Frame building
#1
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Frame building
Hey to all the frame builders in the house
how are people getting started now days?
how are people getting started now days?
#3
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There are literally thousands of useful internet links and videos that will help get you started on your journey of learning. I suggest researching for a few weeks and then consider taking a class if you have the time and money. If not, you can still realistically acquire enough knowledge through research and practice on your own to assemble good frames. It will just take you a longer.
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Last edited by Nessism; 11-12-19 at 07:08 AM.
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Look up Ti-Cycles or United Bicycle Institute they offer work shops in Oregon.
There is a book out there, can't recall the title, where the author shows how to build a lugged frame with a propane torch and a wooden jig. Some don't agree with his methods but it is an option.
Or build your own metal jig and watch videos and read a lot.
Bring $$$$$$ and you should have no problem.
There is a book out there, can't recall the title, where the author shows how to build a lugged frame with a propane torch and a wooden jig. Some don't agree with his methods but it is an option.
Or build your own metal jig and watch videos and read a lot.
Bring $$$$$$ and you should have no problem.
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You start your building business by trying to do it. Knowing about the actual building is the smaller part of being a profitable builder. Knowing how to run a business, expand your customer base and having the focus to keep going after your capital is spent are larger skills you'll want to have.
Ben Bowen prof. from James Madison U, reported on his preliminary findings of a US framebuilder survey. Here's the link to the survey. https://jmu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/fo...nQoxxMDpz1TJFr His findings are much of what we talk about. How very few builders are making their income from building and how many have either a second income or a "successful" life partner. The other aspect I found very telling is that he started the call out for builders to fill out this survey with a 320ish long email list of known builders (that he had collected via various sources). Of these only about 130 replied. The bounced back emails were numerous and many just didn't respond. So either a number have "stopped their business" and not done anything about their old email or website, or many are too busy/privet/annoyed to take the 20 minutes to fill out the survey. My view is some of each
What the OP didn't really specify is whether they are looking to just build their own frame or are really thinking that in five years they will be a fulltime builder with a wait list of pending customers. But that the OP states a Portland, OR location they are blessed with many regional builders to draw from. Direct one on one discussion beats this written stuff every time. Having said that this medium has dozens of "how to" and "this is what I did" vids and blogs for easy searching. Andy
Ben Bowen prof. from James Madison U, reported on his preliminary findings of a US framebuilder survey. Here's the link to the survey. https://jmu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/fo...nQoxxMDpz1TJFr His findings are much of what we talk about. How very few builders are making their income from building and how many have either a second income or a "successful" life partner. The other aspect I found very telling is that he started the call out for builders to fill out this survey with a 320ish long email list of known builders (that he had collected via various sources). Of these only about 130 replied. The bounced back emails were numerous and many just didn't respond. So either a number have "stopped their business" and not done anything about their old email or website, or many are too busy/privet/annoyed to take the 20 minutes to fill out the survey. My view is some of each

What the OP didn't really specify is whether they are looking to just build their own frame or are really thinking that in five years they will be a fulltime builder with a wait list of pending customers. But that the OP states a Portland, OR location they are blessed with many regional builders to draw from. Direct one on one discussion beats this written stuff every time. Having said that this medium has dozens of "how to" and "this is what I did" vids and blogs for easy searching. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
AndrewRStewart