Longtail Bicycle Frame Build 08 - TIG Weld Dropouts

In this video I TIG weld the dropouts to the chainstays and then weld caps on the ends. In the process I make a tool to hold the caps in place while tack welding using vise grips.
This Year's NAHBS 2017:
www.nahbs.com/
The tube blocks you see in the video were purchased from Paragon Machine Works:
www.paragonmachineworks.com/fr...
My P3D site where you can find schematics on most of my earlier projects:
p3d.in/u/PithyBikes
The Long Tail Build Video Playlist:
• Pithy Bikes - Long Tai...

[@the_Jaakkonen]

As a tig-welder since 14 years.....this is so fun to watch. Keep up the good work. 🤘

[@PithyBikes]

Thanks! :)

[@radek5690]

That Vise Grip third hand is genius! Take it easy.

[@PithyBikes]

TY!

[@crm9274]

Excellent video. I'm not even going to be making my frame myself (will get an expert to do it) but watching your process has given me a great understanding of it all

[@NEutebach]

i'm not a frame builder or anything but i admire the attention to detail that you're putting into this. your progress also really shows imo. keep up the great work!

[@PithyBikes]

+NEutebach thanks for the kind words!

[@BisdremisKostas]

your clamp attachment really blew my mind ! im replicating by your permition , nice job!!

[@PithyBikes]

+BisdremisKostas replicate away! I recommend fuse welding the swivel feet on the vise grip though because they have a bit of play. Unless you use the clamp on varying thicknesses.

[@aspenbanjo]

Genius fixture design on the cap tacking holder!

[@PithyBikes]

Thanks Gary!

[@jaehoonchoi]

Hello! I am preparing for making wooden bike and realize that I need to learn TIG skill for metal part of that. Your video is very helpful to find my way to the dream. Your idea and effort are impressive. Especially your zig is wonderful. Keep in touch!

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Those look pretty good. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@PithyBikes]

+Kevin Hornbuckle anytime!

[@elreyescorpion1988]

Quiero una bici tuya me encantu tu trabajo.eres un genio.saludos desde alicante españa

[@botprestativo]

Beautiful work!

[@dariorodriguez7157]

Awesome...! Excellent...! I learn a lot from you....thanks..from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

[@PithyBikes]

Thanks for watching :)

[@abfal2003]

you getting better and better, congratulations.

[@PithyBikes]

Thanks! Still got a long way to go. The journey never ends :)

[@eviebee4]

wonderful and informative content, thanks very much!

[@zasti78]

Very nice work.

[@meatintaco2002]

great work !

[@ezl8002]

Great job on welding and using/building the setup jigs for the project! Thanks for the video.

[@frankissac7540]

i guess it is quite randomly asking but do anyone know a good site to stream newly released movies online ?

[@henrikalexis4168]

@Frank Issac Flixportal :P

[@frankissac7540]

@Henrik Alexis thank you, I went there and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D I really appreciate it !!

[@henrikalexis4168]

@Frank Issac you are welcome :D

[@Ziraffo]

production value is amazing. how come this is not more popular?!

[@PithyBikes]

Thanks for watching!! I think maybe because it's a niche topic and I tend to go into more detail than most viewers have a stomach for ;)

[@PithyBikes]

Thinking on this more however.. I have to say that those channels that have a lot of subs are because people want to tune in and watch that person due to charisma or funny or both! For example, I'll watch This Old Tony because the guy is so funny and his videos are so entertaining. He could make a video about boiling pasta and I'd still be thoroughly entertained. I also enjoy watching Abom79 because something about the way he does his videos, it feels like you're hanging out with the real guy. It's just very relaxing.

[@hanzmaier9847]

Really Interesting Video 😊👍

[@tomharrell1954]

You are doing great! Have fun ! Get a small grinder and gently grind off the welds a bit. Just a small small bit. Those frames can be ground thru easily. I am saying just like a touch

[@Jazzmarcel]

can you show how you setup your argon purge?..........another question is why did you choose to build in steel and not aluminium? i would like to build an longtail cargo bike too as a replacement for my recetly stolen yuba mundo but, i want it to be a rear suspension, in alu! i am just about to but a ac/dc tig welder and argon bottle but, i hear that i need to heat treat after!

