Recommended Tools

[Joanne]

There are two tools that I wouldn't be without now that I didn't know even existed before I started to build. The pocket hole jig and my small block plane. I was also surprised how useful a wood chisel is once it's really sharp. (I bought a sharpening jig to do the block plane blads and the chisels. Wow!)

I also borrowed a friends biscuit cutter. I only needed it for one piece, but there was not other method I know of that was strong enough without drilling and plugging screw holes.

I have to agree that clamps are useful from time to time.....or is that all the time. I found all kinds of uses for my 4 big Vice Grip C-clamps that are normally used for welding.

Of course the most important tool is money...

Joanne

I figured I'd probably need a pocket hole jig. Also, a wise sage (Mad..something or other) once mentioned that I may need clamps...or something like that.
I cleaned my garage last weekend and took inventory of my clamps, it actually depressed me. I have two 48" bar clamps and a handful of smaller clamps. It appears that I may be about 743 clamps short of what I need!

[jdarkoregon]

Pocket Hole Jig, Wood Rasp, Quick Square, 4 foot metal straight edge and give yourself time to think! You will be solving one small problem, or issue, at a time.

Have fun

John, oh yeah, you can build a teardrop without beer!

[ARKPAT]

Clamps, straps, clamps, straps,clamps......... Oh yea Clamps. More hands and arms and fingers will help. If you have an octopus or two that would help in glue-up.

I think you get the idea.
And all the above post.

Pat

PS and more clamps and straps.

[Dee Bee]

This is what I used


Shop Tools (* Loaned to me.)
Angle “Square”*
Adjustable “T” Square
Bubble Level
“C” clamps*
Carpenter’s Quick Square
Deep Socket Set*
Ear Protectors
Framing Square*
Hammer
Hand Saw
Pocket Knife
Pocket Jig
Pliers
Safety Glasses
Screw Drivers
Scribe* (not to be mistaken for a Pharisee)
Socket Set
Soldering Iron
Spring Clamps
Tape Measure
Terminal Crimp Tool
Titanium Drill Bits *
Vise
Wire Cutter
Wire Stripper
Wood Clamps*
Work bench or saw horse* (2)

Power Tools
Air Compressor*
Air-powered Nail Gun*
Cordless Drills*
Hand Held Grinder*
Belt Sander *
Miter Saw*
Router*
Saber Saw*
Skill Saw
Table Saw*

Initial Stock Materials
Hardboard 4 x 8’ x ¼”
Oak Veneer 4 x 8’ x ¼”
Luan 4 x 8’ x ¼”
Plywood 4 x 8’ x 3/8”
Plywood 4 x 8’x ¼”
Plywood 4 x 8’ x ½”
Plywood 4 x 8’ x ¾”
Spruce 2 x 4” x 12’
Pine 1 x 4” x 6’
Pine 1 x 3” x 6’
Oak 4 x 6" x 6'

Hardware
Carriage Bolts 6” x 3/8”
Carriage Bolts 2 ½” x ¼”
Stainless Steel Lag Screws 4 x 3/8”
1½” Coarse Decking Screws
2½” Coarse Decking Screws
Brads for Nail Gun
Stainless steel flat hinge
Cab latches and handles w/ locks

Finish Materials
MinWax Red Oak Stain
Zinsser Bull’s Eye Amber Shellac
Household Paint (sitting around)
Spray Undercoating
Subfloor Construction Adhesive
Titebond III Waterproof Glue
Epoxy Shield
1 gal Snow Roof Premium Coating
1 gal Snow Roof Elasto-seal

Electrical
12 v DC Fuse Box
AC Circuit Breaker
“Square D” Breaker Box
Romex
GFI Outlet
12 Gauge Automotive Wire
10 Gauge Automotive Wire
12 v DC Cabin Lights
AC –DC Power Converter

http://www.nfdc.net/home/cbdb/Teardrop.htm

I had never used a nail gun before. Loved it until I got a personal lesson in where to place my hand. Actually, I drove a brad into a hidden knot and the brad was deflected several inches to the side, came out of the wood, and pierced the finger of the hand that was holding the wood. My wife heard me inside the house!


Dee Bee

[Miriam C.]

Depends on your pocket book. Lets see---jigggyyyy saw, belt sander to fix Jiggies. Hammer, really good variable drill and a powered screwdriver are helpful. Table saw if you have it. You can buy stripped wood if needed. BTW---cheaper than burning up a cheapy table saw.

scribe tool of some sort. Router if you know how to use it. Lights and paint brushes and CLAMPS. The squeeze kind are great. If you want tight hold get some green cheapies but be prepared to grow some new muscles. Get some big squeezies too.

