Hello - first time frame builder here, working without a jig trying to make my first bike rideable and safe. The brazing is going well - my problem is in my chainstay alignment. There's a few pics I uploaded to flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/24722787@N00/


So I've gotten the general "eyeball" of the alignment straight (see pic aiming down top tube). I had to do some minor "cold setting" using the Sheldon Brown 2x4 method, but it seems pretty straight to the eye at this point. I've got it to where using the string from dropout, around head tube, to other dropout is within 1mm (see pics, it's actually 1 mm further away on the drive side). Problem is, the wheel is clearly still closer to the drive side (see pics with toothpick with a hash on it to show difference) - which makes even less sense given the "string test" shows that dropout slightly further outward compared to the non-drive side. My dropouts appear flush to the axle (see pics). I haven't brazed in seat stays yet, but when I hold them in place, they're equidistant from the wheel rim. Lastly - when I measure from the tip of the BB lug to the dropout, they appear to also be equidistant, so it doesn't appear that one CS is longer than the other. Also - the wheel is true and dished fine (same issue if I flip the wheel over, and when the wheel spins, the difference doesn't change).

Not sure at this point what could be causing it to be closer on one side than the other, but it's about 5mm closer to the drive side than the non-drive side. I'd like it to be even, but I guess I'm not sure what to do at this point. If this will ride straight, then it's probably not worth breaking the braze and re-brazing one of them, but I'm not sure if this difference will make it ride poorly, or if I'll be alright.

Any idea/suggestions on why it might be closer to one CS, or how this will effect ride quality would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for listening to my noobie ramblings and for your help.