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Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / brazing together a motorcycle frame
- - By creedpod Date 06-14-2007 16:41
Yeah my friend and I were talking today and he wants to braze the frame of the bike together. So I was wondering can this be done and still be safe to drive?
Parent - - By Kix (****) Date 06-14-2007 16:55
I wouldn't ride it, but thats just me.  I'm thinking it wouldn't be to safe with that process.  I'd probably use a coat hanger before i would braze it and thats not safe either when your body is on the line.
Parent - - By chall (***) Date 06-14-2007 17:12
Plus 1.
Parent - - By Molten Metal (**) Date 06-14-2007 21:54
Back in the 1960's,the old rickman motocross bikes were brazed together.Fit-up is ofcourse a vital concern.Many racing bicycles are brazed as well. It is feasable and if done right very strong,however,what is the reason for this?Asthetics?Or lack of weld resources...?
Parent - - By DaveBoyer (*****) Date 06-15-2007 03:09
If it was properly engineered & executed there is no reason that it couldnt be done and be as strong and safe as any other, but if a hack just wings it, that is another story.
Parent - - By Northweldor (***) Date 06-15-2007 13:03
Since many vintage racecars used tubular silver brazed frames, with proper design the process should be perfectly safe  for a motor cycle frame. Proper engineering would be most important.
Parent - - By Bill M (***) Date 06-15-2007 19:25
Is this braze for a crack repair, or is it for new construction of a frame?
Parent - - By Steffen Date 06-15-2007 21:40
I am who he is talking about.  He must not have looked about 5 posts down where i already asked about this.  I know its not the safest or smartest way to go but safe and smart isnt always my thing.  I just like to do stuff different and looking to see if anyone has a real good reason not to.  Everyone says "i wouldnt ride it" and thats good cause they wont be, but i think it would be safe enough and i am going to give it a shot.  It wont have some big inch new motor either.  Most likley be running a 650 or 750 brit or jap motor, maybe a Ironhead.  It would probly be done in the style of a early straightleg or wishbone frame.  Its not really in the works yet just kicking around ideas and though i would ask around.

Nick
Parent - By Plasma56 (**) Date 06-18-2007 17:17
Nick, I say go for it.

A "properly" preformed braze joint using RB CuZn-C will have a higher tensile strength then regular mild steel,although it will lack in ductility when compared. That said, if the joints for welding are clean, properly prepared, fluxed, and the heat is controlled to avoid excess burning of filler elements,  oxidizing, lack of fill causing notching of the weld profile, hey it will work. A proper socket joint for a tube member with a BAg filler will be even better.

With a bit of thinking and planning about joint design go a long way, you bet.

Its a bike frame not the space shuttle rocket booster.

Problem is, most so called good welders don't have the skill or knowledge to weld with the oxy fuel torches ( let alone a decent job at cutting ) and so fear what the don't know. That said, and for the sake of safety, just make sure your up to the skills and go for it.

A Peterson publication book on Welding had a picture of a tube chassis all brazed in a Formula 1 car. Advantages being, low heat input,all position and easy of application, with the emphisis on not needing a GTAW or GMAW power source to do track side repairs.

As most posters mentioned,and maybe with alittle to much zeal, the status quo wants GTAW, what they fail to remember is what was built, hotrodded, customized, modified with good old OAW long before anyone could call themselves a TIG Welder let alone afford to buy one.
From a fella that knows, your more a visionary then a dreamer.

That said, is it outside the norm, yes, outside the relm of a do-able frame,not at all. Good luck.
Noel
Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / brazing together a motorcycle frame

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