Bicycle Mechanics - Thinking about making my own work stand....

I'm sorry if I sound like a cheap-@ss, but I just cannot see spending $200 for a work stand when I have the ability to build one myself. The only thing I'm wondering about is how to build the clamp part of the stand. Anyone every built their own?? I'm thinking of just using a pair of old Vice Grips and welding on some pieces of angle iron. But I'm not sure what to use for padding on them so they don't mark up my frame. Can you buy just this clamp piece somewhere for a resonably price?? If so, maybe it would be better just to buy the clamp and build the rest of the stand. Any advice or comments appreciated.

<EDIT> I just did a Google search and found a couple of home-made bike stands. One made of PVC pipe and one made of wood. I had something a little more sturdy in mind. The one I have in mind will be real close to what the Park stands look like. If I can Just figure out how to make the clamp I'll be in business.

I'm sure someone here has already built one - I think it might have been DirtGrinder but I can't be sure... Probably worth trying a search through old threads though.

Richard

I had toyed with the idea, figuring to build one out of 2x4s and 2x6. My thinking was to have two parallel work "arms" with cushioned notches to just hang the top tube on, perhaps with some means of stabilizing. Then you don't have to worry about a really strong clamp. The mechs at my LBS often just hang the bike by the saddle over the clamp arm, even when spinning the wheel to check der adjustment. I don't know that I like that idea too much, but I guess they haven't broken any. Most operations don't necessarily require the bike to be rigid in the clamp.

It seems like something pretty simple would work. Two 2x4 feet out at an angle with 2x4 braces to a 2x6 upright with two braced 2x4 arms sticking out. The bracing and arms could probably be made of 3/4" plywood to save some weight. In fact I think I had decided that the arms and feet could be 3/4" plywood triangles which would be self-bracing and simpler. Assembling everything with carriage bolts should make it pretty sturdy. With some creativity and wing nuts it could even be designed to be semi-foldable to reduce storage space.

Come to think of it you could simplify even further by cutting two pieces of 3/4" plywood incorporating the feet and shorter arms, attached with a piano hinge, plus a couple of braces to keep the feet and arms stable when open. Especially if you are working strictly on lighter road bikes, it doesn't have to be too heavy.
FWIW,
Raymond

I've got pics of the one I made but they are on my other computer. I'll upload a couple tonight.

Hate to be a naysayer, but you get what you pay for.....You can go a cheaper route and get the clamp part from Park, then mount it to a bench.

A friend of mine recently asked about my homemade stand
Below is the text of the e-mail
*****************************************
I made this out of left over lumber and some plywood I found (cost $3 as I had to buy the 2x2’s). I put old socks over the 2x2’s that hold the bike as to not scratch the frame. It works great for both bikes and it aids in cleaning-adjusting-all around maint. I know you can look at this and come up with your own. Beats a $100 stand since I added the table top to hold stuff and I can bungie the handlebars to the 2x4 Upright to “lock the bike in place. I have enough room between the pedals and the stand to pedal the bike freely. I can pedal the bike as hard as I want and not worry about it tipping over.

Hope this helps.
Ti-Carbo

A side view of the same rack.

Got caught by the 30 second post rule, and then it dropped the picture link on re-post

Here it is.

A couple pics of the stand I built last year. I made the clamp out of two pieces of steel hand railing I had lying around. The inside of the railing was a perfect match for the seat post size. I used some thick cork I had for padding. Hasn't scratched anything yet, and holds very securely. I welded the fixed part of the c-clamp to the upright post, with the railing welded to the other side. Then on the movable part of the c-clamp I welded the other piece of railing. The two pins are guides to keep the clamps going straight as the c-clamp will pivot. These are old pics from before I painted it. I've used this a lot with no problems whatsoever.


http://dirtgrinder.home.mchsi.com/stand1.jpg


http://dirtgrinder.home.mchsi.com/stand2.jpg

Hey thanks for the pics dudes!

Dirtgrinder ....what did you use for your seat post clamp pieces(the pieces that are welded to the c-clamp)????

I guess I really wouldn't have to clamp the bike down so I may just make mine sorta like the wooden design. I have a bunch of old steel pipe out back so I might break out the cutting torch and welder and build mine out of that. Might be a little bulky but won't be any worse than the wooden one I guess. I'm thinking about a base similar to most of the Park stands with a single upright. Then I will put a T across the upright with two arms extending out. Or I could just do a vice mount deal also. Hmmmmmm....what to do?? Maybe I'll post a pic soon if I can get one built. I really need something. It's either that, or grow a third arm!! :D

I just cut a PVC pipe down the centre length-wise, and screwed it to a stand comprised of 2x4's at 90 degree angles with a 45 degree support between horizontal and vertical pieces.

I just clamp the vertical piece in my bench vise and use a velcro strap to secure the top tube to the PVC pipe. I can raise and lower the stand in the bench vise.

See picture

Originally posted by dragracer


Dirtgrinder ....what did you use for your seat post clamp pieces(the pieces that are welded to the c-clamp)????


They are pieces of steel hand railing. The inside is rounded and perfectly matches the seat post.

Great Idea Dirtgrinder I never thought of using a C Clamp.

Dirtgrinder.... Gorgeous!!

I was thinking of using a pipe clamp and trhreading it into a pipe flange and using wood blocks to make the clamp, but yoour Idea, well its just plain sexy!!

:beer:

You didnt patent it did you?


Hmmm noticed the fishtape and the apex hanger....