Framebuilders - Anyone else learn from a "master"?

When I was stationed in Cleveland, I had the pleasure/opportunity to meet Joe Bringheli. Not only did I meet him, but he mentored me on building my own bike frame/fork.

Over a period of a few months (don't recall exactly how long), I went over after work and on weekends and worked with Joe in his workshop. We discussed everything from tubing to lugs, general and specific to what I wanted. Once my tube choices were made (Dedaccai Zero Uno), we went to the workshop and I did all the cutting and filing of the tubes. We used one of his older jigs. We did the fork first, then on to the frame.

I did some of the brazing myself (under Joe's watchful/critical eye), and in the end I had an absolutely beautiful lugged steel frame bicycle, made by myself (but mostly by Joe!).

Unfortunately I transfered to Mississippi soon after that (for 1 year) then on to Alaska for 4 years...but I still have all my notes and pictures taken during the build. I will post some pictures here once I get back home (at work now! :D)

Yes, Joe can be stubborn to work with...that's what I liked about him. Tons of character, incredible amounts of knowledge, and a great Italian accent. He's a great guy!

Anyone else learn (or observe) under a small professional framebuilder? What's your story about it?

Joe helped teach me as well. :) Was living on the west side in Lorain and found Joe when he had his shop in Parma - 1995 maybe. Great guy. Gave me a brazing demonstration and was always willing to offer advice. I cobbled my first frame together and Joe helped by facing/chasing/aligning everything into working order. I eventually bought a full set of cutting tools from him as well as lots of tubes and lugs. He's my first choice when it comes to buying framebuilding parts - his prices are the best as well which helps.

Ed

When I worked at The Bicycle Workshop in London, Tom Board occupied the basement with his framebuilding shop. I didn't spend time with him on any one particular build, but every time I was down there he was doing some part or another on any number of frames. Over time (and coupled with my own metalworking, machining, welding, and brazing experience) I learned a hell of a lot from him. As the shop above his, we generally did the final finish work, and buildups on his frames.

He also built me a frame that I still ride.