Starting my plans to build

[Mary K-TNT]

First off I want to thank everyone who worked on the Generic Benroy Plans. It is a HUGE help and "a have to have" for any first time Teardrop builder.

THANK YOU!!!!

My first step in my endeavor to build my own Tear is convincing every one around me that I CAN do it. You wouldn't believe all the people who want to take a Poo on your parade. Yeah, Okay, So I don't have that much woodworking experience, nor do I have that many tool's SO What! I'm gonna build my Tear anyway! I'm gonna buy the tools (pawn shops here I come) and learn the skills by just frigging doing it!!
So Brrrrrrrrrpffffftttt!! (I couldnt find the tounge sticking out rasberry blowing emoticons)


I built my own Staind Glass workshop. (See my Gallery)

Okay, yeah with my Dads help... but I dont like ladders....

Sorry I had to Rant for minute.

Anywho... So obviously I'm using the Benroy Plans, Second thing I need to do is get the money...working on that, But in the mean time, I stared a Spreadsheet (Excel) using the Steps in "The Plans" for a guide. Listing Materials for each step, Cost for each step, Time..ect with links, for me at least, to find the materials on line.

Of course it's not finished But it could be used a starting point for other builders.

If someone would be so kind as to point me in the right direction on how to post a file..not a pic..I'd like to share this Generic Benroy Spreadsheet with everyone.

Thanks again,

Mk

 

[mikeschn]

Mary,

If you send me the spreadsheet here

I can post it for you. Plus I think it could be a big help for other Generic Benroy builders.

And yes, you can do it! Don't let anyone rain on your parade.

Arne, gonna back me up here?

Mike...

 

[Arne-TNT]

Sure, if you are not in a rush, just do one step at a time. I think my total cost was about $2,000 when I built mine. And I started building mine 1 week after I discovered tear drop trailers.... we had a previously planned trip south and were going to camp out of our van... the tear drop seemed like a much better idea.

And, you can actually start building without the trailer, if you want. Build the box, then put it on a trailer when you are done..... but, if that makes you nervous, get a trailer first...

What size are you thinking of building..? Then we can give you some ideas of step 1..

 

[AmyH-TNT]

Mary, stay away from those people that want to rain on your parade. If anyone ever tells me I can't do something, it only makes me want to do it more! I am definitely one of the slower builders on this forum (definitely working on teardrop time), but I am getting it done, slowly and with a LOT of planning. You can definitely do this, and everyone on this board will back you up with more than enough support and encouragement!

Amy

 

[Mary K-TNT]

Thanks for the support, I knew yall be there for me!!!

It’s appreciated!!!

Arne, I'm gonna do the 8x5 with the Red Trailer just like the Benroy plans. I want to wait untill I have the trailer before I get started. I'm Working O/T (on Teardrop time) for funding, good thing its busy at work.


Mk

 

[Arne-TNT]

For your first one, having the trailer first is a good idea.

 

[Joanne-TNT]

Hey Mary,

I have never understood why so many folks can only see the reason NOT to do something rather than the reason TO do it. You don't need a lot of tools. You don't need a lot of experience. You don't need a lot of money (though having some helps). The only thing you really need is the belief that you can do it. The ladies at the IRG made a good showing with their trailers!

Go for it!

Joanne

First off I want to thank everyone who worked on the Generic Benroy Plans. It is a HUGE help and "a have to have" for any first time Teardrop builder.

THANK YOU!!!!

My first step in my endeavor to build my own Tear is convincing every one around me that I CAN do it. You wouldn't believe all the people who want to take a Poo on your parade. Yeah, Okay, So I don't have that much woodworking experience, nor do I have that many tool's SO What! I'm gonna build my Tear anyway! I'm gonna buy the tools (pawn shops here I come) and learn the skills by just frigging doing it!!
So Brrrrrrrrrpffffftttt!! (I couldnt find the tounge sticking out rasberry blowing emoticons)


I built my own Staind Glass workshop. (See my Gallery)

Okay, yeah with my Dads help... but I dont like ladders....

Sorry I had to Rant for minute.

Anywho... So obviously I'm using the Benroy Plans, Second thing I need to do is get the money...working on that, But in the mean time, I stared a Spreadsheet (Excel) using the Steps in "The Plans" for a guide. Listing Materials for each step, Cost for each step, Time..ect with links, for me at least, to find the materials on line.

Of course it's not finished But it could be used a starting point for other builders.

If someone would be so kind as to point me in the right direction on how to post a file..not a pic..I'd like to share this Generic Benroy Spreadsheet with everyone.

Thanks again,

Mk

 

[mikeschn]

I know it's kinda hard to see, but here is the beginning of Mary's spreadsheet. When she finishes it I can make a pdf or an html of it and post it for you guys.

Mary, you're doing a good job. Keep on going.

Mike...

 

[Mary K-TNT]

Thanks Mike.

Its not completed by anymeans but the format is usable. I'd like to offer this Spreadsheet to anyone who has access to Excel. You can modify it to your liking, adding your own materials and costs.

