I’m asked all the time by new and hobby builders what type of cup and lens (collet body) I use for welding. For those that don’t know the “cup” is the nozzle that directs the argon out of the torch flooding the weld zone with the inert gas in order to prevent oxidation which can weaken the weld. Inside the cup is what is called a collet body and most frame builders use a gas lens type of collet body. The gas lens is basically a diffuser that allows us to use a lot of argon without creating turbulence which can suck air into the flood of argon. The cup and lens sit on the end of the torch handle and the Tungsten electrode sticks out. The electrode is what supplies the arc that melts the metal. Tungsten is used because it has and incredibly high melting temperature and won’t melt from the heat of the welding arc. The collection of these parts along with a couple other make up the “torch”. Below are pictures of a few of the cups and lenses that I use. Typically I stick with my favorite a CK industries large lens with a #12 cup. I have a few “tricks” I use to modify them in order to produce better results but they are secret. I also use a CK130 torch handle which is small and light along with a flex hose. All of which help provide as much control as possible. I keep a few extra cups around for tricky applications and have a few others that I’ve experimented with they are all pictured below.

Also there are images of Peter M’s coupled titanium road frame. It will be getting Campy Record along with an Alpha Q GS10 fork and DT1450MC wheelset. It should be done early next week and I’ll post pictures.

During the dark cold part of the year I’m going to change my “official” shop hours. I have been working from 6am to 2pm M-F but will be changing that to 8am to 4pm M-F until further notice. I expect when things warm up and I can ride I’ll want to get out of here earlier but for now I can be reached here between 8-4 Mountain Time.

Here is Luke’s touring frame. It’s made to take 44mm tires and fenders and disc brakes. I should have it done and off to paint today.

My “web guy” Todd Heckeler www.consumedesign.com is the best. We’ve been working together for years. I’m not sure exactly how may but it must be about 12 years now. He always sends me presents for Christmas, and they are always super cool. This year I got a Coop lunch box, last year it was a deck of cards and the years before that it was a couple of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth figures. I love the Hot Rod “Kustom Kulture” and the Hot Rod and Rock art that goes with it. I haven’t really tried but I’m starting to  develop a pretty good collection. Thanks Todd!

I’ll be out of the shop this Thursday and Friday for Christmas. I’ll be back on Monday and will work through Thursday and will be out on Friday the 1st for the New Year.  Monday the 4th will be business as usual again. For anyone that is in their design phase, I will be back in design mode on the 8th so expect to hear from me then. Thanks and enjoy the Holiday Season!

I thought this was kind of cool. In the picture are some frames ready to ship and one WIP. There is a steel frame, a three material frame that includes carbon, stainless and titanium, an all titanium frame, a steel and carbon frame and an all carbon tube to tube frame.

I’ve had a few customer ask if a  30mm seat collar will work on their 28.6 Seatube. If you own a steel Strong Frame, with the rare exception of some Extralites, the 28.6 Seatube is externally butted and the OD at the top of the Seatube is a 30mm. If you have a frame I built for you and you’re not sure what size collar you need, let me know and I’ll will look it up in your file. If you are sure you have a 28.6 Seatube the 30mm collar will NOT work.

Below is a titanium dirt road frame that we shipped on Thursday. It’s a large frame for a tall rider.

Work for this week is Luke’s touring frame and fork. I’ll start posting images of it tomorrow.