Framebuilders - aluminum frame
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sum.nemo
05-17-06, 10:10 PM
My plan is to get a used aluminum road frame and TIG on some track ends. I found some online, made from the 7005 aluminum alloy. I could hopefully make myself a cheap and unique killer fixed gear and having some fun in the garage, perhaps finally leading to the retirement of my old converted Schwinn WorldSport. I think most frames are made from a different alloy, 6061? Has anyone had experience doing something like this or welding up an aluminum frame? Just looking for any tips you might have. Thanks
I'd look into the artificial aging requirements/recommendations. that's where I usually give up. I've pondered building an aluminum frame since I'm half decent at tig'n alu and I like working with it but when it boils down I don't have the time to actually do it. for welding I'd say make sure the aluminum is clean, use zirconiated tungstens, run hot & fast, and maybe even use argon/He mix for a shielding gas.
Up until fairly recently a lot of frames had horizontal drops, you could probably find some. 7075?
sum.nemo
05-22-06, 11:41 AM
The ends I found were 7005, but looking at the specs of some track bikes - they are sometimes using 7075. I think a lot will depend on whether I can lay my hands on the right frame, a good one for welding or possibly one with horizontal dropouts. If anything interesting comes of it I'll post again. Thanks.