very short while)

Great enthusiasm on here ,but being that im old and grumpy I suggest before anybody sets fire to themselves either go on a proper welding course or ask a local builder to teach you how to braze.Handling a gas torch and bottles should be the first thing you learn
I brazed 100s of fork columns then bottom bracket shells for months and months before I was let anywhere near a lug.Buy an old scrap frame and learn how to take one apart with the torch to understand melting points of brass and silver.Tig is a very different skill to brazing and requires quite expensive kit to get a nice result so old fashioned brazing is the best way to start off.Lots of people can build a frame and make it look nice but its under the paint and how accuratley its been put together that really counts
I am willing to help out practically and advise but very limited for time.All the parts are easily available online and from retailers so shouldnt be an issue.

Some info on Orbit - now in Sheffield (?) here.

Some info on Orbit - now in Sheffield (?) here.

yes i remember they got bought out,I worked there for quite a while when the factory was in dudley