Take one set of tubes...

what a gas this is! someone'll be along to regulate this rich mixture soon

They should anneal before you to apologise

.

Best thread in current projects.

+1, until the punsters arrived.

;)

what a gas this is! someone'll be along to regulate this rich mixture soon

You're right, I have a feeling the puns will soon be reducing.

Just when I was acetylene into a good pun rut.

If you are not completely set on acetylene, you could try one of these:
http://www.thewelderswarehouse.com/Welding/Evolution-LD.html

I've built a couple of frames with just propane (bullfinch autobraze) and silver, but used the above for brass fillet brazing on my most recent. You can buy oxygen cheaper through other companies, if you don't want the refill costs (although you own the cylinder, most companies will only refill cylinders that they have sold). The 1l fuel gas is a propylene mix, but seems to burn very nicely and lasts okay, you can get replacements for about £13.

Looking forward to seeing this develop! I was planning another frame this summer but seem to have run out of money, so will have to take an unhealthy interest in yours instead.

(Some photos of my efforts here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33937019@N07/sets/)

Absolutely fascinating! Bravo Mr Jingle Jangle, I will avidly follow your progress. I am also over 40 and therefore have too much time on my hands. PhilPub: forget the bloody piano. I tried for the third time a couple of years back. Bought a Yamaha stage piano on a whim. Bloody thing's still sat here in my office. Might just stick a couple of old Weinmann wheels on it and see how it rides.

Long live this fabulous frame-building frolic :)

If you are not completely set on acetylene, you could try one of these:
http://www.thewelderswarehouse.com/Welding/Evolution-LD.html

I've built a couple of frames with just propane (bullfinch autobraze) and silver, but used the above for brass fillet brazing on my most recent. You can buy oxygen cheaper through other companies, if you don't want the refill costs (although you own the cylinder, most companies will only refill cylinders that they have sold). The 1l fuel gas is a propylene mix, but seems to burn very nicely and lasts okay, you can get replacements for about £13.

Looking forward to seeing this develop! I was planning another frame this summer but seem to have run out of money, so will have to take an unhealthy interest in yours instead.

(Some photos of my efforts here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33937019@N07/sets/)

The building of the Walrus Flyer was a key factor in encouraging me to have a go a frame-building in the first place. I will be happy if the results of my efforts turn out to be half as good as yours. Cheers.

I foresee an outbreak of frame building if this project is as successful as I anticipate it being.

awesome. subscribed

I'm hoping to do the frame building course with Downland or possibly somewhere else in the next few years... Inspirational stuff :)

I foresee an outbreak of frame building if this project is as successful as I anticipate it being.

I have a lot of the stuff to do it, its just finding the time

I have love for this thread!

I wasn't brave enough to build something from scratch, so instead part de-constructed a gas pipe lugged frame and went from there. Although at work I haven't had time/space to get it set up & brazed back together yet, but ONE day it will happen (other factor is I am turning inside out looking for a 40 spoke rim).

I have love for this thread!

I wasn't brave enough to build something from scratch, so instead part de-constructed a gas pipe lugged frame and went from there. Although at work I haven't had time/space to get it set up & brazed back together yet, but ONE day it will happen (other factor is I am turning inside out looking for a 40 spoke rim).

My friend Saul at Eastside Bikes in Edinburgh has a 40h Mavic MA2 in the basement. Give them a call, ask nicely, maybe he would post it?

On the flip side though, it's a 27 1 1/4 rim.

I'm hoping to do the frame building course with Downland or possibly somewhere else in the next few years... Inspirational stuff :)

What about a forum group learning class thing?
Might even be able to wangle a discount!

Great thread(s) by the way!

Yes, I'm over 40 too.......on the outside :0)

Only just seen this! Subscribing...

What about a forum group learning class thing?
Might even be able to wangle a discount!

Great thread(s) by the way!

Yes, I'm over 40 too.......on the outside :0)

1. 1000a
   
2. stedocks
   
3. CasaSteve
   

Not made much progress on this of late, as have been busy with work.

However, now have an actual account with BOC, and I am going to attempt to purchase gas tomorrow.

If I get a result, should hopefully start moving forward again.

This is awesome

Big day today:

Now have more or less everything I need to start brazing. Nearly burned the shed down when I first lit the torch - I think i might have to work outside when I really get going.

The plan now is to finish prepping my practise lugs, then hopefully start some practise brazing at the weekend.

I have to say dealing with BOC was not as painful as I had expected.

Called to enquire about opening an account about a week ago. Someone called back the next day and took some details. Then spoke to someone else who took more details and sent me an application form to fill out. I returned the form, and received an account number the next day.

This morning I went to my local BOC Depot (Charlton), and in less than 5 minutes walked out with a bottle of Oxygen and a bottle of Acetylene. Don't even think I have been charged yet.

Messing about with some files and some bits of tube is all a bit of a merry jape, but now I've got a serious bit of kit sitting in the shed, the reality of this project is really starting to sink in. Should be fun.

how much are you paying for bottle rental/refills?

I have gone for the smallest bottles available. Charges are complicated, and are as follows:

Oxygen £10.58 per fill
Acetylene £36.52 per fill

Bottle rental is £5.60 per bottle per month

In addition, there is a £0.59 'environment' surcharge, and my favourite, a charge of £13.05 for the privilege of collecting your own gas!

bravo chapeau & courage