>>2020437this is utter BS.
I TIG and I braze. If you want to be dirt cheap: Buy a second hand oxy outfit, get a bottle of propane, one or two propane specific tips and a cheap adjustable propane reg. All of this will be less than 100 bux if you're not stupid. Get a bottle of oxygen too ofc. Get flux and brass, another 50 bux for those materials.
As for TIG: While I happen to have a high end TIG for unrelated reasons, looking at how IGBT inverters absolutely plummted in pricing somewhere in the last two decades I can not delate to your BS.
A cheap frame is cheaper than either a cheap welding or brazing outfit. A good feame is pricier. Let alone an entire bicycle.
No excuses. If anyone WANTS to build frames they can just get an old oxy outfit, switch to propane, take a few old lugged frames, take thosr apart and start practicing. After a few joints you're ready to build a frame from mild steel tubing and it will be safe to ride. Go from there. Don't fall for the bicycle specific tubeset meme. They have their place, but stick to Benteler brand CrMo first and much longer than you think, IMO. Not chinese CrMo.
