Doug Fattig wrote:
I'm bringing my apprentice Herbie Helm so he can show off a frame he is making to display in the young builders section. It should create some interest even with all the other bling that will be there. He is doing a bi-laminate type of construction like what Claude Butler used to do. In other words instead of using lugs, he has cut out a design in sleeves that slip over the tubes and then everything is fillet brazed together to create the joint. When it is painted, it looks like a lug except for the more gradual transition of the curves in the creases. He spent a good portion of Christmas break just designing and cutting out those sleeves.
I'm really impressed with what he has done so far (he's brazed up the main triangle). Check out his progress yourself here:
http://www.flickr.com/
Herbie and I discussed for some time what would be the best design for this frame (that he hopes to sell after the show is over). The latest trend in steel framebuilding is to make practical bicycles for getting around. This means more tire clearance and the ability to carry things. He made fittings for centerpull brakes. Their is a revival of interest in classic frames among new framebuilders starting out today. Their emphasis isn't about how to go faster but how to make it useful and beautiful. They look to the past
for inspiration.
Herbie is 23 years old and attending college full time so he can be an industrial arts teacher. He married last year. Right after he graduated from high school he called me up to see if I would teach him how to build bicycles. He came by every day after work or school. He took a semester off of college to build 50 frames in Ukraine for our bike project there.
Now he helps me teach my framebuilding classes. Learning from a master and thinking of how to pass it on to others really refines a person's skill.
Doug Fattic
Niles, Michigan, USA
Wow Doug! Some really cool stuff going on down there in Niles. I am somewhat remiss in not getting down to see you of late, but my health has been a bit dicey. Is that curved wishbone seat stay Herbie's idea? I've seen the wishbone, but the curve is a really nice addition. Great paint work, too, I take it that's your work, or is Herbie painting, too? It sure looks like he could have a great future in bike building! What really struck me though in those great photos of the interior of your shop was seeing this ultra modern, but KOF work sitting in Johnnie Barry's big old vice. Darn near brought tears to these old eyes. What a nice assurance that good stuff is coming and it is linked so lovingly to the past. Tim Potter and I hope to visit you as soon as the weather breaks.
Tom Sanders
Lansing, MI USA