51 Columbia - First build

Here is my 51 Columbia.

http://motoredbikes.com/album.php?albumid=581

I started it in December. I do not have welding skills (yet) so a cool tank and laid-back seat post are in the plans.

Features:
26" Workman wheels: drum front with 10.5 gauge spokes, coaster rear with 11 gauge spokes
kill switch is wonderful
ghost sprocket as tensioner


Problems:
chain/wheel clearance
front springer not functional - shoulder bolts?
tank or faux tank - Does anyone have drawings/pictures of tanks in progress?
laid-back seat post
electrical
im shy about chopping off the original tank tabs

Any feedback? Suggestions? Comments?
 
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Your welding isn't bad for a beginner. The best way to improve it is to practice on some scrap metal. Of course a good welder teaching you helps too. Your bike is looking great. I've got a more modern day Columbia mountain bicycle I plan to build soon. It's my goal to have at least three bikes and one tadpole recumbent. This way friends and family can ride with me.
 
this is not an insult...
You are either going to need to get MUCH better at welding or use a gastank sealer to prevent it from leaking gas. Fluxcore is not a good choice for welding stuff like a gastank. As you have found it out by blowing holes through what you are trying to weld. By using a copper backer you can weld thinner metal without blowing through.

http://www.kevincaron.com/video_detail.php?id=152
 
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I've seen pictures of IbedaYanks welds and they look quite nice. He's right a weld ment to support or reinforce something doesn't require the skill of a weld ment to prevent leaks. I've got a small MIG and TIG welder but if something seems to complex for me I get a friend who welds for a living to do it. Which is what you may need to do. That's my bad for not considering what you're welding. But still keep practicing on scrap metal you will get better.
 
me smart yank... will cut out the pieces and send up to a friend that has a tig welder when it comes time to build a gastank for a trike I have been building as fluxcore welders do NOT weld aluminum
 
thanks guys... ill look up more of kevin's videos for help...
its not flux, i have a 75/25 bottle of argon/co2...
but youre right, its tough getting all those little holes, i was able to lay a bead on flat that looked pretty decent i thought... in the last picture you can see the tests for heat and speed (i think the left side looks good)... i have a little hobart with 4 heat settings... i think if i can aim it right, i can get a good bead in the corner... and if i did one inch beads then skipped 6 inches and just went around in a circle i could cover most of the seam... then i think its just a matter of putting some air pressure in it and trying to get the big holes... and finally i will definitely seal it, just to be sure...

by all means let me know if im way off... the goal is to do the whole thing myself...








oh and thanks for the copper tip!
 
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