Tom and all,
Filing lugs requires a lot of physical work, and it all takes a toll on the body. That's why those who specialize in that sort of frame with that kind of work don't pump out lots of frames. There are a lot of different approaches to thinning the lugs; the process begins by shaping the lug shoreline and making sure the wall of the lug is always 90 degrees to the tubing. Some of the preliminary work of filing lugs can be done with a belt sander, ScotchBrite wheel, Dyna-file, or gnawing away with your teeth. ;-) Regardless, it's a lot of work and is one of the main ways the builder can put their personality and skill into making a unique frame. The "modern era" does not include many frame craftsmen of this type anymore. Most who profess to be "professionals" have gone to using standard IC lugs, doing virtually no filing of the lugs (most just get the once over with 80 grit shop cloth) and then they depend on the painter to make it look good. That's the "trend" in the business and the "professionals" want that to become the standard; the result is the bar has been LOWERED. Fortunately, for those who enjoy the work and find satisfaction in doing it, there are still a few who recognize the difference and appreciate it.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
It was recently posted "At 12:26 PM 1/23/2010, Al Fack wrote:
>Have any of you seen Chris Kvale or someone of his frame-building
>caliber file lugs? That's fun
Well, a few years ago Brian Baylis put on a lug filing demo for those of us fortunate enough to be in Dale's back yard during Cirque. We had crammed ourselves into Dale's little bike building and Brian had at it. I was amazed at the physical effort of it all. Brian really worked up a sweat and I came away with a whole new appreciation for the amount of labor that goes into the making of a KOF bike.
Man I sure miss those back yard soirees of old at Dale's house, but I guess his neighbors got down on the congestion in their neighbor hood and the gatherings went the way of the legend. There are a lot of fun photos of those times still floating around, though.
Dale was a great host! If that's an attaboy, he can just damn well hang me from the yard arm!
Tom Sanders
Lansing, MI USA
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