Steve Frederick’s Shop Manual – A Review

[cordes56]

Fellow lurker who has been gathering information for my build. After several months, I decided to start my build and figured this would be the best place to begin. Placed my order for the manual....plan to start my build this winter. Thanks

[max2bob]

i was going to order the kuffel creek plans because they seemed geared for a novice so to speak. there are a lot of features in steve fredericks manual that i really like but i thought it might be over my head . my question is, can a person with limited wood working skills use steves manual or would i be better off with the kuffel plans?

[bmacke]

I actually have both. I ordered the Kuffle Creek plans first (I didn't know Steve had a manual) and used that to get my head around the basics of design, construction and methods.
When I found Steve's manual, I ordered it too. Steve's manual is indispensable as far as explanation of steps and documentation of methods. If I was to choose only one, I would choose Steve's. It may seem daunting, but the added details (and Steve's own support forum) are beneficial to even the most novice novice.

Brian

[max2bob]

thank you for the response. that is what i am looking for. i want to enjoy building my teardrop and also learn in the process. having something i can understand and makes sense will add to the experience.
i lived in polk city for 2 years. that is a nice area. i enjoyed the race track down there. it was a bit warm in the summer though but enjoyed being able to wash a car in the middle of the winter.

max

[Steve Frederick]

Thanks Guys
It has been a pleasure to help folks to build their dream Teardrop.

[Koko65]

I had purchased Steve's manual last year to study. Very useful information, so much so that while looking at. Other people's build threads I would wonder "why did they do it that way? Did they not read the book!"

I have the trailer frame on the way and will be building this winter, watch for the build journal coming soon!

Onno

[DogStar]

Just ordered a copy today.
Just waiting on my download.

Will add it to my minimal Teardrop library.
Looking forward to it very much!

Eric (DogStar aka ELDogStar)

[Koko65]

Hello Sirius

Good luck with the build. Have you decided on a profile yet? I was chugging along quite well with mine until life got in the way. Now I am working on a fireplace for the house instead. Hope to get back at it in a week or so. I still need to have it finished by July.

Onno

[djdawg]

Thought I'd revive this thread to see if anyone could post some finished pics of their TD using Steve's book...I'm very interested in purchasing his....

[nevadatear]

We used it extensively, and recommended to several current builders including. Dave McCamant and his travelear. Check our build link below for many more oics. We did not use the honeycomb build method, but the instructions on epoxy work, hatch, and door seal were worth the money alone. We found it very helpful it is what made the difference in taking the step from dreaming to " we can do this". And did.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1353273144.770971.jpg (106.01 KiB) Viewed 22011 times

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1353273170.443345.jpg (61.64 KiB) Viewed 22011 times

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1353273191.647105.jpg (69.91 KiB) Viewed 22011 times

[prohandyman]

I used Steve's method on the Touring Lodge

[Steve Frederick]

We used it extensively, and recommended to several current builders including. Dave McCamant and his travelear. Check our build link below for many more oics. We did not use the honeycomb build method, but the instructions on epoxy work, hatch, and door seal were worth the money alone. We found it very helpful it is what made the difference in taking the step from dreaming to " we can do this". And did.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1353273144.770971.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1353273170.443345.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1353273191.647105.jpg

That's some really nice work there!
I especially like the galley.

[djdawg]

Beautiful job guys! I'm assuming everyone is talking about the Shop Manual, not the 'Rondack Lodge Plans? It seems like the Shop manual should be purchased first (if someone is looking for some great how to steps) and the 'Rondack Lodge plans are for someone more experienced?

[Steve Frederick]

Beautiful job guys! I'm assuming everyone is talking about the Shop Manual, not the 'Rondack Lodge Plans? It seems like the Shop manual should be purchased first (if someone is looking for some great how to steps) and the 'Rondack Lodge plans are for someone more experienced?

The ShopManual is a detailed how-to, adaptable to any design. Most folks buy the ShopManual, and do their own thing.(two previous examples)The 'Rondack plans are just that, plans. Purchase of the manual is helpful, so I offer a combo deal. The first 'Rondack built from the plans was done by a first time builder. He did his with a metal roof.




I've sold many copies of the plans. No one else has shared pictures yet.

[djdawg]

Beautiful job guys! I'm assuming everyone is talking about the Shop Manual, not the 'Rondack Lodge Plans? It seems like the Shop manual should be purchased first (if someone is looking for some great how to steps) and the 'Rondack Lodge plans are for someone more experienced?

The ShopManual is a detailed how-to, adaptable to any design. Most folks buy the ShopManual, and do their own thing.(two previous examples)The 'Rondack plans are just that, plans. Purchase of the manual is helpful, so I offer a combo deal. The first 'Rondack built from the plans was done by a first time builder. I've sold many copies of the plans. No one has shared pictures yet.

Thanks Steve...from what I understand, the 'Rondack is a larger type of camper? LIke sleeps 3+?