Windsong Construction

[GeorgeT]

nice bunch o' work you've been doin'. Keep it up.

[jplock]

Here is the latest picture of trailer with completed tongue box.

[madjack]

...very nice JP................................

[jplock]

Got get it ready for the trip to LCG in Louisiana! Fun Ahead!
jplock

[jplock]

This has been a busy 2 weeks. We got to go to the LCG campout. It was fun the TD towed just fine. This last week the windsong went back to the shop. The next item on the plans is finishing the cabin area. This evening the the tongue box entrance was trimmed out and the cabinet doors were begun.

Off to LCG!

Friends at at LCG campout

Oklahoma dutch oven train wreck for breakfast Saturday on the campout.

Tongue box trim in place. The long skinny box is a small storage area for small items.

Light switches for the porch and cabin lights.

The under floor storage box after 3 camping trips is showing wear! I haul my dutch ovens down there.

[CPASPARKS]

Hey JP,
I did not get to talk to you at the LCG, but I saw your tear when you rolled in.
How about lining the underfloor storage with some kitchen cabinet shelve liner. It stays in place and is a bit cushioned. I use that in my galley and everything stays pretty secure.
Just a thought to keep your pretty storage area from getting scratched.

[jplock]

That's a good idea on the liner, or maybe line it with the vinyl flooring. Then use the same for the floor. The shelf liner you are talking about is it a vinyl or is it more like shelf contact paper?

[CPASPARKS]

JP,
It is rubberized vinyl. Real cushion to absorb any bumps and potential abrasions.
Cheap stuff to...I think most of it comes in 12 in to 18 in wide rolls 5 feet long.
You can pick it up at a Target or Walmart.
Sorry I did not get to visit with you. I never got much away from my trailer. I had visitors almost all the time.
Can't be shy with a teardrop in your campsite.
I will make it a point at the next gathering to introduce myself.

[jplock]

Looking forward to meeting you next time, and I will check at Wally World for the vinyl.
Thanks!

[mightypan42]

JP__
That looks great!
And I really like the expensive PVC clamps. That is a great idea.

The PVC pipe clamps are used by EAA homebuilt aicraft folks.

Are the PVC clamps anything more than PVC pipe cut to an inch or so wide and a split up one side?

(When I ever start building, I'm planning on building my side walls basically the same way you did yours. I'd been wondering how many clamps I'd have to buy, but the PVC method looks a lot more managable.)

Also... how much did you stagger the various strips as you were gluing them together? My main concern is that I'll occasionally be off-road, and I don't want it all to fall apart.

Almost forgot... what kind of glue did you use?

[jplock]

Rob,
I basically built mine to be semi light weight, though I am not an offroader I do get on some rough roads to get campsites in remote places. The clamps were borrowed from my father in law used in building his airplane. They are 4" and 3" PVC pipe cut in 1" long peices then split by cutting on the bandsaw. They work great! The glue used was titebond 3. The 1/8th inch strips of ceder were 10 feet long, then used shorter pieces to complete the desired length. I tried to keep joints scatered so there were not to many in the same spot in following layers. This turned out to be very strong especially after attchment to the trailer frame which was 2"x3" 1/8th inch steel tubing. Using this method you will not have a problem with it falling apart. After the wall with the beams were attached to the frame, the ceder beam can be hit with a hammer and it makes a solid clunk sound like steel! If I had it to do over again it would be done the same way, you just cannot be in a hurry to do it. Also in glueing layers you can do about 6 layers at a time glued then bent around the radius and clamped. I hope this helps, and enjoy your build. Keep me posted on your progress.
jplock

[jplock]

Rob,
On the PVC clamps I wanted to add if you want more clamping power cut them longer before splitting them, and for less clamping power cut them shorter.
jplock

[mightypan42]

Thanks for the info. Half expected you to say you used Gorilla Glue My "progress" - or lack thereof - is a problem of priorities. House first. Teardrop later.

by the way, I'm not Rob. I just borrowed his quote from earlier. No big deal...

[jplock]

Hey Jimmy,
I glued the cabinet doors this evening, and used the PVC clamps.


How do you like them apples? Actually it is the clamps!

Location where cabinet doors will hang.

Finishing out cabin with trim is now under way.

[jplock]

Well today on Saturday more progress has been made on finishing out the cabin area. There has been more trim put up. The nail holes have been puttied with Fama Wood Putty, and sanded. Also soon I will have some pictures of the cabin vents to be added, and the cabin will be finished with Minwax satin finish spar varnish. Also today I puchased a breather mask suitable for use while finishing cabin. It is supposed to be good for paint fumes and chemicals. I still plan on having plenty of ventilation while applying varnish.



First coat of varnish on door Minwax Spar Varnish satin finish.

Varnish applied to cabinet doors that will go to the tongue box area.

More trim applied.

Trim in the bulk head area.