Dear Greg
As a TIG welder, and an admirer of classic lugged steel, I take strong exception to your dismissive comments about TIGed bikes.
Of course you can't compare a Confente to a bike mass produced in the Orient, but how about a Steelman? You can, tell me there is no passion or value in high end bikes such as these?
You have never welded its obvious! I will go up against anyone and say that tig is a MUCH harder and more difficult process to master than any type of brazing, and I do that as well.
Regarding putting a frame together in half a day, I'm sure that a few lugged/fittet brazed frames have been done this way too!
Also it is a myth that Tig is faster. That might true in a production setting. But when done one at a time by a Craftsman it is not.
By the way, I tig mainly because it is versatile and because it gives me great pleasure completing a good weld knowing the time and effort that went into getting my skills to this point. Remember that next time you see a good TIG joint.
Regards
Colin McFerran
Brisbane Australia