I can tailor instruction to any needs you might have, but my typical class in brazed steel frame construction consists of 80 hours of instruction and shop time over two weeks, covering the following:
- introduction to brazing equipment, safety, and technique
- practice joints, both lugged and fillet brazed
- how to fit cyclists
- handling characteristics, rake, trail and wheelbase
- consideration of wheel sizes and brake type
- measurements, accuracy and math
- frame design based on fit data, done full size on paper
- tubing selection, butting and thickness considerations
- introduction to various types of jigs and fixtures
- introduction to machine tools in framebuilding
- frame construction, start to finish, including a fork
- finishing techniques
- consideration of paint and coatings
I do limit the types of frames to upright double-diamond bikes with road (650 or 700) or MTB (650 or 26″) wheels. Recumbents, tandems, fatbikes and other frame types are beyond the scope of this class, although the tools and techniques you’ll learn can be applied readily to frames of all descriptions.