If you would like the file you can email me @ [email protected] , and I can send it to you.

When it is complete I will post it, but it just might take awhile...

Mk

 

[Mary K-TNT]

Joanne,

Thanks for the support!

I checked out your Desert Dog Page, Great work!! That took guts to use a boat trailer frame but what a great idea.

What tools could you absolutely not do without on your build?
(ooh that be a good Poll question)

I have a jig saw, skill saw, sander, & electric drill (and other typical hand tools). I have considered buying a table saw, but I don't see myself using it except for this build? Is it practical for cutting 4x8 sheets like for the Galley? With a proper Jig/straight edge I should be able to use the skill saw for this work don't you think?

Okay I better stop here, I could go on and on blablabla...

Thanks again,

MK

 

[Arne-TNT]

I have a light weight table saw that I've used many times.. cost less thann $100.00 and I've used it for 15 years.... actually, it is only about 12 inches high and I usually use it on the lawn, but very handy...

http://tinyurl.com/msdhd

If it broke, I'd buy another one it has been so handy..... Plywood sheets, I cut with my skil saw and a straight edge clamped down on it.

 

[asianflava]

I's say that at the very laest you need:

Cordless drill (with drill and screwdriver bits)
Jigsaw
Circular saw
Tape measure
lots of clamps

Since I did sandwich walls add:
Miter saw
Router

I really didn't use the table saw as much as I thought I would.

 

[bledsoe3]

I's say that at the very laest you need:

Cordless drill (with drill and screwdriver bits)
Jigsaw
Circular saw
Tape measure
lots of clamps

Since I did sandwich walls add:
Miter saw
Router

I really didn't use the table saw as much as I thought I would.

But you went out and bought a new one anyway.

 

[asianflava]

But you went out and bought a new one anyway.

Actually, I was pretty much finished with the woodwork when I bought the saw.

 

[caryeastwood]

Saw this in a woodwoorking tip book...

Sawing large sheets of plywood can be done using a circular saw, a straight edge (or another peice of wood) and a sheet of 2" rigid foam insulation. Lay the plywood over on the insulation and only drop your blade only 1/4" below the work.

I'm planing on glueing a peice of 1/2" ply / mdf to the back of mine, just to make it more rigid and incase I mess up. This way I can use it on the ground or on saw horses.

 

[thobbs]

Mary,
Don't let others discourage you! The only things I ever built before starting my project were a recipe box and a tool box with the cub scouts. I'm learning as I go, asking everyone I know a lot of questions, and carefully following and understanding my plans. You can do it! After they stop thinking your crazy, they'll think it's really cool. And besides, an angle grinder is a great way to intimidate the neighbors!

 

[KA]

Hi Mary,
The teardrop folks on this forum have really been kind and helpful to me as I research my build. I am a very slow builder as much of this is new to me and I have to ask a lot of questions until I understand what needs to be done. If I don't understand something I back up to a part of the process that I do understand and start asking questions until I can understand the next piece of the puzzle. So, welcome, and don't waste your energy listening to the people who say you can't do it. You can do it. There are a lot of us here who are learning as we go. Just do the research, ask questions, and take things one step at a time. Along the way be sure to enjoy the process.
Kris
p.s. Oh, one more thing..check out your state's requirements for licensing so you can be sure to do everything they require to get your trailer registered. My state requires copies of all receipts for parts used in the build.

 

[s4son]

Mary,
Don't let people tell you what you can and can't do. Many times folks will try and discourage others because they lack the ability or, more importantly, the courage to do something. Let them sleep in the tent. You're off to a good start with the spread sheet, that'll give you an idea what you'll need.

The one tool I really needed was a pocket hole jig. And I hadn't even heard of one until I found this forum.

Scott F.

 

[Joanne-TNT]

I think this requirement is pretty common. In Nevada I believe you need the receipts for the major components; axle, springs, steel and coupler. It make me laugh though because I have this visual of walking into DMV with a big ol' box of receipts.

"This one is for the hurricane hinge. And this one is for the fabric I made the curtains with. Can you believe that it has little teardrop trailers on it? This one is for the gorilla glue. Oh and this one for those little teardrop shaped salt and pepper shakers I bought. Have you ever thought about building a teardrop?"

..."Ok ma'am. Here's you title. Please take you box of receipts and leave!".

Joanne

<snip>

p.s. Oh, one more thing..check out your state's requirements for licensing so you can be sure to do everything they require to get your trailer registered. My state requires copies of all receipts for parts used in the build.

 

[KA]

Hi Joanne,
Your post made me laugh just thinking about going to get the registration with my receipts. I also have a notebook started with all of the licensing requirements, steel strength charts and other info gathered here on the forum and other places. I'm hoping that when they see how thick my notebook is, they'll just wave me through. I also will take along my copy of the Generic Benroy plans, Steve Fredericks shop manual, and my paper profile pattern and chassis drawing from Grant at Lil Bear. It is a good thing I'll have something to tow all my receipts and research in.
Kris