Program the bender for new handlebars or other parts we are doing. I also am doing purchasing and receiving for the raw materials or other parts we need in the shop. I first started stickering frames, forks and bars. If you got a frame with dirty fingerprints under the stickers they were probably mine. Can you tig weld a BMX frame and is it similar to weld Motorcycle frames?
Jason: I can weld up a frame but it takes me a while. I don't practice enough. I think motorcycles are easier because the tubing is a lot thicker and the welds don't have to look as good as a bmx frame. Some of the motorcycles you see with mig welds that look like bird shit are $10,000 bikes. Funny how a 15 year old kid is pickier then a 50 year old dude.
Can you use the tools at S&M or do you have your own workshop? Jason: I go back and forth. If I need to weld something or fabricate something I do it at S&M. But if my bike is at home and I need to fix something little I do it there. Right now half of my Sportster is at home and the other half is at work.
Favourite tool? What tool is on your wish list? Jason: Any tool that gets the job done, but a Burr King sander is pretty bad ass. I wouldn't mind a plasma cutter. It would definitely save some time. A tig welder at home would also be nice.
What is the stupiest thing you did when using dangerous tools? Jason: Probably the first time I used a lathe. I left the chuck key in the chuck and turned it on. It shot out at 500 or so rpm's and hit the wall. Luckily I was standing a couple inches to the side. Getting flashed from welding isn't very fun either.
Do you work on engines or manly fabricating frames/forks/handlebars etc? Jason: I have done a little engine work but mostly on my car. I haven't needed to do anything on my bikes yet besides the basics: plugs and oil. It's the electric that fucks with me. I made a pair of bars for my bike to feel the same as the SlamBars on my BMX. I'm about to start cutting my Sportster apart to strengthen it up a bit and shave down my fork legs.
Are you still riding BMX bikes? Jason: I try and ride every day. Even if it's only pedaling around the block during lunch at work or a beach ride when I get home. I was riding the track during the winter because they have lights but now I'll start hitting up the trails.
What kinda motorcycles do you prefer and where are you working on at the moment?
Jason: I have two Harley's so I guess older Harley’s. I just tore my 71' Sportster apart one night when I was bored. I'm going to clean up the frame and throw some new old parts on it.
When you start a project, do you plan everything or see how it comes together? Jason: I just see how it comes together. I try and plan some things but end up forgetting what I was going to do. Too many Newcastles.
Do you think you can make a living building Motorcycles? Do you wish you should?
Jason: I don't know, never really thought about it. I do know I can make a living building BMX bikes. Right now I think there are too many people trying to build bikes. A lot of these aftermarket frames are all the same.
Favourite motorcycle? Chopper builder? BMX bike? BMX rider? Jason: Probably my '71 Ironhead. I can ride it like a BMX bike. No builder in particular. There are a lot of bad asses out there. S&M bikes, and rider would be the famous Dave Clymer.
Do you wear legal helmets when riding motorcycles? and on a BMX Bike?
Jason: No, that shit's overrated. Just a Biltwell helmet to make the cops happy. I wear a Pro Tec when I ride the BMX track. All the kids with full faces look at me funny. Times have changed in the race scene, from everyone wearing Pro-Tecs to every person wearing a full face nowadays. Last words?
Jason: Keep on rocking in the free world.
Previous issues of FATBMX's Workshop Wednesdays:
Episode 13: Timmy Ball
Episode 12: Kim Boyle
Episode 11: Nate Hanson
Episode 10: Paul de Jong
Episode 9: Chris Collins
Episode 8: Jim Sibley
Episode 7: Shea Nyquist
Episode 6: Steve Crandall
Episode 5: Eddie Cleveland
Episode 4: Dave Osato
Episode 3: Scott Towne
Episode 2: Mike Laird
Episode 1: Harold "McGoo" McGruther
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.