OK...today I find myself deleting as many digest messages numbers-wise as I did individual messages just a few months ago. I know everyone is snowed in or cold or otherwise saying important stuff, but from what I have read of all the nit-picking over lugs, I'd have to say that *for me* the substance of the discussion went white-bread a long time ago! I may be reading more into the strings of monologues, but it seems to be getting edgier. Outlines that are cut by stacking multiple sheets? Whats the problem?? Mind you, if *I* were to see a fault there, I would be compelled to ask myself, where to draw the line? Maybe ask, what hand tools are important or (more importantly) "acceptable" for use. Jewler's files? rough-grade rat files or hasps? An adze and stout hickory club? I guess I don't see what all the fuss is about. OK, fast-foward to today, what tools must the "keepers" use to maintain the hallowed status imparted by the group wisdom? Heavens, what if one of the good'un's shops was equiped with a compressor and used (shudder) die cutters with diamond burrs?
Even better, what sort of paint chemistries fit the general group-think approval standard? Is crappy, chip-prone first generation Imron really what is best for a state-side mid-70's handbuilt, or lacquer? What the heck is "stoved enamel" anyways?
And deca...oop excuse me, *transfers* - what about them?
I had been getting excited about purchase of a Hetchins ever since I was allowed into the fold here, but all this armchair expertise (which I suspect the majority of which is second or third or fourth-hand info someone may have read somewhere) is making me cower at the prospect of spending large to purchase and/or refinish a curly-stayed bike. What if some of my new buddies say mean things about the lugs when I show up, 40 pounds over my former riding weight (ok, it WAS 25 years ago) on a bike that isn't regarded in the same way as we ALL thought them 30 years ago?
I'm a mess, and jealous of the days when I was simply a "joe 6-pack" kind of fan. Should I dig out my stamp collection now?
cathart off, nomex on.
Dale B. Phelps
Los Gatos California
U.S.A.