Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Posted: **Sat Jul 19, 2008 6:40 pm**

Gage umm,

how many clamps does it take to build a Kit in reality? :lol:

Id say there are about 32 or 34 clamps there. Couldnt tell for sure when we counted.
Each time we count we see more.. :lol:

What did you use to cut your aluminum? plain shears or? :thinking:

How thick is the aluminum?

That is going to be one nice tear :applause:

Classic Finn

Posted: **Sat Jul 19, 2008 7:45 pm**

I just got back from Lowe's. Got 4 more squeeze clamps.

As far as what I used to cut the alum. I first glued the 1/4 sht birch ply (that was already rough cut) to the .040 5052 al sht and then rough trimmed the alum with a saber saw. I'll use a router with a guide to finish trim the the ply & skin at the same time to match the profile.

Posted: **Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:35 pm**

Gage, how well does the router trim aluminum? That has been one of my concerns when I install the side skins on my tear.

Posted: **Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:52 pm**

That look's GREAT!!! Don't space out and fergit to cut a door!!!
:lol:

Posted: **Sun Jul 20, 2008 2:37 am**

mechmagcn wrote:Gage, how well does the router trim aluminum? That has been one of my concerns when I install the side skins on my tear.

Jeff, I'm using a Bosch Palm Router and a 3/8 cutter with a pilot to cut the door opening, high speed and it cuts it like butter. I use a 1/2 cutter with pilot to do all my other trim. Like that, my skins are .040 5052. Pretty soft stuff so you have to watch for it gumming up. I rough cut my profile down to between an 1/8" to 1/4" (with saber saw) of final trim. So your not taking a big bit when routing. I used a Roto-Zip when I cut the sunroof on my tear and the roof skin was .062. Again, no problem but I just love the Palm Router.

Dave, do I really need a door on the left side. It didn't come with one and my sister only needs one door to get in and out. Besides, that's a good short cut to take without making a mistake.

Oh, and Heikki, there are 37 clamps holding that skin in place, and could have used more. :thinking:

You never have enough clamps. When I'm finished, I think I'm going to put them on EBAY as experienced clamps. :lol:

Posted: **Sun Jul 20, 2008 8:41 am**

Gage, that's the same router that I bought for building my tear. My 2 HP Craftsman decided to take a dump on the last project. The smaller routers are so much easier to handle when you are working somewhere besides on a table. I'll try the rough cut on the aluminum and flush cut it with the router, thanks.

Posted: **Sun Jul 20, 2008 8:49 am**

See Gage. We were right. We count them clamps and seem like they reproduce on every count :lol:

Is the aluminum glued onto the sides or is it floating by the trim moulding?

Experienced Clamps :rofl2:

Classic Finn :thumbsup:

Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

More clamps please

More clamps please