Homemade Tools
 

As I move through the process of building my first few frames, I'm spending much time making tools to make this easier. I'm seeking some inspiration for how others solve similar issues. I'll start with a tube butt gauge I built. I also have a few lug vices and a canti boss jig that I'll take some photos of soon.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...659b2ff367.jpg

My butt checker is a bit embarrassing, even though it works fine, I have been meaning to make a new one. I really like the Farr butt checker https://farrframeworks.com/farr-tools

Heh heh heh, you said butt checker. Heh heh.

Agreed, the Farr gauge is really nice like all of his tooling. I'm hoping he makes the Bringheli add-ons again. They would make my jig much more useful.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...08169f9d55.jpg
I made this one for another builder, because I don't use these cable stops.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3b4b9e9120.jpg
My home made heat sinks.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0bb05c92a9.jpg
My butt checker. I have made several of these for other builders in the past.

Nice work. How does the stop fixture mount to the head tube?

It attaches with a set screw. This is an in-process shot of the fixture, while I was making it.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5503299a96.jpg

Cynikal- Why the third and square beam? A simple flat plate is all that's needed to hold the butt gage in a bench vice. The shorty versions are cute but I like the ability to rest the tub's length on the support beam as completely as possibly. Less chance for tube wobbling errors of the read out. Andy
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...01f3cb249a.jpg

I had thought that I would braze feet on it so it would stand on it's own. Turns out I just put that part in the vice like yours. Maybe I'll cut it off and repurposed it, who knows.

This is a simple jig I made for hand-mitring. You set the angle you want by lying one arm flat on the table and using a digital angle finder box. Then you tighten that nut (the bolt is welded on the other side). Then you can put your two tubes into it, holding them flat inside the bits of angle iron, and see how well they fit up. It works pretty well and is easier than trying to peer at things in the jig because you can hold it all up to the light and move it all round.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2330d3c8b2.jpg
Jig for hand-mitring

Guy153
That's neat! I saved that pic!!

I saw a butt checker that's just a rod with a ball bearing brazed into it at the end. indicator stand sits on the bench and put the rod in a vise.

Simple and stiff, just like I wish I was still:) Andy

Another thread tangented to a tool I had photoed and I remembered this thread. So I'm resurrecting this starting with that tool.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7c27dd5dfb.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...463f79baac.jpg


I am slowly replacing this tool with a newer version. The two shots above are of the first version and the current second one. Both used the same plate with Vees to locate the big ends of blades/stays but these Vees were hand cut (and by their looks while I was "distracted") and didn't hold the blade/stay ends at the same height. So making sure the two blades/stays and drop outs were at the same angle was tricky. Being able to quickly remove, file a bit more and retest the blade/stay during it's slotting was quite nice. A good tooling idea not done well.

The replacement plate end will have a longer workstand jaw holding shaft, Vees that are extremely close to being the same size and the swinging tabs will be nicer. Otherwise the same basic design. In time the axle end will get re done with a slightly wider/longer axle and a bit more stand off from the beam. The beam's length adjustment will remain. I might add a thing that clamps to the beam mid way and helps to support/keep parallel the blades/stays, like some fork jigs have. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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To further move this thread and invite other's home made tools here's a couple of braze on bit holders.

The tinker toy version is my earlier attempt. I have 4 of them. No special machines to make these (an important element for many). There are series of bolt together holes (added after this shot) to allow adjusting the various locations of the bits. I use a hose clamp to secure these to the frame.

The sleeker version is inspired by the Sputnik ones. I made two different shaped end links that press onto the braze on bit. Vee grooved and knife edged. I have 3 of these and use either hose clamps or spring clamps. Andy

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ad4b8b20ce.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d985cadeea.jpg

Here's the now completed stay/blade to drop out fixture. I placed the just finished (for now, till I see how the tire/rings interface...) chainstays and they sit very well in this new fixture. Unlike the old one there's no slight offness between the two sides during set up. I suppose I could have tweaked the old one to better situate the blades/stays WRT the drop outs but making stuff is more fun.

So anyone want the old one? The beam's center sliding extender (.75"x.058" wall tube is what I use) would have to be made, I'll toss in two M5 binder barrels and you provide the rest. $25 plus shipping. The new one took about 5 hours to make and I suspect the old would want a couple of hours to get going. Andy

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...810183b954.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...afec79549f.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cf4c9f8678.jpg

I'd be interested in that. I'll PM you.

I have a chainstay tool mocked up. I like Andy's mounting system. Have to think about that. I'm making it out of extrusion

Eric- I suspect your design will be more versatile, and likely straighter then mine. All I wanted was a simple way to hold the parts while checking after hand mitering and during brazing. In hindsight now that I am trying to make a 2.5+ tire width bike I see how a fixture which can have tire mock ups attached to check for clearance is a real help. Andy

I certainly have thought that better is the enemy of good enough as far as this goes. Side to side is not that important as long as it's in range. Tilt might be a problem. I'm thinking about how I can use laser cut parts to make it a little better. It seems like there lots of applications for that. Konga bikes has some dxf you can download. I suggest you look at their insta before downloading though https://kongabicycles.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kongabicycles/?hl=en

I'm thinking about how to laser cut some parts for a shift lever boss tool

Guess this tool time. I made this today (my 650B MtB project is paused waiting for BB delivery) to help me do something I have been frustrated with for years. What is this for? Andy (the answer tomorrow:))
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...abdb51f264.jpg

The hole and the bolt look like they're for clamping this to the table of a mill or drill press. The semi-circular notch might be for adding a clamp to stop it all spinning round. Then it looks like there's a channel and another clamp for holding the work, perhaps something that already has a 90 degree bend in it as this would explain the small round hole at the back. Maybe it's for holding narrow tubing such as for a rack while notching it? But then I would have expected that channel to have a round bottom. But this is my best guess.

I have no clue. I'm waiting to find out. I'll hold my breath.

I should go fix my mill in the interim.

It's to hold a number/letter punch in place WRT the BB shell. I've struck so many times with the letters being off angle, uneven heights and spacing. I have plans for another that clamps to the steerer. Andy
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...32fd186475.jpg

Nice! I would never have guessed what you made it for.