Frame construction: Where to cut?

[rykoala]

OK I know this is kind of lame, but I am a partial perfectionist. I don't mind hacking some things together, but other things have to be perfect. In this case, the Meridian frame.

On page 17 of the plans, it shows how long each frame piece should be, and the angles to cut. Here is my question: Are the tubing lengths given supposed to be on the long side of the cut or the short side?

For example: Imagine 12" of 1.5" square tube.

1) A 45 degree angle cut into it will take away 1.5" of length from one side of the tubing. So, one of the 4 sides will be 10.5" long, and the opposite side will be 12".
2) Now lets take a 14.5" length of tubing and do the same thing. The short side is now 12".

Which is correct for the Meridian? For the main tube and rear tube it looks like option 1, but for the front boom tube it looks like its option 2.

Am I correct on that? I'm going to have my steel supplier cut it for me so that I get it just right (I don't have a chop saw, don't trust my angle grinder skills even though I probably should) and I want to get it right.

Thanks a lot guys!

[TheKid]

You'll notice in the drawing that the seat tube is 14" on the short side, and the front tube is 12" on the long side. Pay special attention to the angle on the front. Both the main frame and the front tube are cut. Only the seat tube is cut in the rear.

[rykoala]

OK that is what I thought. I am not crazy! ;) Thanks for confirming this, Kid. I have so much learning to do with this! I plan on getting all 3 pieces in 2 cuts. So I have to plan carefully. Of course I'll have to cut one of the tubes square again, but I am confident enough to do that. I had better be. I'm building a bike! lol

I have some measuring out to do so that I can show up at the steel supplier and say "I need this tube cut here at this angle and here at this angle" and do the rest myself.

Again, many thanks.

[TheKid]

Measure 44" from the left end of a 6' long piece, and mark it at 22 1/2 degrees. (That's the front angle I mentioned that needs special attention) From the short side of that angle, (Which should be 43 1/4" from the left end) measure 12 1/8" (1/8" to allow the width of the blade) and mark it at 90 degrees. (That's the front tube) Then make a 45 degree mark on the right end, which gives you the seat tube. If the seat tube is a little long, it won't matter at all. ( It will probably be about 15 5/8" in length) Use a very fine Sharpie marker to make your marks, to insure accuracy.
I use the extra length of the seat tube to make a cap. From 1 1/2" from the square end, I mark 3 sides at 90 degrees, the cut at those marks. I then cut lengthwise, the two sides that will make the 3 sided piece fall off, leaving a "flap". All that's left to do is fold the flap over to cover the end of the tube, and tap it down with a mallet, or lay a piece of board down and rap the end down until it's flush, then weld the 3 sides shut. I find it easier than cutting a 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" piece and clamping it to the end. There's also less welding and grinding.

[rykoala]

Thanks for the in depth instructions. I made a drawing based on those directions and took it to my steel supplier. He'll have it ready for me on Monday :-) Also bought 10' of 1.5" 3/16" thick flat bar and 10' of 3/4x3/4 .065 for another project. More than enough metal for a while!

Thanks a lot.

[rykoala]

Picked up the metal yesterday for the main tube. Can't wait to get going on it!