[@jesscneal]

Nice cap holding jig :)

[@PithyBikes]

+Jess Neal thanks!

[@hendrikhanso]

hi. I really like your videos,have been a fan since I found you. you are an inspiration to me cause I have always wanted to make bicycle frames myself and Im still stuck boatbuilding 10 years later. but I will do it oneday. just a couple of pointers, q's. please hold the filler in the gas puddle a little longer or do you cut the ruined tip off for every new weld you start (like 44bikes on insta. man that pissed me off Idk why ) secondly I noticed You had 4 stopping points on the 1 cs. if you would plan out the welds then you could get away with 1 visible weldstop. caps first then start from the bottom and go alltheway around until you get where you started. anyways I really enjoy the work you put in , not only bike stuff but the video/editing is topnotch aswell! thanks Hendrik

[@PithyBikes]

+hendrikhanso Tha KS for the pointers, always appreciated! I think more on those stopping points. :) I did have a lot!

[@TheNewYorkHustle]

I have a 1985 gt pro performer frame.. one rear dropout needs to be replaced.. you do repairs at all?

[@insertgoodname4809]

18 min!! Good looong ep!

[@PithyBikes]

:)

[@lavachemist]

What pulse setting were you using?

[@chooboflex8154]

Hi, What you use type pipe dimension and thickness?

[@bitsurfer0101]

Did you make the whole bike jig?

[@nikunjkhunt7306]

what is this welding process??

[@bretleversha]

how thick is the metal on your dropouts out of interest please?

[@ScienceFTW]

Awesome as always! One little thing freaked me out though....take off your ring! I've been in a facility when a guy lost his finger. Keep your digits!

[@PithyBikes]

Thanks Mike, I always forget to do that! @_@ I definitely want to keep my digits.

[@lukamodric1443]

I'd like a 1:28 scale model of the hull you're working on, please

[@mikehill9050]

Is that one pulse per second a few months back I recommend that u and that's what it looks like to me...I use that on most all thin stuff I weld and most aluminum. .thanks for all the good video

[@PithyBikes]

+Mike Hill yep just about. Might be more like 0.8

[@CLWoodturning]

Awesome.... what is the part name for the milling attachment which cut the notch? I need to cut one into stainless steel bar, 16mm and all I’ve tried will not work so far. I’ve broken several 4 flute end mills lol

[@nathankarjalahti6700]

I believe that is a saw cutter.

[@policedog4030]

Nice! One observation - I have similar horizontal dropouts on my 1982 26 inch Mongoose Kos Kruiser (welded up by none other than "Frank the Welder"); that I have been riding for all these years as the original owner; but anyway; that frame is nickel plated and one design flaw is that the area around where the axle bolt clamps to the horizontal dropout is so slippery that if you really stand on the pedals it can cause the rear axle to move or slip forward within the dropout slot and throw off your chain adjustment (which after all is plus or minus a few mm right?). So I want to suggest perhaps some type of knurling on the outer surface of the dropout to give the (hopefully also knurled) washer under the axle bolt something to grip on. Actually I think this knurling or texturing should be on the inner side of the dropout as well in my opinion; but I am just a rider, not an frame expert. I just know I hate having my axle slip and my chain get out of adjustment. The solution is not to overtorque the axle - it is a threaded rod and the torque should be as specified. Also with a plated frame you cannot crank that axle bolt down too hard or you may crack the plating. The alternative would be to design in a mini version of the chain tensioners similar to the ones on MotoGP motorcycles - perhaps that would be end of story on the axle slippage problem but better if that was designed in from the get-go.

[@PithyBikes]

Ah good insight. So far I haven't had any slippage but the frame is not fully tested yet.. time will tell!

[@bretleversha]

What frame holder are you using there?

[@ferdiibote2427]

Request brompton frame make..

[@bikeshop2705]

hiya. great video. couple basic questions. when you are pulse welding do you have a setting that does auto pulse or are you manually pulsing w/ your pedal? Do you use any sort of ventilation in your shop? Thanks

[@PithyBikes]

I use auto pulse. I tried foot pulsing and prefer auto for now. I definitely see the advantages to foot pulse and maybe some day I'll revisit it. I was struggling with auto pulse for a while so I figured take it one thing at a time.. :) For ventilation I usually keep the garage door cracked open. Most of my welding is on clean tubes but regardless.. I think an organic respirator is a good idea. I don't do quantity so I've been slow to get one..

