Re: [CR]British bike building techniques

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2007)

From: <OROBOYZ@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 10:09:27 EDT
Subject: Re: [CR]British bike building techniques
To: richardsachs@juno.com
Cc: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


In a message dated 5/21/01 9:56:56 AM Eastern Daylight Time, richardsachs@juno.com writes:

<< if you look at the confente brochure, he's brazing up the bb shell with firebricks as a backdrop. this could be a 'modern' version of the hearth method. >>

Oh yes, I remember that now, Richie... I have seen a number of builder's using a fire brick surround as an "environment" to hand braze joints as a means of retaining heat... To my mind, this is still a far cry from classic hearth brazing though as it doesn't involve inserting the joint into a constant blast of flame. Rather than increasing or reducing heat by manipulating the flame, it seems to me that hearth brazing is liking diving into the deep end of the pool!

For those with a little knowledge of the craft world (art world?) the open hearth methods reminds me a bit of Raku pottery making. A little bit fire and brimstone!

Also interesting in Bob's scanned article was the mention of paddles being used to apply Borax (flux) after the joint was assembled. (Was I just reading that into it?) In any case, I would think that odd and maybe an error as most often the flux is painted on the tubes before assembly.. But maybe some workshops/factories applied the flux after assembly? Would that ensure a good joining?

Dale Brown
Greensboro, North Carolina