A bigger show again this year at the London Olympic Velodrome. This year there were several toolmakers present, in particular three frame building jigs on display.
The most interesting from the homebuilders point of view is probably the Bicycle Academy jig which was displayed as a pre production model and will retail for £2000.
It is 145cm long at the base, so longer than many others. However it does appear to have the best access I have seen from both sides, always a problem when brazing in jigs. There will be a swivel attachment for a bench or stand. Also tube rests and a tube centring guide will be available which are not shown in the photograph. Production models should be available on the web site soon, www.thebicycleacademy.org. I suspect this is the lowest price jig with inbuilt measurement guides.
Also of interest was the Meister Jig made by Peter Neur. this has a similar appearance to the Anvil and Sputnik jigs also from the USA but is less expensive at $3195 including rotating mount but not stand. This would be just under £2000, but a full set of tube guides adds £500. Remember importing from the USA is expensive as you have to add VAT, import duties which include airport fees and customs clearance fees as well as postage which is around £300 – £500 depending on weight in my experience so this can add several hundred pounds to the cost. Peter Neur says his jig is uniquely packable to two relatively small boxes which keeps postage to a minimum. also there is no lead time as at the time of the show he had 6 in stock.
The amazing thing about this jig is that it can incorporate a fork fixture without buying a separate tool. this can be had for an extra $695, which is cheaper than a separate unit.
Meister jig have a website:www.meisterjig.com though admit it is rudimentary and are happy to take phone calls.
(UPDATE – AS OF APRIL 2015 MEISTERJIG SEEMS TO HAVE DROPPED OFF THE RADAR AND THE WEBSITE IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL)
Finally Sputnik Tool had their well regarded jig on display with various tools. Unfortunately there was no one on the stand at the time to explain to me what they were for!
Sputnik tools are amongst the most expensive with the frame jig costing a minimum of $4500. The owner Jeff Buchholz makes all the tools himself so I am given to understand waiting lists are long. http://www.sputniktool.com.
