Dear Listmembers,
I'd like to take this opportunity to backtrack just a little bit. I missed the opportunity to tell everyone what I saw while painting the Curt Goodrich frame I had here recently. Most likely, Curt and I were the only two people who saw the frame in the completed and unpainted condition. I can tell pretty much everything about the frame in this condition, obviously. An experienced painter or framebuilder can instantly see the level of ability of the builder when there is no paint on it. One always gets a first impression just based on the "condition" the frame is delivered in. Curts' frame came clean and all joints nicely sandblasted to make my life much easier. That always inspires me to get out the 80 grit emory and sand and prime the frame right away. It also allows me to take a good close look at the work. My first impression; I could see distinct signs of a very professional and simple clean approach to building the frame. No need to fix a "factory dent" or anything of the sort. Virtually no pinholes or gaps anywhere. No need to putty and cover any mistake or imperfection. What you see is what Curt sent me. Super clean silver brazed Pacenti lugs that were lightly modified and very nicely thinned to the point that I like. Too thin doesn't do it for me. I like to see perfectly square 90 degree edges that are crisp; like Curts' are.
I just get a feeling about a frame as I hold it and examine the details of the style and construction. I can see the type of work that indicates that a builder has done all of the operations of framebuilding many times as Curt has, because of his previous framebuilding experiences. Working in a production environment before becomming a custom framebuilder is by far the best way to enter the profession. Curt has taken full advantage of his previous experiences and is now well suited to build high quality custom handmade frames. The only leap left between production and custom is learning how to design and fit frames, direct the customer into the best choices, and generally deal with the public. Oh yeah, you have to run a business in all of its aspects also. Curt is doing a fine job of everything and I'd like to paint more of his frames in the future. No doubt we can look forward to many more frames "in the spirit" and I personally have gained another good friend in the small world of lugged steel framebuilding.
I hope someday soon I can meet Curt in person at one of the events or something. We have become quite friendly on the phone; I just hope when we meet for the first time he can see through my horribly disfigured face and twisted body to the person I really am. That little troll from CA who really appreciates a dedicated and talented framebuilder who sends clean frames to paint!
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA Did I forget to mention I have 3 arms also? Yeah, there is one growing out of my back; real handy for shakeing hands while taking a leak!