Originally Posted by Reynolds 531 Technical Advice

Before the tubes are assembled the ends should be degreased and cleaned with emery over the area which is inserted into the lug. This ensures that the brazing material makes good contact with the parent metal (Reynolds 531 Cycle Tubes are sent out free from scale and rust, and protected with an anti-corrosive oil, but if by some mischance during transport or storage some rust should form, this must be completely removed). When the tubes are fitted into the lugs, care should be taken that the assembly is not in a state of stress. Brazing should be carried out in the following clockwise sequence:

• bottom bracket (seat tube, then down tube)
• down tube/head tube joint
• head tube/top tube joint
• top tube/seat tube joint

This sequence obviates the danger of a stress raiser being created at a major shock point.

When brazing frames made from Reynolds 531 Tubing, the joints should be pre-heated, and after brazing the cooling should be controlled and not forced. Brazing must be carried out in a shop free from draughts.

Great care must be taken not to overheat the material, or to heat too large an area of the tube. Overheating will lead to burning or to brass inclusion (where the molten brass or bronze enters the grain of the steel), either of which will make the tube brittle.

Setting, when necessary, should always be done cold.