the Cubby.....

[exminnesotaboy]

CC
I agree on some points, they could have been clearer - many of those issues have been brought up in the past on this website.

After reading the plans the first time, I realized they were more a good "guide" rather than plans or instructions. Once I looked at it from this perspective, it made the building easier. It just meant that I had to take more time thinking things through due to my lack of construction experience.

Anything that I had issues with, I was able to get solutions through this board. In a couple of instances, I emailed Kevin directly and he was very prompt in responding.

Sorry I can't help you with the galley shelving issue, I made mine very basic. If it helps at all, there were several times I had to just walk away and think it through - it always came out OK after I did this - I am sure it will for you as well

[TomS]

Thanks for the kudos on my site. I'm glad that you find it helpful

The Kuffel Creek plans are very highly regarded. They are probably the most comprehensive commercially available plans out there. But, they are not perfect. I did find some small discrepancies in some of the dimensions given for the rear cabin cabinets. Also, the KC pans assume the reader has basic woodworking skills.

You might want to check out Steve Frederick's shop manual. I haven't seen it personally. But, others on this board have downloaded them and posted favorable comments.

With all the expertise available on this board, I suggest posting some photos of the areas that are giving you trouble. I did that on several occaisions when I got stuck. Our fellow teardroppers will help you out.

Good luck!

[toypusher]

CC,

I built the Cubby, but like Tom and most of the others that I know have built the it, I did not follow the plans exactly. I have done lots of woodworking and just made things the way I wanted them. The biggest thing I belive is to get the exact measurements directly from the teardrop and not from the plans. Just let the plans be a rough guideline to get you pointed in the right direction and go from there with your own plans and ideas. Like Tom said, just ask on the board here and we will do our best to answer your questions and help you solve your problems.

PS: I do highly recommend Steve Fredericks Shop Manual, but remember that it is not a 'plan' for a specific build. It is a guide to assist you to build any type of teardrop that you want. I posted a review of the manual HERE that you may be interested in reading.

[IndyCubby]

I used the Kuffel Creek Cubby plan on my build this past summer/fall. Overall, I thought the plans were pretty good...lost of photos to show detail. I didn't use any of the cabinet or galley designs, though....I did my own thing on that part. The cabinetry in the plan was going to take more time than I was willing to put into it...so I went more simple.

My biggest issue was with the materials lists that came with the plans. It would have been helpful to have listed what the individual items would be used for...or on what part they would be used. If you customize your Cubby and make it different than what is in the book, then you may end up with lots of unused materials that have to be taken back. There were a few things that I bought (things like big long bolts, etc...) and never did figure out where they were called for in the plans.

Keep it up CutterCoasty...think it through and it will come along. Don't be afraid to change the plan and improvise. Just take your time. My biggest regret was rushing on a couple of things. I really only had a month to devote full time to it....so I had to be speedy!

Good luck!

[toypusher]

Indy,

The big long bolts were to make a spare tire holder up under the front of the tear.

[rampage]

cc,
I have the Kufflecreek plans myself. I havent started my cubby. My 5X8 Redtrailer hasnt been delivered yet. My plan of attack for this project is to pick and choose the techniques from different sources that i feel are best for me. I ordered the Steve Fredricks shop manual (i hope to get it the next few days), and i copied the Generic Benroy Plans from this site. Tom Swensons site has some great ideas as well. He really has the k.i.s.s. process down to a science. i'm gonna borrow his idea to take the curve out of the front of the tear and gain 2". Good luck and thanks for this post. You got me thinking about not taking the "plans" so serious. I think that is goint to help me out.

[Micro469]

It is a small shop.

That's a small shop?? I'm going to build mine in my shed... it's 12x16

[BILLYL]

CC-

As others have said - As a guide they are not bad - but as detail plans the are not. I agree the plans are at times confusing and I must agree it the Bill of Materials indicated what the part was to be used for would be very helpful.. But I would suggest that if you are having the problems you describe with the plans - return them! I think there is a 100% refund offered.

I used it as a guide and went from there...........

Bill

[Ira]

CC, I wish I could find MY original vent about those plans. I couldn't stand them.

But then again, I'm a total retard when it comes to building, and I need everything spelled out CLEARLY.

For me, they give me something to read while I was on the toilet, and I used them to give me an overall picture. But I ignored most of what they said and got my info here instead.

[TonyCooper]

I bought and used the Cubby plans and found them very good at guiding my build. I did find a few errors but worked around them all. Kevin was always quick to answer any questions.

I think the Cubby guide was a very good investment for me. Money well spent. And I would recommend it to other builders

And I'm still not finished...90+%

[s4son]

I think like others on this site I used the Kuffel Creek plans as a starting point. I knew when I bought them I would be using a different profile. The plans really helped me decide how I wanted to proceed. Using the Kuffel Creek plans and this forum I have begun building something between a Cubby and a custom. Just remember, measure twice and cut once. Then throw it away and start over.

Scott F.

[mikeschn]

I think like others on this site I used the Kuffel Creek plans as a starting point. I knew when I bought them I would be using a different profile. The plans really helped me decide how I wanted to proceed. Using the Kuffel Creek plans and this forum I have begun building something between a Cubby and a custom. Just remember, measure twice and cut once. Then throw it away and start over.

Scott F.

Scott,

How do the plans of the Generic Benroy compare to the Cubby? What information would need to be added to make my plans compete?

Mike...

[larryl]

I really liked the Cubby plans. They are a good starting point, but we quickly decided we wanted air conditioning so the 4X8 became 5X8.

I never worked with aluminum, so the information on bending the radius trim, installing the aluminum skin and flashing was worth the price to me.

I agree with Tom, could not see cutting the front profile by 2" made much difference to overall appearance. Also, Tom's site was very helpful.

Larry

[s4son]

I think like others on this site I used the Kuffel Creek plans as a starting point. I knew when I bought them I would be using a different profile. The plans really helped me decide how I wanted to proceed. Using the Kuffel Creek plans and this forum I have begun building something between a Cubby and a custom. Just remember, measure twice and cut once. Then throw it away and start over.

Scott F.

Scott,

How do the plans of the Generic Benroy compare to the Cubby? What information would need to be added to make my plans compete?

Mike...

Mike,
To be honest with you I haven't had time to completely read the Generic plans. I did follow along as they were written and from what I have read online I think they are very good. More detailed then the Cubby plans and better illustrated. From what I have seen so far I think they compare very favorably with the Cubby plans, as good if not better. I hope to have time to sit down and read them all the way through before long. I have printed off the entire manual as it is right now. I really liked the Baja Benroy and will consider something along those lines for #2. I will eventually buy a copy of Steve's plans as well.

Scott F.

[Ira]

That's funny, but I guess different strokes for different folks:

I didn't cut the two inches off because I was such a novice that I was afraid to try, and NOT doing it was a heck of a lot easier.

But I think the ones that did look a lot nicer. That front inward curve is really nice and affects the whole look. Definitely makes it more retro.