Frame / Parts fabrication

Post by **TLS-Moose** » Nov 26th, '06, 22:52

Right then, here's a topic to get some folks talking ........

Who here has fabricated parts for a bike before

(and I don't mean just bought and fitted bolt-on bits

)

Has anyone got experience of frame/sub-frame building

if so, what tube did you use (seamed, seamless, grade, etc.), was it all straight bits or did you have to bend it - if so, what did you use?

I've made sub-frames and other odd bit's in the past, and am thinking of having a go at a frame ...... (got a CB125RS in the back of the garage that won't see the road again, and was thinking of something the kids could use

)

Also, if anyone knows of a (very) cheap lathe needing a new home ....

Post by **Dave** » Nov 26th, '06, 22:59

I've built many'a bikes in my time.

With all of my past achievements I have used a plastic swing arm, which mounts very nicely to the plastic frame which also holds the plastic engine, to keep the style right I have also been know to use plastic wheels and a plastic fuel tank. No need to worry about expensive welders and grinders, as superglue and scissors do the job just fine.

Or were you talking about real bikes

age · Post by **age** » Nov 26th, '06, 23:21

we get are stuff done by Spondon OR Harris !!!!!

Age

Post by **TLS-Moose** » Nov 26th, '06, 23:25

Gsxrage wrote:we get are stuff done by Spondon OR Harris !!!!!
Age

That's missing the point

And dave - I think most of us have done the same ......

Funky · Post by **Funky** » Nov 27th, '06, 00:55

I have fabricated whole air planes in my time... good ol' air fix.

Fabricated some truths too... like that one...

age · Post by **age** » Nov 27th, '06, 19:04

Just Had a thought Moose..........................................................................I can make it out of wood for ya !

doh perhaps it would not be strong enough For your Big Butt

:lol:

P.s Finaly met Lane up at Phaseone the other Sunday and he said he Knows you.

Age

chris_1127 · Post by **chris_1127** » Nov 28th, '06, 09:14

moosey - try http://www.chopperbuilder.co.uk - more aimed at the custom scene but all the fabrication and materials advice will be directly relevant whatever the frame. some really helpful guys on there too

now ive armed myself with a little scratch start tig I plan on having a go at knocking up a subframe for the gsxr at some point, to mount the r1 tailpiece thats hopefully on the way soon

tony · Post by **tony** » Dec 2nd, '06, 23:52

for a frame you would want CDS tubing, you could use seamed but its in all odd sizes and any slugs that you turn up you have to grind a flat on to overcome the internal seam, not always round, quite often its egg shaped, I have used it successfully when real hard up, but you have to look at the seams and work out where to run them for stress etc, not worth it really, just get CDS from parkins or woodburys etc and go that way

variuos ways to bend, either build your own bender can sort you out some drawings for a very effective one, if your welding isnt good engouh for the joins on the bender then you know not to even look at a frame:)

or you can get away with the hydraulic ones from places like clarke etc, they are actually pipe benders, not tube so the former sizes are all nothing like the tubing size, however I think one of the formers is almost exactly 1" so that would be ok

from there on all depends just how much your planning on doing and what style, hardtail or softail

try either chopperbuilder or brit chopper forums, both a mine of information.

Post by **TLS-Moose** » Dec 3rd, '06, 00:39

Thanks guys - Chris that chopperbuilder site is pretty interesting ... not necessarily my sort of bike, but the theory transfers the same

Time to start cutting and playing now ......

Post by **billinom8s** » Dec 3rd, '06, 11:23

have a look on this site /www.henrybutcher.com/

they do industrial site clearance/liquidation stock and lathes etc are always coming up dirt cheap

chris_1127 · Post by **chris_1127** » Dec 3rd, '06, 12:29

useful link Simon - cheers (though i dont think the mrs will appreciate it

tony · Post by **tony** » Dec 6th, '06, 19:00

ooops I just sold my lathe for £40 LOL never mind, if you want one real cheap and have workshop etc then contact local colleges etc, I got given 2 real nice ones a few years back, cost me to have them moved etc, but real lovely bits of kit with heaps of tooling etc

chris_1127 · Post by **chris_1127** » Dec 6th, '06, 23:52

aaaaaaah you're devon-tony on chopperbuilder!! saw the for sale ad just after someone bagged that one! someone got a bargain there i reckon.

tony · Post by **tony** » Dec 11th, '06, 23:11

nah womble on chopper builder, devon-tony on 100% LOL

yeah it goes this saturday but if it isnt collected for some reason I will let you know

my chop goes this week as well

gonna be a sad and lonely time on my garage, well for a week or so till the mental new project hits the bench

Post by **TLS-Moose** » Dec 11th, '06, 23:50

I've been watching for a lathe/miller for a little while too

the right thing will turn up at some point, I'm sure ......