Originally Posted by
Lenton58
Maybe this explains why Matsumoto-san (Amvna), the local frame maker, never seems to have a jig — at least not when I've been there. Nonetheless, there is some other, very major, heavy-duty, industrial machinery in his very tiny space. I'd love to just hang about and watch an entire frame being built. Hell, I'd love to order a frame and insist on it!
He uses Ishiwata tubing. Which brings me to the point: I can see collectors getting all clammy and sweaty about such a trove of old tubing, but hasn't metallurgy come a ways since 531 in any flavor? Don't forget that the first emanation of the extruded alloy itself poked its head above ground in 1934!
BTW: That pic of Mr Drysdale really underscores the drama and impact of monochrome photography!
531 is a specific set of tubes drawn from a version of 4130 steel, although 531 is old now, Steel has been worked by man for 4000 years, different alloying materials added to steel, to change it's character is something that has been done for over 1000 years. I doubt there is much new with steel that isn't simply a refinement of something that has already been done. Heck most Reynolds tube sets now on the market are refined versions of 4130 steel, with different treatments to make them better. IIRC 953 a Maraging Stainless Steel is the only one that is substantially different.