[@MayorInCheif]

Nice 3rd hand.

[@gpsboladao8874]

says he has no experience. has all the tools in the world

[@PithyBikes]

Oh man, you haven't seen tools! Believe me when I say most experienced frame builders have crazy tools! The stuff I have is just childs play compared to well established builders. But don't get me wrong.. I appreciate every tool I own. :)

[@tomharrell1954]

Pithy Bikes DUDE WHEN I BUILT BIKES WE HAD TWO HANDS, A WELDER AND A SQUARE. There were no jigs. We never heard of jigs. The welder was red Lincoln red box stick welder. That’s all there was.

[@pawelgaik8989]

Hi Steve, thanks for another cool video. I'm still practicing my welds and your speed seems quite comfortable, what PPS (Hz) you're set in this clip? Regards, Pawel

[@PithyBikes]

+Pawel Gaik it's about 0.8pps.

[@PithyBikes]

+Pawel Gaik it's kind of hard for me to know because my welder has analog dial and I don't think the scale is accurate.

[@pawelgaik8989]

Thanks man, I have tried it at 0.8pps the other day and must say I really like it. I have noticed that PTO must be adjusted accordingly, otherwise weld is getting to hot. Thanks for the tip and all best to you!

[@nedzminomerhodzic7690]

Which gas is in the tubes when you weld, and what is its purpose? You do amazing job.

[@PithyBikes]

It's argon which is an inert gas. It prevents oxidation by shielding the heated area from the air around it.

[@motoxrrar1]

What material do you use for the tubes and chain stays ? I'd like to pick some up and do a little testing

[@PithyBikes]

its 4130 chromoly steel. I got it off www.aircraftspruce.com/

[@mohdazamudinismail5118]

hi, can i buy materials for make steel road bike?

[@dieselrotor]

Nice !

[@PithyBikes]

:)

[@sweenep86]

I'd be tempted to turn/ mill the drop out tube end from solid bar as an insert, would stronger and easier to weld.to the plate.

[@PithyBikes]

I can't remember where but I've seen what you are talking about. It's a good idea and would indeed making the process easier to weld.

[@sweenep86]

Pithy Bikes google weld in clevis and imagine them without the through hole. You can get them in chrome moly so strong and light. Also removes the need to phase the slot and other coped end. Also easier to weld similar thicknesses.

[@PithyBikes]

sweenep86 ah yes, right on!

[@Freshwaterfishkeeper]

Are you on Instagram? I like the way you set yourself up, very clean 👍🏼

[@raslc]

What do perch holes do? Is it so that gas/air inside the tube heating up during welding can escape? Idk just guessing.

[@PithyBikes]

+Ryan C yes, so the argon can escape but mainly so that the CS can ventilate. Keeps humidity down.

[@TimCalvin]

Got that GT-style Triple Triangle style going on now, eh?

[@PithyBikes]

+Tim Calvin I decided to change it because of difficulties I would run into with welding. The change is still pretty similar though.

[@dohnanyix4366]

what is the Name/Brand of the Tig-Torch you are using? and were can i get that one? i enjoy following your projects!! greetings from Germany

[@PithyBikes]

The torch is an import from China that I modded. I purchased an import so that I could modify it and not worry if I ruined it. I don't even think it has a brand name. I got it from Ebay. It's a type 9 size torch. The part that gives this torch its character is the Fupa #12 glass cup I'm using - furickcup.com/product/fupa-12-kit/

[@redaxe77]

Good evening Pithy - My 11 YO son and I want to build a "Kick Bike" "dirt Scooter" as a father son Project. I got really into your videos when I discovered them about a year ago and have since picked up a tig welder and some other tools. What I would like to know is if you could direct us to a frame components supplier that we can order and fabricate from. - Thank you... really enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@PithyBikes]

This is a great list of suppliers on MTBR - forums.mtbr.com/frame-building/master-list-framebuilding-suppliers-595808.html Good luck and feel free to ask if you have more questions or are in need of tips. [e-mail]

[@warrenzausa3145]

been waiting for this,how you've been doin man ☺

[@PithyBikes]

I'm doing well. Just other things kept creeping in so this video took a while. Thanks for asking!

