One Way To Do It...

[SirJoey]

Here's a decent way to clamp hub flanges in place for tack welding, using a freewheel adapter & a couple of fairly strong, spring-loaded clamps:

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/3716/clamped1re6.jpg

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/7827/clamped2um1.jpg

For me, this worked extemely well. After aligning the flange, I tacked the first side, rotated it 180 in the vice without moving the clamps, tacked the other side, then removed the clamps & added my 3rd & 4th tacks. The outer flange can be done the same way.

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

[theDude]

That is a really good idea.

[SirJoey]

That is a really good idea.

Thanx. Those clamps are stronger than they look, BTW.

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

[TheKid]

Excellent Joey. I like those clamps too. They're cheap, quick, and easy.

[SirJoey]

Excellent Joey. I like those clamps too. They're cheap, quick, and easy.

Thanx. They come with rubber covers over the tips, which are removeable, fortunately. I bought a few in the smaller size, too. They do come in handy, occassionally.

The advantage of using the freewheel adapter, instead of the shaft collar, is that the adapters are wider, so the clamps fit tighter.

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

[theDude]

I really need to spend some more time digging around the parts sections on niagra and nova. I've been riding a bike since I was 3 and never knew some of this stuff even existed. I thought I was in a whole new world a few years ago when I bought my Trek 1500 road bike but I had no idea what else was out there.

[SirJoey]

...a few years ago when I bought my Trek 1500 road bike but I had no idea what else was out there.

I bought a Trek racing bike a LONG time ago, before my first bent (which was in 1985). In fact, I think the company was just getting started at the time, but was already making a name for themselves pretty quickly.

Anyway, it was really nice (for an upwrong), & super light. Had the trick, totally hidden brake cables (first I'd ever seen), & was the first bike I ever owned with presta valves (which I hate). That was sometime in the early 80s. Hard to believe, they're STILL one of the big names in bikes.

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7131/sirjoeysigmedij1.gif

[savarin]

neato. nice one, thanks

[theDude]

I bought a Trek racing bike a LONG time ago, before my first bent (which was in 1985). In fact, I think the company was just getting started at the time, but was already making a name for themselves pretty quickly.

Anyway, it was really nice (for an upwrong), & super light. Had the trick, totally hidden brake cables (first I'd ever seen), & was the first bike I ever owned with presta valves (which I hate). That was sometime in the early 80s. Hard to believe, they're STILL one of the big names in bikes.

Yeah, I felt like I was on a rocket the first time I took it out. I was used to riding heavy steel mountain bikes that took both hands to lift and I can easily throw my Trek over my shoulder with one hand. Once my butt got used to it I was in love. Then, last year, I had the opportunity to ride a bent and I was hooked. I can't afford to have two expensive bikes hanging in my garage so it looks like it's time to build one. :)

[TheKid]

The freewheel adapter method is better than my shaft collar method. One caveat for those of us who use welders that create a lot of spatter: wrap the threads with a few layers of aluminum foil. tape works too, but it has a tendency to melt into the threads.