Man, this is taking a long time. Finally got some more work in on the frame last night. We cut the seat stays. These, like the down tube, are called “floating tubes,” which I think means that their geometry doesn’t affect the ride. That is, their geometry is determined by the other tubes. Top tube and seat tube length, and head tube and seat tube angles are the important measurements.

Even though they don’t matter much in that sense, they take more planning to cut. First all the other tubes are put in the jig. Then, in a combination of careful measuring and eyeballing, the length and miter angle for the stays are calculated.

They are put in a fixture and cut together. At this point all that’s left is to drill the drain hole in the BB, clean and degrease everything, and tack it. Then it will get welded, and finally the brake bridge will be cut and welded in.