As some of you know I’m learning to build bicycle frames. One major piece of equipment I will need is a bicycle jig. The best of the best is an Anvil jig (http://www.anvilbikes.com/portfolio-item/frame-fixtures/) However with its heavy price tag of around £4000.00 I am looking into the DIY route.
It has technical drawings and instructions to build the jig however I feel like this bicycle jig and the accuracy of it is beyond my engineering capabilities so I’m calling on anyone who is willing to help me out with this project.
Does this sound interesting to anyone?
I would love to discuss this further with anyone willing.
I’m working for a company that uses aluminium extrusions with t slots to assemble frames similar to the one shown on the instructables project. The goods come from KJN in Leicester. If you decide that aluminium extrusions are the way forward, I might be able to get some.
The instructables looks pretty comprehensive and you get a decent jig out of it. I’m willing to help, let me know when you get started and what you need help with
My current project involves extrusions as well. I’m going to use the shapeoko cnc for all the connection plates and I bought my extrusions off ooznest. Unfortunately we don’t have the tools get the shapeoko to cut aluminium yet, so the plan is to use our current setup with a centre drill to place all the holes correctly, then drill and mill each plate to size on one of the mini mills. This should save me quite a bit of time measuring and marking.
I’m also contemplating using the cnc to very lightly score out the rectangular outline of each plate with the spindle turned off. If that works ok then I might have an accurate shape I can cut out using a hacksaw and finish square on the mill.
I’d recommend autodesk fusion 360. Its free and like sketchup on steroids but still as easy to use. It can prepare files for both the cnc and the 3d printer. There are a few users in the space who use it including myself so don’t hesitate if you need help with it.
Bits mainly. I have some HSS ones on their way but amazon says these could take up to three weeks to arrive. Plus what we really need is carbide. And yeah even for carbide 33000 rpm is too fast. Although I was going to try it anyway because I don’t care about wearing out the HSS bits (they were £5 for five). But we need either the other spindle or a hack for the ryobi to use it properly.
I’m in the space now I have the shapeoko ready to drill some centre holes in some 4mm plate, just waiting for someone else to turn up so I am within house rules
Just not too keen on the bit snapping at high speed but that’s highly unlikely i suppose. I’m drilling at 0.1mm depth. I have other stuff to do but its possible i’ll get bored
Sounds like an excellent project. If you get the supplier of your extrusion to cut it to length for you, do make sure you ask them to be as precise as they can. If you don’t, you will most likely end up with sections that are upwards of 3mm too long or too short. That is the tolerance that most stockholders work too when they sell cut-to-your-specs sections.
If you tell them you need more precision, they’ll like as not oblige and put their glasses on…
Just a thought. I have looked at the instructables page showing the jig you want to make. I couldn’t open the drawing files, however, there are a few bits there (like the cone shaped parts, the sliding aluminium plate with a radiused slot) that someone who is a member of the Society of Model and Experimental Engineers could probably make for you.
They are not far from you, on Wanless Road at the top end of Herne Hill.
I’m sure someone there would be willing to help you.
Hello! I’m so sorry I’ve totally dropped of the radar! I’ve been getting my first bike done. I am looking into getting it painted and then back onto building a jig. Thank you very much for your advise and seems like a brilliant possibility and starting point.
great!