Originally Posted by
Kontact
I did't think we were talking about lugs since we all understand that TIG welding came about with MTBs and a lack of proper lugs for them. However, lugged construction also takes longer and has greater material costs.
Of course, lugs cost money. So does a TIG setup. A hell of a lot more than a torch set.
Originally Posted by
Kontact
Frame builders, if they are honest with you, will tell you that TIG is the fastest, cheapest production method, and some builders will use TIG to experiment before going to a lugs for production. Doug Fattic, who both produces frames and teaches frame building, will tell you that if you ask him.
If TIG is "the fastest, cheapest production method" then why would they only use it for prototyping, and not for production? Yes, it's great for prototyping and experimenting. No denying that.
Originally Posted by
Kontact
The advantage of TIG cost is labor time. No brazer makes so much less than a TIG welder to make up for the additional time for fillet brazing.
You keep saying TIG is faster than brazing lugs, but I'm telling you, having brazed more than a few lugs in my career, I'm pretty sure it ain't. If it is, it's not significantly so.
Once the cost of the TIG setup is amortized, then yes, it's probably cheaper
in the long run. How long that run is, I couldn't tell you, but I'm guessing it has to be a few hundred. Many builders will get there. Others may not.