[@warrenzausa3145]

Your welcome ☺

[@thehollows]

Awesome!

[@PithyBikes]

+thehollows :)

[@thehollows]

Pithy Bikes this is my favourite channel on KZbin. sucks I have to wait so long for videos but it's totally worth it. :)

[@TIGFab97]

Why purge a bike from steel

[@markfromwestcoastwoodcraft7633]

Very impressive, which welder do you use ?

[@PithyBikes]

+Mark from WestCoastWoodcraft its a Everlast 200DX

[@markfromwestcoastwoodcraft7633]

Thanks, I just watched your video on it , seems like a solid welder

[@ryanpeterson1664]

They are called Hellenic style seatstays.

[@PithyBikes]

+Ryan Peterson awesome, thanks! I've always wondered.

[@erikdude666]

You should build a prop stand. You've probably seen the really nice one for sale on IG but id recommend making one, good practice and you can get creative about it/make a video. hint hint ;)

[@PithyBikes]

+erikdude666 you know I totally should!

[@bryanbrunk1186]

one tip, start in the most difficult position then transition into the more comfortable position.

[@PithyBikes]

I like it! I'll try that.

[@motoxrrar1]

Why do you have such a large stick out? Is this for filming purpose ? Or because it's difficult to see ? You can probably have better luck with shorter stick out smaller cup size. What cfm are you running? I'd also suggest to go over the flat areas again with pulse to even your welds after you weld the rounded part of the cap, careful not to overheat your parts

[@PithyBikes]

Thanks. The stick out is so I can see, it's just more comfortable for me. I use the 12 cup because I like the coverage and it's way more forgiving on HAZ. I'm at around 20 cfh.

[@fmc6338]

cool

[@PithyBikes]

+frank doster 👍

[@johnchung6900]

The jog holding the tubes while welding are vibrating too much. You may want to revisit the jig again.

[@PithyBikes]

+John Chung the jig (while I was tacking)? Or the arm at my welding table?

[@johnchung6900]

At this point kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ2niHengZimhM0 Maybe the weight of the arm is affecting it. Worth looking into it

[@jonezdatonetech2758]

Can you please make me a bmx frame for my son 29” electric wheel ?, rear wheel has 8 speed cassette and disc brakes. Rear dropouts 143mm..... Rear wheel has a 14mm axle Please help me Thank you 🙏 and have a blessed day

[@williamschultz298]

Jonez Datonetech no

[@oishisakana]

Dude, you make my welds look like sh*t. keep it up

[@PithyBikes]

For every good weld we do, there are 10 bad ones!

[@oishisakana]

I long for the day I hit one out of 10 :p

[@rommeo27]

from where did you get the aluminium extrusions for your jig??

[@rommeo27]

never mind you answear me on the other video thx

[@PithyBikes]

+rommeo27 you're very welcome!

[@kas8970]

So, you're bike is going to look a lot like a GT.

[@PithyBikes]

Not so much anymore.. I recently changed the seat stays. but from the side it will still look like a GT :)

[@besteriophonic]

I like ur big dreams😂👍😃

[@PithyBikes]

Dream big!

[@besteriophonic]

Pithy Bikes dude iam tolking about . the time when u said I had big dreams for the welding going all the way round and u did practice . and then u had problems. I just bought a welding machine and I also had big dream but I end u buring (little bit toasted with the flash . feel s like sun burn and I also have one question .) . when u did welding 1st time did u feel irritating and a lot of angle the next day . I did. great work . like ur video

[@PithyBikes]

@@besteriophonic Yes it was quite difficult when I was first learning. But eventually I tried to just expect to mess up. And that kind of took the edge off and let me loosen up. With enough practice I loosened up and just try to enjoy every moment of welding. Laying a good weld has got to be one of the most satisfying and rewarding things to me. It's because of those hard times and struggles that makes it all the more satisfying when you finally lay a good weld.