Framebuilders - Campagnolo Master tool set. Should I buy it?

I have an opportunity to pick up one of these. I'm not sure if it has everything I need though for facing and tapping a frame and fork. It is set up for Italian and I want to build with British threading (or does it matter. I think british threading is more common. Correct me if I'm wrong). It's also missing a few tools like the headset removal tool and a couple others I'm not sure the purpose of. It's $1500. Is that a fair price? I will be using it or trade it for something I can use. What do you think??? Thanks.

145807

the headset tools are good, but you'll need to find the british bb taps. It's a good start.

Out of curiosity, does Camp still make tool kits?

I'm not an expert on the Campy tool set lust. I think a lot of the set predates certain modern parts, and as a result it is far from complete. Think of modern headsets. Also. It is an old tool, there are premium makers of cutting tools today, maybe Strawberry, why not go there? Keep in mind it isn't so much Campy after it has been sharpened once, so why not buy the stuff from the guys who sharpen it today, or similar. Though some like the format of Campy better. For practicality It would be a "no" for me.

The other side though is price. That is far from the highest price I have heard, and with a little research you might be able to confirm that you will be scooping a very cool old piece with little real risk that you will pay much or anything for holding on to it for a while. A lot of folks start with cheap tools and then upgrade later, the approach of buying vintage at a decent price is not likely to be more costly.

if you are building steel bikes, 1" headsets still rule. The bb tap issue might be a deal killer for me, don't know how often the BSA taps come up for sale. It was top quality stuff, and I've heard that the company that actually made it is still around, but couldn't tell you who that is. This is certainly cheaper than buying new.

Ok. SO I am going to make steel bikes with modern parts. Sounds like I should pass unless I can get him to drop the price a little. He says all the cutters are sharp and in good condition. Maybe I could sell the Italian BB stuff to pay for the more common taps. I do know that these sets are very collectable.... But I want to use it.

Just out of curiosity, what tapping and threading tools do you guys/gals use? I'm trying to do it on a budget. I'll check out strawberry.

Cobra taps will fit the Campy handles and still readily available. They also make an English thread BB facer pilot sleeve, which you'd need in order to face English thread bottom brackets. Figure about $500-$600 to get these pieces to allow you to work on English thread frames.

if you are building steel bikes, 1" headsets still rule. The bb tap issue might be a deal killer for me, don't know how often the BSA taps come up for sale. It was top quality stuff, and I've heard that the company that actually made it is still around, but couldn't tell you who that is. This is certainly cheaper than buying new.

What is a BSA tap?

What is a BSA tap?
English thread

That's a pretty fair price for what it is, but if you are only interested in practical -- as opposed to collector -- value, I agree that you are better of buying new tools from a current maker.

That's a pretty fair price for what it is, but if you are only interested in practical -- as opposed to collector -- value, I agree that you are better of buying new tools from a current maker.
Any recommendations as to which tools I should buy? And which manufacturer? I am thinking I need a BB tap and facer, a seat tube reamer???, A head tube facer and reamer and a steerer die and holder. I can make any jigs for brazing/welding. Anything else I'm missing?

I spent a few hours last night looking at cyclus, cobra and strawberry tools...

I've used Cyclus, Park and Bicycle research. The Cyclus was pretty nice, Park is a solid value.

You also need dropout alignment tools. They come with the campagnolo set. There are better ones, but the Parks aren't it.

dupe

Any recommendations as to which tools I should buy? And which manufacturer? I am thinking I need a BB tap and facer, a seat tube reamer???, A head tube facer and reamer and a steerer die and holder. I can make any jigs for brazing/welding. Anything else I'm missing?

I spent a few hours last night looking at cyclus, cobra and strawberry tools...

Well, unless you plan on using an aftermarket fork, you'll need a fork crown race facing tool. Also, don't forget taps for waterbottle bosses, dropout adjusters, and derailleur hangers.

Ok. SO I am going to make steel bikes with modern parts. Sounds like I should pass...

So, if you are going to pass, can I buy it? Please send me an instant message with a contact for the seller.