I've only just recently found myself in the world of bicycle building and restoration and I'm still far from designing and building frames.... but this was awesome! Thanks for the inspiration!
Another well put together video. Thanks again for sharing your skills and knowledge. You are certainly swinging my decision to build a frame/frames myself.
Thanks! Same here… I even visited a local framebuilder about a job when I was in high school. Still wish I would’ve pursued it. I was into MTBs and he was strictly road. If you’re willing to invest the time and money, it’s a pretty cool hobby.
Thanks for this! I'm just getting started framebuilding after watching so many Paul Brodie videos. I have my last few torch pieces on order. I'll start with a lugged road frame first, following the Chimonas book.
At the beginning the advice you said about learning from what doesnt work and keep trying is good correct advice cause thats whats wrong with alot of people these days they fail or screw up on a job or projects be they decide to quit then try to keep going and learn
I have a crap load of bike frames and decided to cut one or two and make something new. That was easier said than done. Its not as simple as I thought. Yes I was able to make a bike and a scooter but they felt awkward and didn't ride smooth. After further inspection inspection I found my tubes were welded off center. I mean the frames were way off which caused all the frustration of riding them. I learned my lesson, better to seek and learn than to think its just a cut,eyeball,and weld. Lot to learn hahaha
Interesting, I’d definitely like to know how far off a frame needs to be to notice. My guess it’s more than a couple millimeters or tenths of a degree.
@ThriftyFramebuilder Had the bottom tube already attached to the head tube which I cut from an old frame. Needed to weld a Top tube and I thought I could eyeball it by looking at the bottom tube that was just 2 inches below. Well holding it and welding it in the right position turned out to be a challenge. I didn't notice it after it was completely done. My son noticed it as soon as he sat down .Then he checked the entire thing and found flaw after flaw. A second set of eyes was a big help. It was probably off by 6 millimeters but it cause an uncomfortable ride.
Yo you should do a video on modifying your tube bender or send me a link or a different video. I've got the same one you have but don't use it as much a I could because of the same problem.
I talk about it in a bit more detail here: ruclips.net/video/9VNC6NxTptY/видео.html It's the 4th episode in my build series (where I bend the chainstays for my current frame project). Bending chainstays is pretty much the only reason I use this bender.
I’ve heard of people doing it, but I’ve never actually seen the results. I don’t know much beyond oxyacetylene brazing. My guess is that it’s pretty tough to do non-TIG arc welding on tubing that is less than a millimeter thick.
Never really considered doing one. While they might seem “simple” from the user perspective, it would take a lot of extra work for me to do a belt drive.
i would even go as far as building a frame from cheaper steel as a proof of concept before trying to build the frame so if i build my bike when i have the space and tools i will definitely be among the FLEET of bikes croud
👍👍 Great point. Get some straight gauge 0.035 wall 4130 from an aircraft supplier so you won’t be out much $$ if you mess up, it will be similar enough to the good stuff that you’ll get good practice in, and you’ll still have a decent frame at the end if it all goes as planned.
I want to build a cargo bike, but don’t really want to invest in all the tools I will need and then probably never use again. I also haven’t any frame building classes willing to take on a cargo bike.
Are you set on the type of cargo bike? Modifying an existing frame would be the way to go. A front cargo cycle truck would require less tooling (probably don’t even need a jig). Have you asked the frame building classes about adding a longtail to an existing frame? It would only require new stays and building the rack. I’m sure they’re hesitant because of the amount of work required to build a cargo bike from scratch.
@@ThriftyFramebuilder I’m probably just going to end up buying a ready made bike, length of time to source all the needed equipment and materials and to store them is becoming too overwhelming and the cost of a bike building class buys a pretty decent bike.
Not many builders use inox steel (stainless steel). I use 4130 which is a common steel alloy (not inox) used for bikes because of its strength. 4130 will rust. You could use mild steel or high-tensile steel, but the wall thickness would need to be greater and the frame would be very heavy.
