Can i build in a shipping container?

[djdawg]

My biggest challenge in starting to build a teardrop foamie is where to build it. I live in a small house, no garage...nothing. I could get a storage unit but most discourage building in them.

I made a few calls and found out I could get an 8' x 20' storage container delivered to my place and the rental fee isn't too bad. (I'm renting my place so I could not purchase one and I still would have to get the OK from the landlord)

I understand they are about 9' high which I think would allow enough room to completely build a small teardrop foamie? Looking at building one on the HF 4' x 8' trailer. I just wonder if anyone has ever attempted using a shipping container for building space.

[KennethW]

I would think that most of your work would be outside. Using the container to store the parts and the TD when not working on it. Building in the container would be tight and require a lot of moving stuff around But doable with some moving casters from HF so one can move the TD from side to side.

[Pmullen503]

I built mine in a sliver of space at work this past winter about 8 ft wide. A pain for sure but at least it was warm. The trick is planing and using the trailer as your workbench. Plan your work flow and stay organized!

[azgreg]

This guys time lapse vid shows his build in a very tight space.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMDsuQYU-3k

[djdawg]

This guys time lapse vid shows his build in a very tight space.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMDsuQYU-3k

Holy cow! That looks even tighter then mine! Amazing stuff. I think the thing that would save me is the 20' long part. That's a lot of room in the end for stuff...well, SEEMINGLY a lot of room. I'll probably be laughing at myself for saying that if I ever get that far.

Thanks everyone!

[tony.latham]

I have built three 'drops "from" a double garage that's seprated with a wall. The first one was build on the chassis. The last two on dollies. I much prefer building on the dollie and then bolting to the chassis when the cabin is more-or-less done. When the weather permits, you can easily move the cabin outside. Push it out in the morning, back in it's cubby at night. No crawling around the wheels.

The other advantage is that you're working around a munch shorter project.





Tony

[djdawg]

For those of you that build foamies, it seems like in most cases you canvas/paint the outside while it's attached to the trailer...anyone build a foamie while it's on a dolly?

[Fred Trout]

Check the ads for a garage to rent; there are usually plenty and even apartments (might including the one you have now) rent them. Some guys will deliver a shed and rent by the month. Wander around and ring a couple of door-bells, ask passersby - it works more often than you would think.

Tight quarters is a PIA and slows your build down. It's going to take a while so you want someplace that won't turn into an oven in the summer and a refrigerator in the winter. Make arrangements for power - you will need to use power-tools, lights, etc.

[Jack Olsen]

Unless you need something you can lock up, I would just get a canopy. I worked under one of those for years.

[mikeschn]

+1 on the canopy!!!

Unless you need something you can lock up, I would just get a canopy. I worked under one of those for years.

[dales133]

I've built mine under a veranda in rain hail wind and shine and it's doable.
As long as you have some security for tools and materials it isn't an issue unless it's as cold as it is here at the moment...kinda effects the motivation

[djdawg]

I had thought about a canopy but I don't feel comfortable leaving stuff out in the open when I'm not working on the project. Not that I live in a crime ridden area but just to be safe. I also live north of Seattle where the weather is fairly mild but come October the rains will come and sometimes it will be raining sideways and a canopy won't help at all....but it all depends on what my landlord says which I'll find out tomorrow.

[dales133]

You will find you build out in the open mostly then pack it away at the end of a build session, especially in a small space.
A container would be fine if it's not cost prohibitive and ok with the landlord.
I rent also so I've made use of what I have to work with...storage shed and undercover roof.
It's coped a small amount of rain a few times when it's realy sideways but lived to tell the tail

[bonnie]

For those of you that build foamies, it seems like in most cases you canvas/paint the outside while it's attached to the trailer...anyone build a foamie while it's on a dolly?

GPW built my foamie (4x8) off the frame. His shop is wider than your container, but with some planning and care it should work. Make sure to measure for any openings around the tires. My foamie was mounted on 2x4" to get the door to clear and open.

[djdawg]

Woo hoo! Great news today... the landlord said yes! They gave me a time limit though which I understand. The container has to be gone by the end of April. That gives me 9 months.... doable. I think? I figure if I don't finish it by then, I'll move it to a storage unit and figure out my next move.

Now I have to find some plans and get cracking!