Framebuilders - making my own 6" to 7" freeride?

I would like to make my own 6" to 7" freeride bike, using Chromoly tubing. I'm more interested in having satisfaction in knowing i made my own bike than making anything groundbreaking, therefore i will most likely incorporate an existing design and modify it to my liking.

Do any of you have an experience in making a freeride full suspension frame? Any thoughts, comments or suggestions? Any help would be nice.

Ugh, might be tough...try a fixed-frame first, then use what you learned to build a good full-susp frame.

You'll need a welder, a mill for getting the proper mitres on your tubing and making some linkage, a frame jig, and some CAD software for your computer. Once you get past that initial investment, you should be able to do it pretty easily, assuming you have the skills needed for all the machinery.

skills are no problem, my father is a tool and die maker and a machinist, and part engineer. I also have skills and if i run into somethign i can't do he'd have knowledge to help. Now comes equipment...

For me full suspension means a Brooks 66 saddle and a Girvin Flex stem (http://home.nycap.rr.com/richboat/bikeq.jpg) :D ...

If I was building something along the lines you want to do I would either copy someone elses bike or read up on motorcycle suspension theory ( same concept)of which there is numerous books about. There is a place in California that sells some bits for suspension bike frames, www.fairing.com . When I last bought from Fairing a few years ago, they would not sell to individuals only a business. Their website has changed since then, so I am not sure what their policy is now.

Tools? from a minimalist perspective.... a selection of files, hacksaw, drill press, good straight edges and measuring tools, access to a welder with tig experince etc.