Custom-T MRB MkIV by Keith Rylance

[Factualgnome]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mountain-bik ... 1438.l2649

 

[KeepItSteel]

That's some pretty 'rustic' welding right there

 

[Racin'snake]

Re:

If that is a mk 4 then wtf does a mk 1,2 or 3 look like?!

 

[legrandefromage]

As its aluminium, thats pretty normal welding.

Neat welds dont necessarily guarantee a good join with weld depth and penetration.

The 'neat' welding you often see on Taiwanese frames is done by a pre programmed pulse welder with the operator on frame number 1054 possibly even just welding one part together whilst the next operator welds another bit .

 

[KeepItSteel]

Thank heavens for Taiwanese pulse welders then

 

[legrandefromage]

Thank heavens for Taiwanese pulse welders then

But thats missing the point entirely, the robotisized 'neat weld' doesnt guarantee a good join. Its the mechanical join between to bits of aluminium thats important. Steel is an entirely different material requiring different methods, materials and temperatures.

Have a look at these welds from a very famous frame builder

And our very own danson67, 'Olympic' standard of welding:

https://www.draftwheelchairs.com/shop/p ... rettyPhoto

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=374292&hilit=gearbox

 

[KeepItSteel]

They're better looking welds than the subject frame. I'm not necessarily doubting the weld integrity, just the aesthetic.
I don't recall many Zaskar weld failures (I could be wrong), but the US 'handmade' LE frames were tidy.
Good enough for Hans, good enough for me, etc

 

[legrandefromage]

The welding on that frame is what it is and no different to my Zaskar or any other hand welded aluminium frame

 

[KeepItSteel]

Oh c'mon now, you've already accepted that Zaskars have neater welding!
That frame above has messy welding, I really don't see an argument to be had.

 

[legrandefromage]

I have an aluminium welder standing who says its perfectly fine welding.