Wyoming Woody Teardrop Build (Completed: 6/22/2013)

[webbaldo]

Looks a nice finish (well I mean pre-finish) on the wood. Nice and clean

[_Ryan_]

I finished dyeing the trailer last night, and it turned out beautifully I think. I have a lot more pictures but this will have to do for now.

[WhitneyK]

You big TEASE!!!

[KCStudly]

That looks fabulous!

[celticquetzel]

Yummy. And I love the profile. Thanks for sharing lots of details. I'm in the planning stage and need to completely visualize details in my mind. Seeing such clear photos is especially helpful. Caro:!::idea::lol:

[_Ryan_]

I finished laying 3 coats of epoxy last night. Here is a picture of the hatch that was too good not to share.


Big update coming later today when I can find the time.

[_Ryan_]

Yummy. And I love the profile. Thanks for sharing lots of details. I'm in the planning stage and need to completely visualize details in my mind. Seeing such clear photos is especially helpful. Caro:!::idea::lol:

Thanks!

I was in the same situation when I was planning my build. I thought I would try to make a detailed build journal similar to others I had followed. It’s the little details that are often left out that are so helpful to a beginning builder/woodworker (which I most certainly was) . I'm glad you are enjoying the build!

[aggie79]

Oh my! That is gorgeous. More pics please.

[_Ryan_]

First off thanks for all the comments, it's great go hear all your feedback.

I have been working like mad trying to get stay on schedule in order to finish this teardrop for our first trip next week. I finally got a break long enough to upload the pics to my computer and write this post. This will be a longer post since I have to catch you up, but at least there are a lot of good pictures!

I finished up the odds and ends by making the trim pieces for the hatch and sidewalls where they meet the bottom panel. I used Okoume for all of it.




I trimmed up the bottom of the sidewalls and used a 1/8" round-over bit on the edges where the walls and roof, galley trim, and galley hatch. This gives the epoxy a smooth surface to bond and to myself looks (and feels) better than a sharp edge.



Raised the grain on the Okoume. I did this by using a sponge to wet down the the wood and then go back with 220 grit and sand smooth. Then when the dye goes on the grain will not raise.


I hit my first snag. The Mosers aniline dye I tested does not match up with the new dye I bought even though it has the same exact label. I did an actual color test as well and that was off as much as the color of the powders were, they are not even close. Luckily I had enough of the original dye and made it work. It took just less than 1 quart (1oz powder) to do the whole trailer, which is good since this was all that I had... I don't know if this is a common problem but something to be aware of. For reference I used the redder dye.



Dye going on with a stain pad. Here I am blending the areas with a second stain pad dipped in water where the areas meet up. It was very easy to work with.


Done!


Next day was epoxy time. This is going to be fun! I made a logo/label on rice paper to show the build date and builder


Half way done.


Fast forward 3 coats and 10 hours later... There was some orange peel but all in all it turned out pretty good.


The next day in the sun really shows it off well but the pictures don't do it justice. The grain glitters as you walk by and the depth of the glass is stunning!



Some pics of the cabinets before it all gets some poly. This first picture shows the okoume trim around the edges of the galley and the poplar spar at the top. The trim will be epoxied and varnished but not stained, and will give a nice transition between the darker outside walls and amber inside birch.

[High Desert]

your build is looking AMAZING Ryan!

[celticquetzel]

Absolutely stunning!

[S. Heisley]

That is truly beautiful!

[KCStudly]

Looks very nice! You must be "over the moon" proud about how that is coming out.

[Oldragbaggers]

Absolutely gorgeous!! The color you chose is so rich and warm, and your craftsmanship is superb. You will definitely be attracting a lot of attention with this standout teardrop. I wish you all the best with it.

[Craig Shaffer]

I love how the grain really pops. Great job so far! This is one of the better builds I have come across. Keep the inspiration coming.