Cynikal 

Who is going? I know there is a large cohort here from Portland. Any planned meet ups? I'm hopping a train from Sacramento arriving on Friday afternoon with bike and will be there through Monday afternoon. Staying about a half mile or so from the show.

Robvolz 

Y’all need a discount code?

15% off?

robert

Doug Fattic 

I’m going to exhibit my Ukrainian made laser cut stainless steel fixture. I use it instead of a full scale drawing to create a custom frame design from a rider’s bike position. In addition it allows me to check the accuracy of my miters before spot brazing the frame together on it. The fixture has been through many modifications and adjustments over the years. The Ukrainian company that makes them can really use the income to help keep their workers employed. I’ll also have some information on the charity bicycle project we have been doing in Ukraine for 23 years. We will be selling Ukraine themed cycling jerseys and T shirts.


One of my local friends that took my frame building class 30 years ago makes the adjustable height V block assemblies with the CNC milling center he has in his garage.

Cynikal 

Awesome Doug, I'll be up there tomorrow and at the show Sat and Sun. Looking forward to seeing this.

bulgie 

Awesome, looks like I will finally get to meet you. Also eager to see the features of the fixture, I see a lot of cleverness there.

Mark B

Doug Fattic 

I exhibited at the back corner of the show because I signed up at the last minute. My goal was to show off my laser cut and etched Ukrainian made fixture. A few sales would really help the company that makes them. Its features are not obvious at a casual glance so I need to explain how I can take a person’s bike position and turn it into a frame design. The kind of customer that wants a steel custom frame is probably no longer dreaming of winning the Tour de France and will most likely sit in a more relaxed position than a racer. My fixture takes the place of a full scale drawing and makes it easy to make adjustments. I’ve been fussing and refining its design and features ever since I started making frames over 45 years ago.

I also had an example of the kind of bicycle we make in Ukraine as a charity project for pastors and other service workers to get around. Back when Russia 1st invaded Ukraine in 2014 we sent the bulk of them to the east where they were most needed. Now of course they are needed everywhere. Our donation box was full of bills.

What I was surprised to find out was how many attendees at the show wanted to learn how to build frames. I wasn’t there to promote my frame building classes but I was asked constantly about them. in fact I had to run out and get more brochures printed.

Another common question I got was about using propane instead of acetylene. I’ve posted on frame building forums about how to switch over and many wanted to ask me questions about that. When we 1st started to build frames in Ukraine it only made sense to use propane and I’ve don a lot of research on how to make it work well. The simple answer is propane specific tips with multi-port tips like Meco or Paige brand working the best.

I had my large desktop computer showing videos of fillet brazing and to my surprise I don’t think a single person paid any attention.


In the fixture was a student made frame. It got the most comments from students that had already taken a class somewhere else and wondered if that was a 1st time build. Those just interested in taking a class weren't as impressed because they don't yet know what all is involved and how challenging it is.