just an idea at this point (Newbie builder)

[outskirtscustoms]

This is just an idea at this point and will be my first "built from scratch" bike. I've got the design and look pretty much down but want some advice as to tips, tricks, and things to watch out for when building it.....exc. Galdbacken feel free to jump in here any time.
I am definitely wanting to do a 24"x3" tire size. If I can get my buddy to let me use his welder or someone to help me with welding I'm itching to get started on it.......Just to give you a sneak peak of what I'm thinking here's a rough sketch I did with paint. That on the back will be a large sister bar just didn't want to cover the tire with it so I could change it later on the sketch. NOTE: the tires will more than likely be 24x3's to give it the right look.

 

[Ratfink1962]

Go for it!

Uncle Stretch probably has some good advice on layout and what to do... what not to do.

What are your plans for bending the tubing?

Only advice I can offer is dont be afraid to build a frame jig to hold things in place while your building. And the only way to learn how to weld is to actually do it, so jump on in there and give it a shot. If you make mistakes... thats ok, learn from it and move on. Wouldnt hurt to have someone on hand to guide you, but there is no reason you cant learn how to weld on your own.

Also wouldnt hurt to practice on some scrap tubing first to get a feel for it.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Go for it!

Uncle Stretch probably has some good advice on layout and what to do... what not to do.

What are your plans for bending the tubing?

Only advice I can offer is dont be afraid to build a frame jig to hold things in place while your building. And the only way to learn how to weld is to actually do it, so jump on in there and give it a shot. If you make mistakes... thats ok, learn from it and move on. Wouldnt hurt to have someone on hand to guide you, but there is no reason you cant learn how to weld on your own.

Also wouldnt hurt to practice on some scrap tubing first to get a feel for it.

I pretty much know how to weld, haven't for a while but I used to all the time in auto tech and auto body. I was just wondering if there was anything I should look out for. How do I build a frame jig on the cheap???

 

[sensor]

wood or steel 2x4's(i like steel myself since moisture wont warp it since we get alot of rain in the winter)....theres a picture of mine in the scratch build section under "Iron Annie" i think tikiharl also had a picture of his (search his post should be easy to find since he hasnt been on in awhile)....also ocd has his jig in his scratch built post(AIR RIDE BIKE)....also check spinmans b2 build as well as uncle stretchs....heck just look at the scratch built section and youll see quite a few :wink:
btw you might want to consider moving the b.b. back some in the rendering unless youve got really long legs

 

[Ratfink1962]

What to look out for?

Getting the proper setting on the welder, you dont want to blow holes. but you dont want a cold weld either. Find the right setting that gives you good weld penetration without burning through.

Also if joining different thickness material... keep the mig tip pointed towards the thicker piece of metal to avoid burning through the thinner metal.

And of course you want to remove any and all paint close to the joint before you start welding.

Cheap Jig?
I know Ive seen a frame jig on here that someone built out of 2x4's. I would post the link if I could remember where I saw it... I hate to give you the ol "go search for it" but I know its on here somewhere. Keep in mind that any jig built with wood will tend to move around, so maybe not the best stuff to use, but definetly cheap.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

wood or steel 2x4's(i like steel myself since moisture wont warp it since we get alot of rain in the winter)....theres a picture of mine in the scratch build section under "Iron Annie" i think tikiharl also had a picture of his (search his post should be easy to find since he hasnt been on in awhile)....also ocd has his jig in his scratch built post(AIR RIDE BIKE)....also check spinmans b2 build as well as uncle stretchs....heck just look at the scratch built section and youll see quite a few :wink:
btw you might want to consider moving the b.b. back some in the rendering unless youve got really long legs

The bike's not going to be that long and I am pretty short but long legs.

 

[Uncle Stretch]

About the only thing I learned from building them, is if you use all the same sized tubing ,You can lay them on something flat ...plywood...metal table and tack the tubing together and they will be perfectly straight. Don't forget to tack on both side before you weld so they dont move on you. I used 1 1/2'' od tubing and my neck was the same size. I just kept grinding and fitting the tubing till it was really close...then tacked it together and then stuck it in a simple jig and built the back triangle and dropouts. Pull a few strings from front to back and weld this heck out of it. It's not that hard when you get the hang of it. :wink:

 

[Half Link]

Something that has worked really good for me in the past is when bending round tubing with heat if
you cap one end with thin flat steel. Tack it on then fill your tubing with sand...packing it in good all
of the way to the top and then cap the top end the same way. When you make your bends using heat
it stops it from crinkling on the inside of your bend.

You have gotten some really good advice from others I just thought I would throw in my two cents!
Good luck with your build. If you need any questions answered you have found the right site! Tons
of amazing talent here! 8)

Later HL

 

[outskirtscustoms]

thanks for all the knowledge guys.

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

I found these plans for a frame jig on eBay yesterday, says you can build from a 12" to a 26" bike, even one with wide rear stays (which you'll need). I think it's $10 to get the plans emailed to you.
I haven't tried it, just passing on info. :mrgreen:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260584086961&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Good luck bro,
Dr. T

 

[Galtbacken]

Plenty good advice there! Start building!