Cutting The Skin

[mrbill]

Hi Folks,
I'm new to teardrop construction. I started 5 weeks ago with building my trailer, and i'm just about ready to skin the unit.
The unit is a 10ft long cubby / modernaire, much like Michael Westhoff's unit.
I am using 038 semi trailer roof skin since it is readily available to me and I won't have any seams. My tear is 57 1/2" inches wide. I would really appreciate a little advice on the best approach to matching the profile and cutting the skin. I have electric shears, jigsaw, tinsnips, aviation snips as well as a cutting TORCH. So i'm fairly certain I can cut, but what is the best way of doing it correctly the first time?

PS: A lot of my construction techniques have come right off this sight, you all have unknowingly contributed to my project a good deal.

Mr.Bill
(noob)

[asianflava]

Man you're fast. It took me almost 18months before I skinned mine.

I used the same material, I cut it with a set of El Cheapo Harbor Freight electric shears. First I made a line down the entire length of the aluminum to establish the width. After I had the roll the width I needed, I cut the individual pieces off. I just layed the sheet on the grass and cut it in the yard. I was afraid that walking on the sheet might damage it. I had no other option so I did, it didn't hurt it a bit.

For the sides, I used 4X10 sheets. I just put a 2X4 on the bottom of the side and held it up with a jack. I put the sheet on the side and set it on the 2X4 then taped it in place. After I had it where I wanted, I marked the profile with a sharpie. I put it on top of the trailer and cut it out. I put it back on and fine tuned it with snips.

I wasn't too concerned with the cuts because they were going to be hidden by the trim. The hard part was cutting the doors since I wanted to use the part that was cut out. I used a combination of Dremel and jigsaw.

Check this thread:
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=8834

[Sonetpro]

I did it simular to Rocky. I mounted the bottom aluminum angle that was going to be used anyway. I mounted it loose enough to slide the sheet in, then traced the profile with a sharpie. Then just leaned it back and used sheers. After I glued it in place I went over the edges with a rotozip to take the sharp edges off and rout it to the profile. I cut the doors with a rotozip. Remember to put painters tape on if you are useing power tools or else the shavings will get between the tool base and amuminum and scratch it.
I used these it cut the aluminum like paper.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=p ... lpage=none

[Sonetpro]

OH NO Mr Bill
Just realzed your a newbie. Welcome to the forum. Since we've helped you so much you know the price is pic's.

[Woody]

Where's SLUGGO?????

[mrbill]

Thanks for the advice. I'll be sure to watch out for the scrathing. i already have the electric shears, so I think I'm in good shape. Just need to get some good weather to do the job. Seems to rain a lot around here, have you ever heard that before?
BTW, I did post a few pics in my album tonight. Feel free to comment, good or bad, it is my first rodeo on one of these, and probably not my last.
I ordered two of the 7.5 gal water tanks from teardrop fixit, and they fit between the back of those drawers and the interior bulkhead. I thought that was kinda neat. (thats just the noob talkin tho)

[PaulC]

You've done all that in 5 weeks You'll have to give Chris some lessons As a matter of fact, you'll probably have to give us all lessons Welcome aboard. Looks good, by the way

Cheers
Paul

PS Who the H--L is Sluggo?

[mrbill]

You apparently didnt watch Saturday Night Live way back in the 70's?
Thaks for looking and the nice comment.

[asianflava]

We know that the Block-Heads are all here.

[Sonetpro]

I ordered two of the 7.5 gal water tanks from teardrop fixit, and they fit between the back of those drawers and the interior bulkhead. I thought that was kinda neat. (thats just the noob talkin tho)

Noob Talking? Thats good planning. I got a 10 gallon water tank and a AC on one side and a dual battery compartment on the other side in the same space.
Your trailer looks good. 5 weeks huh? Now the tedious work begins. The details took alot longer than the build. I started mine the day after x-mas and am finally working on the short list.

[PaulC]

You apparently didnt watch Saturday Night Live way back in the 70's?
Thaks for looking and the nice comment.

Mr. B, What is Saturday Night Live? And who the H is Sluggo? And did you notice where I'm from?

Cheers Mate
Paul

[asianflava]

I got to looking at your album. Nice profile!

Are you building using solid plywood walls? I'd be interested to see what yours weighs compared to mine (also a 5X10). I'd like to see what the weights differences are with 2 different construction methods.

Keep up the good work! And don't forget the pics.

[Sonetpro]

You apparently didnt watch Saturday Night Live way back in the 70's?
Thaks for looking and the nice comment.

Mr. B, What is Saturday Night Live? And who the H is Sluggo? And did you notice where I'm from?

Cheers Mate
Paul

Here you go Paul. The Mr Bill site.
http://www.mrbill.com/

[PaulC]

Thanks for that Steve, Everything is now as clear as mud Now I understand

Cheers
Paul

[Sonetpro]

Thanks for that Steve, Everything is now as clear as mud Now I understand

Cheers
Paul

Satuday night Live was a live TV comedy show every Saturday night in the 70's. Alot of actor's-comedians got their start there. IE: Chevy Chase
Mr Bill was a regular skit.