Brian, I read with interest your points about how lugs are filed and have a few questions if you don't mind. You state that only a trained eye can really tell the difference. Are there any points that a layman can use to at least ball park a nicely finished lug from a poorly finished one. You also say that just because it is ornate does not mean it is finished well. I know I have a Rene Herse bike and the lugs seem to flow right into the frame. I also have other bikes where the lugs seem to end abruptly with square edges. I also have those where the file marks are evident. Not sure what is more appealing to the trained eye. I am a sucker for an ornate lug but those that look harsh as though they were glued on have less appeal than those that flow in my opinion. Your comments would be appreciated.
Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, NJ