Cutting The Skin

Anything to do with mechanical, construction etc

Cutting The Skin

Postby mrbill » Tue Jun 13, 2006 12:10 am

Hi Folks,
I'm new to teardrop construction. I started 5 weeks ago with building my trailer, and i'm just about ready to skin the unit.
The unit is a 10ft long cubby / modernaire, much like Michael Westhoff's unit.
I am using 038 semi trailer roof skin since it is readily available to me and I won't have any seams. My tear is 57 1/2" inches wide. I would really appreciate a little advice on the best approach to matching the profile and cutting the skin. I have electric shears, jigsaw, tinsnips, aviation snips as well as a cutting TORCH. So i'm fairly certain I can cut, but what is the best way of doing it correctly the first time?

PS: A lot of my construction techniques have come right off this sight, you all have unknowingly contributed to my project a good deal. :applause:

Mr.Bill
(noob)
User avatar
mrbill
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 8
Images: 13
Joined: Wed May 31, 2006 10:03 pm
Location: Spanaway, WA

Postby asianflava » Tue Jun 13, 2006 12:28 am

Man you're fast. It took me almost 18months before I skinned mine.

I used the same material, I cut it with a set of El Cheapo Harbor Freight electric shears. First I made a line down the entire length of the aluminum to establish the width. After I had the roll the width I needed, I cut the individual pieces off. I just layed the sheet on the grass and cut it in the yard. I was afraid that walking on the sheet might damage it. I had no other option so I did, it didn't hurt it a bit.

For the sides, I used 4X10 sheets. I just put a 2X4 on the bottom of the side and held it up with a jack. I put the sheet on the side and set it on the 2X4 then taped it in place. After I had it where I wanted, I marked the profile with a sharpie. I put it on top of the trailer and cut it out. I put it back on and fine tuned it with snips.

I wasn't too concerned with the cuts because they were going to be hidden by the trim. The hard part was cutting the doors since I wanted to use the part that was cut out. I used a combination of Dremel and jigsaw.

Check this thread:
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=8834
User avatar
asianflava
8000 Club
8000 Club
 
Posts: 8412
Images: 45
Joined: Mon Aug 02, 2004 5:11 am
Location: CO, Longmont

Postby Sonetpro » Tue Jun 13, 2006 7:11 am

I did it simular to Rocky. I mounted the bottom aluminum angle that was going to be used anyway. I mounted it loose enough to slide the sheet in, then traced the profile with a sharpie. Then just leaned it back and used sheers. After I glued it in place I went over the edges with a rotozip to take the sharp edges off and rout it to the profile. I cut the doors with a rotozip. Remember to put painters tape on if you are useing power tools or else the shavings will get between the tool base and amuminum and scratch it.
I used these it cut the aluminum like paper.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=p ... lpage=none
}><)))'> ~--------------·´¯) SteveT
You don't know what the limit's are until you take it there.ImageImageImage
User avatar
Sonetpro
Site Admin
 
Posts: 2038
Images: 107
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2005 8:11 am
Location: Plantersville, TX
Top

Postby Sonetpro » Tue Jun 13, 2006 7:23 am

OH NO Mr Bill :lol:
Just realzed your a newbie. Welcome to the forum. Since we've helped you so much you know the price is pic's. :D
}><)))'> ~--------------·´¯) SteveT
You don't know what the limit's are until you take it there.ImageImageImage
User avatar
Sonetpro
Site Admin
 
Posts: 2038
Images: 107
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2005 8:11 am
Location: Plantersville, TX
Top

Postby Woody » Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:26 pm

Where's SLUGGO????? :lol:
Woody
The Tear Jerker's, Florida Chapter Director
E-mail: [email protected]
Tear jerker chapter site http://www.tearjerkers.net/forums/
Check the SE section for gathering information
Tear Jerkers new site http://www.tearjerkers.net/forums/
Enjoying life in 12 ounce increments is what it's about
User avatar
Woody
2000 Club
2000 Club
 
Posts: 2006
Images: 26
Joined: Tue Jun 15, 2004 11:07 pm
Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Top

Thanks, pis in my album

Postby mrbill » Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:34 am

Thanks for the advice. I'll be sure to watch out for the scrathing. i already have the electric shears, so I think I'm in good shape. Just need to get some good weather to do the job. Seems to rain a lot around here, have you ever heard that before?
BTW, I did post a few pics in my album tonight. Feel free to comment, good or bad, it is my first rodeo on one of these, and probably not my last.
I ordered two of the 7.5 gal water tanks from teardrop fixit, and they fit between the back of those drawers and the interior bulkhead. I thought that was kinda neat. (thats just the noob talkin tho)
User avatar
mrbill
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 8
Images: 13
Joined: Wed May 31, 2006 10:03 pm
Location: Spanaway, WA
Top

Postby PaulC » Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:44 am

You've done all that in 5 weeks :? You'll have to give Chris some lessons :lol: :lol: As a matter of fact, you'll probably have to give us all lessons :lol: Welcome aboard. Looks good, by the way :)

