Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 1953/54 Bianchi CdM, 63 Bianchi Record, 2~1968 Bianchi Record , 81 Raleigh Competition, 73 Italvega Nuovo Record , 76 Araya Randonneur, 72 Gitane Interclub, 87 Centurion Le Mans RS , 2008 Motobecane Hybrid, 86 Miyata 710, 91 Miyata Triple Cross
I agree with old and new on learning first things first. Welding/brazing - learn it. Be Professional grade. Learn to be the best you can be. Weld shop...local college or trade school. So what if it takes you a course or two...you will learn how not to screw up ANYTHING you buy. You will also learn all about all of the metals you will be working with and methods to make them be what you want. (and become a "tweakMaster" by fudging here and there on the tricky stuff)
I plan on doing the same after finishing my degree this year. I am considering machine shop also to learn how to make my own lugs and bb. I know a guy who did same thing as I suggested to you...he has his own custom Ironworks shop now making custom fencing. He isn't there half the time...as he has employees who work for him. He trained them all...and lets them do the work for them. Not bad for junior college weld shop and a little motivation!