As they say, anything worth doing is worth doing well; a craftsman is only as good as the tools he uses; the devil is in the details; measure twice cut once; and most importantly, the difference between a man and a boy is that a man picks himself up after failing and persists until he has accomplished what he set out to do.
I did an estimate on my essential tool list. Assuming you already have a computer, printer, a garage with a work bench, and Amazon Prime, but nothing else, it’ll run about $2500 (for all brand new equipment). That’s a lot of money for me, but not what I would call a $hit-ton. When compared to what a mid-level MTB costs these days, it’s relatively reasonable.
@@ThriftyFramebuilder I think it's well worth the price, as long as you obtain what you set out for. You are absolutely right in the artistic sense about working with what you have, but lesser mortals (like myself) need some slack lol.. The right tool for the job is a prized possession, indeed. I think you may have mentioned it already, but using flux paste liberally on the tubing sides may reduce or eliminate discoloration during and after brazing (if you want to revel at your work prior to painting it).
I've only just recently found myself in the world of bicycle building and restoration and I'm still far from designing and building frames.... but this was awesome! Thanks for the inspiration!
👍👍
I wish all "how to" videos were this good. Thanks!
Thanks!!
Right as I look up how to build a bike frame, a new vid is posted! TY!
👍👍 Be sure and check out my other videos!
Looking forward to seeing this complete. Love the detail and well explained procedures.
Thanks!
Another well put together video.
Thanks again for sharing your skills and knowledge.
You are certainly swinging my decision to build a frame/frames myself.
Thanks!
This is a great summary of what's needed. Thank you!
👍👍
love this video! ever since i was young it's been on my mind to build my own bike frames. hopefully i can get it started this year
Thanks! Same here… I even visited a local framebuilder about a job when I was in high school. Still wish I would’ve pursued it. I was into MTBs and he was strictly road. If you’re willing to invest the time and money, it’s a pretty cool hobby.
Thanks for this! I'm just getting started framebuilding after watching so many Paul Brodie videos. I have my last few torch pieces on order. I'll start with a lugged road frame first, following the Chimonas book.
👍👍 I’m guessing Paul Brodie’s videos have inspired quite a few people to try building their own frame. Have fun with your project!!
At the beginning the advice you said about learning from what doesnt work and keep trying is good correct advice cause thats whats wrong with alot of people these days they fail or screw up on a job or projects be they decide to quit then try to keep going and learn
👍👍 Persistence is a virtue.
You just go around pointing out the faults in others …. Nice
What a great channel! Thank you!
Thanks!
Fantastic breakdown!
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge
👍👍
I now know alot about welding from this bike frame video😊
👍👍
I have a crap load of bike frames and decided to cut one or two and make something new. That was easier said than done. Its not as simple as I thought. Yes I was able to make a bike and a scooter but they felt awkward and didn't ride smooth. After further inspection inspection I found my tubes were welded off center. I mean the frames were way off which caused all the frustration of riding them. I learned my lesson, better to seek and learn than to think its just a cut,eyeball,and weld. Lot to learn hahaha
Interesting, I’d definitely like to know how far off a frame needs to be to notice. My guess it’s more than a couple millimeters or tenths of a degree.
@ThriftyFramebuilder Had the bottom tube already attached to the head tube which I cut from an old frame. Needed to weld a Top tube and I thought I could eyeball it by looking at the bottom tube that was just 2 inches below. Well holding it and welding it in the right position turned out to be a challenge. I didn't notice it after it was completely done. My son noticed it as soon as he sat down .Then he checked the entire thing and found flaw after flaw. A second set of eyes was a big help. It was probably off by 6 millimeters but it cause an uncomfortable ride.
Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Yo you should do a video on modifying your tube bender or send me a link or a different video. I've got the same one you have but don't use it as much a I could because of the same problem.