Cheers
Paul :thumbsup:

PS Who the H--L is Sluggo? :thinking:
Time is the only real capital we have. Money you can replace but time you cannot.
User avatar
PaulC
3rd Teardrop Club
 
Posts: 4436
Images: 36
Joined: Mon May 24, 2004 7:27 am
Location: Laura, SouthernFlinders Ranges, South Australia
Top

Sluggo

Postby mrbill » Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:50 am

You apparently didnt watch Saturday Night Live way back in the 70's?
Thaks for looking and the nice comment.
User avatar
mrbill
Teardrop Inspector
 
Posts: 8
Images: 13
Joined: Wed May 31, 2006 10:03 pm
Location: Spanaway, WA
Top

Postby asianflava » Wed Jun 14, 2006 1:24 am

We know that the Block-Heads are all here.
User avatar
asianflava
8000 Club
8000 Club
 
Posts: 8412
Images: 45
Joined: Mon Aug 02, 2004 5:11 am
Location: CO, Longmont
Top

Re: Thanks, pis in my album

Postby Sonetpro » Wed Jun 14, 2006 4:19 am

mrbill wrote:I ordered two of the 7.5 gal water tanks from teardrop fixit, and they fit between the back of those drawers and the interior bulkhead. I thought that was kinda neat. (thats just the noob talkin tho)

Noob Talking? Thats good planning. I got a 10 gallon water tank and a AC on one side and a dual battery compartment on the other side in the same space.
Your trailer looks good. 5 weeks huh? Now the tedious work begins. The details took alot longer than the build. I started mine the day after x-mas and am finally working on the short list.
Image
}><)))'> ~--------------·´¯) SteveT
You don't know what the limit's are until you take it there.ImageImageImage
User avatar
Sonetpro
Site Admin
 
Posts: 2038
Images: 107
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2005 8:11 am
Location: Plantersville, TX
Top

Re: Sluggo

Postby PaulC » Wed Jun 14, 2006 4:56 am

mrbill wrote:You apparently didnt watch Saturday Night Live way back in the 70's?
Thaks for looking and the nice comment.


Mr. B, What is Saturday Night Live? And who the H is Sluggo? And did you notice where I'm from? :lol:

Cheers Mate
Paul :thumbsup:
Time is the only real capital we have. Money you can replace but time you cannot.
User avatar
PaulC
3rd Teardrop Club
 
Posts: 4436
Images: 36
Joined: Mon May 24, 2004 7:27 am
Location: Laura, SouthernFlinders Ranges, South Australia
Top

Postby asianflava » Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:04 am

I got to looking at your album. Nice profile! ;)

Are you building using solid plywood walls? I'd be interested to see what yours weighs compared to mine (also a 5X10). I'd like to see what the weights differences are with 2 different construction methods.

Keep up the good work! And don't forget the pics. :snappy:
User avatar
asianflava
8000 Club
8000 Club
 
Posts: 8412
Images: 45
Joined: Mon Aug 02, 2004 5:11 am
Location: CO, Longmont
Top

Re: Sluggo

Postby Sonetpro » Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:39 am

PaulC wrote:
mrbill wrote:You apparently didnt watch Saturday Night Live way back in the 70's?
Thaks for looking and the nice comment.


Mr. B, What is Saturday Night Live? And who the H is Sluggo? And did you notice where I'm from? :lol:

Cheers Mate
Paul :thumbsup:

Here you go Paul. The Mr Bill site.
http://www.mrbill.com/
}><)))'> ~--------------·´¯) SteveT
You don't know what the limit's are until you take it there.ImageImageImage
User avatar
Sonetpro
Site Admin
 
Posts: 2038
Images: 107
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2005 8:11 am
Location: Plantersville, TX
Top

Postby PaulC » Wed Jun 14, 2006 6:04 am

Thanks for that Steve, Everything is now as clear as mud :lol: Now I understand :?

Cheers
Paul :thumbsup:
Time is the only real capital we have. Money you can replace but time you cannot.
User avatar
PaulC
3rd Teardrop Club
 
Posts: 4436
Images: 36
Joined: Mon May 24, 2004 7:27 am
Location: Laura, SouthernFlinders Ranges, South Australia
Top

Postby Sonetpro » Wed Jun 14, 2006 6:17 am

PaulC wrote:Thanks for that Steve, Everything is now as clear as mud :lol: Now I understand :?

Cheers
Paul :thumbsup:
:rofl: :rofl2: :rofl2:
Satuday night Live was a live TV comedy show every Saturday night in the 70's. Alot of actor's-comedians got their start there. IE: Chevy Chase
Mr Bill was a regular skit.
}><)))'> ~--------------·´¯) SteveT
You don't know what the limit's are until you take it there.ImageImageImage
User avatar
Sonetpro
Site Admin
 
Posts: 2038
Images: 107
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2005 8:11 am
Location: Plantersville, TX
Top

Next

Return to Teardrop Construction Tips & Techniques

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 10 guests