Types of Schwinn frame construction

[Schwinn Sales West]

When did Schwinn coin "Electro Forging?"

??????, Before my time.

John

 

[AS-1]

??????, Before my time.

John

For the sake of historic accuracy and academic integrity, it seems to me that we need to identify that date. It's a pepper shaker kind of a thang.

 

[AS-1]

1967........who knew?

 

[AS-1]

Frank usues the term "butt flash welding" which is not nearly as futuristic as Electro-forging.

But it is real! I think the use of "electro-forging" to describe welding processes used in the 1940s is irresponsible and historically inaccurate. Even though the term flows off the tip of the tongue with a certain dramatic flair, it does more to boost the ego of the user than to correctly describe a simple, very direct Arc welding function. It's kinda like guys calling a sprocket a "chain ring." F.W.S. would laugh out loud.

BUTT FLASH.....yah, Baby!

 

[AS-1]

If I didn't love my CABE handle "AS-1" so much, I swear I'd change it.

Because it more closely exemplifies my true personality, I'd like to change my handle to "Butt Flash."

Amen?????

Amen!!!!!

 

[ozzie]

Imagine all the Schwinn adverts over the years promoting butt flash welded frames instead of electro forged frames!

 

[Miq]

But it is real! I think the use of "electro-forging" to describe welding processes used in the 1940s is irresponsible and historically inaccurate. Even though the term flows off the tip of the tongue with a certain dramatic flair, it does more to boost the ego of the user than to correctly describe a simple, very direct Arc welding function. It's kinda like guys calling a sprocket a "chain ring." F.W.S. would laugh out loud.

BUTT FLASH.....yah, Baby!

I’m not a welding expert but I’m pretty sure that’s not true. Electro-forging and arc welding are not the same. They share the use of electricity to produce heat but there are many differences. Arc welding requires setting up an “arc” and that is only possible if there is space between the two metals connected to the different sides of the electrical power supply. It’s ionized gas (plasma) that makes the heat in arc welding.

In resistance welding like the CWC “Hart” method or the Schwinn “electro-forging” method it is the current passing through the resistance at the interface between the two metals connected to the different sides of the electrical power supply. Very high current is passed through the interface resistance and heat is created. The two parts are smashed together during this process and there is no space to creat an “arc”.

Here is a site where you can see a comparison of the methods. Comparison Site

 

[Trainman999]

Schwinn Sales West. Great post . 2 things, on the luged frames brass is used on the early frames . silver use starts in the mid 50's. Both are used into the 60's oOn the alumnium frames the alloy is 5000 series and the frames are not heat treated after welding. https://waterfordbikes.com/SchwinnCat/flschwinn_1981_1990/1990_MTB_Road_Cat_05.html

 

[ozzie]

It would be great to know which company was the first to press the steel sections and then weld them together. @Freqman1 1937 pod bike below has the EF seat stay/chain stay section. The head tube also looks to be EF.

 

[AS-1]

I’m not a welding expert but I’m pretty sure that’s not true. Electro-forging and arc welding are not the same. They share the use of electricity to produce heat but there are many differences. Arc welding requires setting up an “arc” and that is only possible if there is space between the two metals connected to the different sides of the electrical power supply. It’s ionized gas (plasma) that makes the heat in arc welding.

In resistance welding like the CWC “Hart” method or the Schwinn “electro-forging” method it is the current passing through the resistance at the interface between the two metals connected to the different sides of the electrical power supply. Very high current is passed through the interface resistance and heat is created. The two parts are smashed together during this process and there is no space to creat an “arc”.

Here is a site where you can see a comparison of the methods. Comparison Site

I oversimplified the process for the sake of this discussion. Take two battery cables that are attached to the battery posts of your car battery and hold them together.