Hey Everyone,
I could use some help with a list of toolmakers, big and small. I know there are a few on this forum as well. Once I have a list I can dive in and pull out what individual tools they have and pretty up the list.
I hope we can also build this thread with some reviews and user photos!
Damn, I was going to say The Bicycle Academy, but now I see they went out of business late 2022. I’ve got their LCFF, a clever design does what it says on the tin.
Thanks everyone. I recently came across http://oakes.bike/ thanks to this forum. When I checked a month ago, they had some cool dies and parts. However, the website is dead now. Does anyone know more about that company?
I expanded this topic to general tools, that are specific to the frame building process. It would be cool if people could post a picture and write up a quick review/summary!
Useful for setting up bends, fixtures, and mitering tubes
This is the only one I have found with a small V groove for tubes!
Magnetic base is easy to use
One tip: Cobra Joe’s video demonstrates zeroing the angle finder on the horizontal arm, but IMO, that arm can easily be +/-.2 off. Its much more accurate to zero on the “straight” part of the tube (circled in red below)
Maybe everyone already knows this, but I was surprised at how well pipe cutters work. to trim tubes. THe ones with six ball bearings seem to work well. I will find the exact models we use. Or maybe someone has the beta on the best cutter?
Ah good to hear. Sounds like the business itself had to go, but it’s reassuring that those involved are working on an alternative business model for the tools and the teaching it seems.
Essential tool if you don’t have a lathe and need things cut square (or I guess perfectly round and flat?). I use mine a lot for making stems.
Mines a Ridgid that’ll do 6-35mm tubes. I think it was $100 cad. It’s pretty burly and the cutting wheels are somewhat easy to find locally and very easy to get from everyone’s favourite billionaire.
