on 3/20/04 2:18 PM, Frank Knox at jmkfmk@earthlink.net wrote:
> I realize that Trek and Cannondale may not recommend this method, but are
> you saying Mercian makes inferior frames these days?
> I've got a Waterford, but I have been hoping to have a Vincitore some day
> if the craftsmanship is good.
You can check the archives for earlier discussion about open hearth brazing. In general, this method heats up the entire frame, or very large portions of it, rather than the small area heated by a hand-held torch in more modern silver or brass brazing. It's a bit harder to draw the brass where you want it inside the lug, and hearth-brazed frames typically require more clean-up and cold-setting afterwards.
The British have built using this method for decades. While a bit cruder than what most modern builders do, their frames have appeared to hold up just fine. I'm not sure why they continue with hearth brazing. Perhaps it is just tradition, but I'm not aware of any advantages it holds today.
Here are some pics: http://www.bikebrothers.co.uk/
Todd Kuzma
Heron Bicycles
Tullio's Big Dog Cyclery
LaSalle, IL 815-223-1776
http://www.heronbicycles.com
http://www.tullios.com