frame jig

[hardtail69]

Yes there are many jigs for frame building out there, but I thought I might add mine and get some reaction. This jig was made with versatility in mind, since we build drift trikes now, but we may also be building motorized bicycles and perhaps eventually motorcycles as well. (Though we will probably just build them for our own use.) The frame consists of just 2x3 and 2x2 inch square tubing. The only real innovation we came up with is the use of what I call saddles, or wings as my son calls them. The reason we think that they are cool is we can slide them anywhere along the back bone of the jig and have a level, flat, and square surface, where ever we want one, for support or clamping. The wings have a piece of 2x2 tubing that is welded on, and that sits between the double back bone and we simply clamp it from the bottom, where ever we want it. The top of the saddle is made from 3/8 x 6 inch steel and in our case we made them three feet wide. Just carefully weld the center tube on the saddle so everything is flat, square, and true. The feet are just 2.5 inch by 1/2 inch bolts that fit into the nuts we welded on the bottoms of the 2x2 square tubing that are 21 inches wide. I hope this helps anyone thinking of building a frame jig. By the way, we bought the head tube part with the cones as we still do not have a lathe. Once we sell a few more drift trikes....well.... I have plans! Muahahahah

[DIYer]

Those saddles are an interesting feature, hardtail69. Would you care to post a picture of your drift trike? I'm intrigued!

[hardtail69]

the newest drift trike frame is pictured on the jig

[kbalch]

Thanks hardtail69! I've added your Frame Jig to our Metalworking category, as well as to your builder page: hardtail69's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Frame Jig by hardtail69

tags: jig, frame

[hardtail69]

here is the last of the old models we made, and yes it is for sale, just pm me if you are interested. The new models are way cooler. lol


oops sorry sold it today.

[kbalch]

Cool stuff! I admit that I had to Google "drift trike"…

Ken

[PJs]

Oh My! That is just too cool. 50 years ago we used to turn tricycle frames upside down and go down grassy hills...but this Rocks. What was it Will Smith said...I got to get me one of these...for my grandson! Thanks for sharing, made my day!

Got so excited about the drift trike I forgot to say Great build on the frame jig. Would love to see the new versions when you get it done! Thanks again!!

[hardtail69]

I am afraid you don,t want your grandson on this thing. lol It goes about 40 mph. It is a very very wild ride. the sleeves on the rear tires are made to allow you to drift the rear end. In other words the tail slides at the least provocation 360's are not only possible they are downright inevitable. I just build em, i don't ride em, lol my son does that.

[PJs]

Hi Hardtail69, I hear you, but I was racing carts (4wheel) with a top end of about 60 when I was about 12, plus I rode bikes for ~40 years...however my son is a bit tamer than I was although his Duc 1098 would pull your hair off. I know I will have to wait till my Gson is older but he should have a chance anyway! I'm wondering now how to build one big enough for someone 6'6", 250 and Old....er. Curious what kind of tubing you're using on them and bearings for the neck....lots of stress driftin @ 40mph. Also what material are the sleeves...looks like PVC pipe or something on some of the YT Vids. Again your rack looks really versatile for clamping, fitting & welding! Nice welds BTW! Spinnin with a low CG...Oh My!

[hardtail69]

The sleeves on this one are pvc, but the black PE is better though more expensive as well. For the frame we use 1.5 inch DOM .095 wall, very strong. Head tube is the same but we bore them out and use good bearings. My son is 5 foot eleven but one of the people that works with is is six two and has no problems riding . The seat on the newest model is adjustable, though i will have to talk to my son about making one for someone 6 foot 6" the weight is no problem lol the frames we build are extremely strong. I am glad you like the frame jig, the saddles are the real innovation. They are adjustable and inexpensive to customize. If you needed a saddle that was say purpose built for locating and clamping a certain kind of rear assembly say you put that one on and when you don't need it you simply take it off stand it in a corner or on a shelf and put a different one on. they are working great so far.