So for the next 5 days I will have the chance to weld stuff. I’ve been thinking of what to weld, when I realized that I have two URC steel frames. One of them is currently on a unicycle, but the other one of the bottom brackets is warped and I am unable to fix it. (Also, one is URC M and the other URC L). So I thought, why not cut the bearing housing off one at an angle, shave down the paint, and weld them together for a steel V frame? Any thoughts on which one (L/M) should keep the bearing housings, tips, cautions, or ideas? Thanks. Also, it will be MIG welding, and I have experience
Counter argument, why do you need to risk your frames. The only piece you really need is the bearing housing. Everything else you can do using tubes.
Well, theres always some risk in all aspects of unicycles. I really want to create something of use, something cool this week, I want a real project. I have tried something similar in the past while trying to convert a 16" frame into a 24" frame… the reason that didn’t work was because the cheap frame wasn’t pure steel and was impossible to weld. If this works out, and I think it should, then I would have a really cool homemade V frame.
Your extra frame itself fits bearings fine, it’s just the cap that’s bad right? If so maybe build one frame into a v frame with steel tubing and leave the other one alone for different riding styles or incase anything goes wrong with the v frame project. You might be able to salvage some material from a crappy bicycle. Generally I think V frames are more of a road unicycle thing versus mountain so maybe leave which ever frame fits a wider tire for muni and build the other one.
Learning to weld is a very useful skill. I will never regret learning to weld it has come in handy in my hobbies and repair work around my home and garage. Beside that it’s very fun
@ManiusTerentiusPullus That’s a considerable risk, but I can’t wait to see what you create!
I miss my high school welding class
I had lots of fun learning to weld, although I didn’t do much project-wise. I would like to take a welding program at my local community college, but I’m already knee deep in my engineering program so that’s something I can’t quite commit to yet. I don’t know, maybe if I feel I need a small break from university I might give it a go if costs aren’t too high
Just metalworking in general I feel would be a great thing to learn
Whatever you end up doing with your project, have fun with it ![]()
You can get a 200 amp stick welder at the home Depot for $70. this is a great unit to learn on, all you will need is a welding helmet, gloves wire brush and a slag hammer. The only other thing you need is scrap steel and YouTube and you are ready to learn. the next step up would be a MIG welder either flux core or with a co2 argon bottle. Used welders are out there also. I gave my stick welder to a friend, I have a nice little 110 volt unit from Eastwood’s that is great for doing sheet metal and a larger 220 volt unit from harbor freight that can handle much thicker steel.
What kind of V-frame? Similar to the Nimbus Oregon or rather a custom speed machine?
Like
vs.
Either way, I guess if you make one frame out of two ordinary ones you’ll end up with a heavy lump of a unicycle, at least if they’re made of steel. Not sure it’s worth it. Then again, the process of trying and creating something new on your own certainly is.
More like the second one
I think I agree on it being a very heavy machine. I’m just not sure I would be willing to use two good frames as guinea pigs, as an introduction to welding the frames may not survive to ride another day.
I probably made light of what is needed to weld Other than the actual act of welding you have the cutting, fitting and jigging to make sure everything is straight. You need tools and materials to cut metal such as saws grinders, drills and files. you also need ways of holding metal while cutting and grinding, vises, clamps, an assistant ect. You also need clamps, jigs, magnets and vise grips to hold pieces together while welding. You also need safety equipment, heavy duty gloves for welding and cut protection while working with sharp metal, face and eye protection , ventilation and masking, a welding jacket or apron and a fire extinguisher. When I learned to weld I already had a very equiped work shop. if learning in a class room environment these items will probably be provided and probably the best place to learn with an experienced instructor.
How has no one posted these boat anchors (oops I mean squid frames)… Sorry i stole the images, my V2 frame is a bit awkward to reach…
I changed my plans, no longer cutting one frame and welding it on another, I am instead using square steel bars to attach. I just finished grinding down the paint on the frame.
Curious to see what you’ll end up with. I’m still not convinced it’s worth the hassle, particularly since you’re not working with 32" or 36" frames (the typical speed machines). Anyway, wish you lots of fun in the process and an end product that you will use proudly. ![]()
Did my first weld.. went well. I’ve since cut this piece in the center and grinded it down, don’t have a picture yet
Not sure if its the angle but that looks like an insanely high bar placement?













