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Bookstand made from old bikeframe

Material: old frame, two brakeshoes, clearcoat
Tools: metal saw or flex, drill, file, sandpaper, vice

Old bicycle frames are wonderful starting products for everyday items and art objects and projects. Out of the rear triangle and seat tube can be made, for example a nice book or CD rack for daily desktop literature and favorite records . For me it is the dictionary or legal texts that I should always have at my fingertips.

So to work. Clamp the frame in a vice and cut with a flex or metal saw the two rear struts and the seat tube , don't forget to wear protective goggles. Try to cut at the correct lenght of the stand; this avoids additional work at a later stage.

File the cut of part at the seat post to an angle that will support the bookcover. To get a clear surface apply chemical paint stripper or sand blast the workpiece. Of course you can also leave the color on it. Then the stand looks more made ​​from a bicycle. This saves time and effort . But I wanted a bare piece of metal; to me that looks more adorable. Use a brass wire brush to clean the metall entirely from any paint, then use very fine sandpaper to polish the workpiece. The result should be an nice shiny stell surface. I also received good results with a brass pot for the drill.

Since the seat tube functions as a contact surface on which the book is supported, the corresponding slope must be worked accurately. You should be in a near perpendicular angle to the spine. The same angles I have filed for aesthetic reasons in the two seat stay cut oofs. That was a bit lengthy, but well worth it.

The hole for the saddle clamp is responsible for a sloping appearance of the stand, which is not very favorable to support books and looks awarked. Therefore I straightened the rear struts with two brake shoes, which I fitted in drilled holes. This way the stand get an even more recycelt look.

So, now a few more coats of clear coat on the piece and the christmas gift is ready. Without this glossy protective layer the piece might rust.

I have fitted the stand with bike literature right away and it looks beautiful. Could be a real eye-catcher on the desk of a bicycle nerd. Very nice is the fact, that the frame number is clearly visible. This adds a very honest and technical look to the part.

Here you will find more pictures.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!