I talk about it in a bit more detail here: ruclips.net/video/9VNC6NxTptY/видео.html
It's the 4th episode in my build series (where I bend the chainstays for my current frame project). Bending chainstays is pretty much the only reason I use this bender.
I don't have oxy or tig, but i do have a setup and experience in arc welding, will i have a problem with it?
I’ve heard of people doing it, but I’ve never actually seen the results. I don’t know much beyond oxyacetylene brazing. My guess is that it’s pretty tough to do non-TIG arc welding on tubing that is less than a millimeter thick.
How about a frame that accommodate belt drive?
Never really considered doing one. While they might seem “simple” from the user perspective, it would take a lot of extra work for me to do a belt drive.
nice work ~goodluck
Thanks!
fascinating
🙏 The videos where I actually build the frame are even better (in my opinion).
i would even go as far as building a frame from cheaper steel as a proof of concept before trying to build the frame so if i build my bike when i have the space and tools i will definitely be among the FLEET of bikes croud
👍👍 Great point. Get some straight gauge 0.035 wall 4130 from an aircraft supplier so you won’t be out much $$ if you mess up, it will be similar enough to the good stuff that you’ll get good practice in, and you’ll still have a decent frame at the end if it all goes as planned.
what amperage is good to use for tiggimg the frame together
I don’t do TIG. Go check out the Pithy Bikes or Paul Brodie channels, they both have good TIG videos.
I want to build a cargo bike, but don’t really want to invest in all the tools I will need and then probably never use again. I also haven’t any frame building classes willing to take on a cargo bike.
Are you set on the type of cargo bike?
Modifying an existing frame would be the way to go. A front cargo cycle truck would require less tooling (probably don’t even need a jig).
Have you asked the frame building classes about adding a longtail to an existing frame? It would only require new stays and building the rack. I’m sure they’re hesitant because of the amount of work required to build a cargo bike from scratch.
@@ThriftyFramebuilder I’m probably just going to end up buying a ready made bike, length of time to source all the needed equipment and materials and to store them is becoming too overwhelming and the cost of a bike building class buys a pretty decent bike.
Yeah, if you aren’t wanting to do more than one frame, the investment isn’t worth it.
why everybody build inox frames and not simple steel ones? only because of rust problem? steel is easy to weld also
Not many builders use inox steel (stainless steel). I use 4130 which is a common steel alloy (not inox) used for bikes because of its strength. 4130 will rust. You could use mild steel or high-tensile steel, but the wall thickness would need to be greater and the frame would be very heavy.
Can you make me one, Im so poir
I wish I could, but I can’t afford to build frames and sell them.
Working around Rotating Tooling w/ a Cotton Glove.................. Not a Good Idea. wear a Latex instead.
👍
so a shitton of money and time investment just to get a chance to fuck up 1-2 frame projects and give up entirely. nice!
If you’re a quitter, yes.
As they say, anything worth doing is worth doing well; a craftsman is only as good as the tools he uses; the devil is in the details; measure twice cut once; and most importantly, the difference between a man and a boy is that a man picks himself up after failing and persists until he has accomplished what he set out to do.
👍👍 I’d flip that second statement around though… a tool is only as good as the person using it.
I did an estimate on my essential tool list. Assuming you already have a computer, printer, a garage with a work bench, and Amazon Prime, but nothing else, it’ll run about $2500 (for all brand new equipment). That’s a lot of money for me, but not what I would call a $hit-ton. When compared to what a mid-level MTB costs these days, it’s relatively reasonable.
@@ThriftyFramebuilder I think it's well worth the price, as long as you obtain what you set out for. You are absolutely right in the artistic sense about working with what you have, but lesser mortals (like myself) need some slack lol.. The right tool for the job is a prized possession, indeed. I think you may have mentioned it already, but using flux paste liberally on the tubing sides may reduce or eliminate discoloration during and after brazing (if you want to revel at your work prior to painting it).