[khutson]

One tool I wished I would of had was a table saw. Like most the jig saw, belt and orbital sanders, drills and what not. Pretty standard stuff. Lot's of clamps. I really don't have enough but I've made it work so far.

And the beer. I'm not a heavy drinker by no means but the ice cold beer sure did come in handy!

Ken

[steve wolverton]

I didn't use one single clamp in my build. No kidding.

You can cut up a piece of PVC pipe and make a lot of cheap clamps. A lot of backyard boat builders do this. It's a great way to save some money, and how often would you need those real clamps after your tear build?

[khutson]

Have a pic of the pvc pipe clamp. I think I know how it works just want to make sure. I didn't run out and buy any clamps but have acumalated a few over the years for different reasons. The pvc thing sounds interesting though. maybe save a few bucks.
Ken

[steve wolverton]

Have a pic of the pvc pipe clamp.

A few bucks and you'll have hundreds of clamps.

[Ira]

This is what I used


Shop Tools (* Loaned to me.)
Angle “Square”*
Adjustable “T” Square
Bubble Level
“C” clamps*
Carpenter’s Quick Square
Deep Socket Set*
Ear Protectors
Framing Square*
Hammer
Hand Saw
Pocket Knife
Pocket Jig
Pliers
Safety Glasses
Screw Drivers
Scribe* (not to be mistaken for a Pharisee)
Socket Set
Soldering Iron
Spring Clamps
Tape Measure
Terminal Crimp Tool
Titanium Drill Bits *
Vise
Wire Cutter
Wire Stripper
Wood Clamps*
Work bench or saw horse* (2)

Power Tools
Air Compressor*
Air-powered Nail Gun*
Cordless Drills*
Hand Held Grinder*
Belt Sander *
Miter Saw*
Router*
Saber Saw*
Skill Saw
Table Saw*

Initial Stock Materials
Hardboard 4 x 8’ x ¼”
Oak Veneer 4 x 8’ x ¼”
Luan 4 x 8’ x ¼”
Plywood 4 x 8’ x 3/8”
Plywood 4 x 8’x ¼”
Plywood 4 x 8’ x ½”
Plywood 4 x 8’ x ¾”
Spruce 2 x 4” x 12’
Pine 1 x 4” x 6’
Pine 1 x 3” x 6’
Oak 4 x 6" x 6'

Hardware
Carriage Bolts 6” x 3/8”
Carriage Bolts 2 ½” x ¼”
Stainless Steel Lag Screws 4 x 3/8”
1½” Coarse Decking Screws
2½” Coarse Decking Screws
Brads for Nail Gun
Stainless steel flat hinge
Cab latches and handles w/ locks

Finish Materials
MinWax Red Oak Stain
Zinsser Bull’s Eye Amber Shellac
Household Paint (sitting around)
Spray Undercoating
Subfloor Construction Adhesive
Titebond III Waterproof Glue
Epoxy Shield
1 gal Snow Roof Premium Coating
1 gal Snow Roof Elasto-seal

Electrical
12 v DC Fuse Box
AC Circuit Breaker
“Square D” Breaker Box
Romex
GFI Outlet
12 Gauge Automotive Wire
10 Gauge Automotive Wire
12 v DC Cabin Lights
AC –DC Power Converter

[

Hey--don't scare him off!

(WHAT A LIST!!!)

[critter]

Hey Guys,
YUP yall got most of the tools listed and I cant believe you missed the most expensive one of all.The damn INSURANCE CARD!

[Todah Tear]

- a 5 gallon bottle of Goo Be Gone to clean all of the Gorilla glue off of your fingers.

Todah

[khutson]

Have a pic of the pvc pipe clamp.

A few bucks and you'll have hundreds of clamps.

yup that is what i was thinking! thanks!

[Roly Nelson]

After having a workshop full of tools for years, the most indespensable power tool in my shop would be the trusty, multi-tasking table saw. They can be had for less than 100 bucks and for a part time wood worker, should last many years.

Take away my scroll saw, my jig saw, my band saw, my chop saw, my radial arm saw, my saws-all, my skil-saw........but not my 4 table saws!

Roly.......... long time camper, 1st time teardropper and think it's great.

[Miriam C.]

They can be had for less than 100 bucks and for a part time wood worker, should last many years.

Take away my scroll saw, my jig saw, my band saw, my chop saw, my radial arm saw, my saws-all, my skil-saw........but not my 4 table saws!

Roly.......... long time camper, 1st time teardropper and think it's great.

This is the only time I will ever disagree with you Roly. My $200 craftsman table saw didn't see fit to make it through the build. However I cut all my own spars and framing from 2x6's so it worked really hard.

I will agree it is one of he most valuable tools I had. Looking for a belt drive this time.