nath,
Just for the record, I didn't find anything offensive or out of line about what Sam said; as a matter of fact quite to the contrary. My responce to Sams' statements of "just do it" is how I would respond to anyone; the only way to know is to do. I'm glad Sam has opted to build a frame, we can all use and enjoy his experiences as he goes through the process. He asked if he could use a book to help him in the construction; and of course I consider that perfectly acceptable. I have also offered a private brazing lesson, since most people I know who have used the book method have had difficulty getting the feel for brazing out of a book. Without coach in this area, it could take a long time to figure out the special techniques to brazing frames. Welders and industrial brazers are in a different unuiverse when it comes to brazing. The rest of the framebuilding process is cake unless you undertake major modification of the lugs etc. Best leave that stuff until later.
I will locate the materials Sam needs to get his project underway. It might be kind of cool if anyone else on the list wants to "follow along at home " on their project. I will provide information up to a practical point for anyone who wishes to participate. We've got until Feb. to gather and organize. It would be really fun to see the end results of several frames built "in cyberspace" so to speak. Anyone else for burning up some tubes?
BTW, Sam mentioned modern lugs. I specified vintage materials. There won't be any invest cast lugs allowed on this project. BB shells and crowns are acceptable, but pressed steel or sandcast (really old) lugs only to qualify for this venture. Investment lugs take all the "fun" out of framebuilding.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
OK class, no gum chewing in the classroom.
>
> Sam, I'm excited about your building a frame! I just this summer learned
> how to repair and rebuild my own bike, and the thought of building a frame .
> . . that really is something! I'll be thinking of February--and we'll all
> expect reports!
>
> I wish I had the gumption to do this. But I'm not sure I'd trust myself
> with any kind of torch. I have a hard enough time soldering copper
> plumbing!
>
> Good luck with your move, and *do* keep us informed about the frame--not
> just the putting-together part itself, but the conceptualizing, the figuring
> out what kind of frame you want, why you want that, and what you'll be doing
> in the building process to get those properties.
>
> nath dresser, who'll later be taking advantage of another unusually warm and
> sunny day here in spring green, wisconsin