Jeff's Teardrop Design Page
After studying several teardrop pages, I decided I wanted a Cub/Modernistic style teardrop since I really liked the lines
of them. Using Andrew's Teardrop and Other Trailer
Design page, I figured out how to draw ellipses. I started with a large sheet of graph paper and drew up a couple of
designs. I wanted the sides to fit on a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood so I wouldn't have to worry about making any splices.
Once I came up with something I liked, I picked up a big piece of cardboard and transferred the design to it. Next, I cut
out the design (I didn't cut the lower rear radius on the cardboard, it was kind of tight to cut into the thick cardboard,
but figured I could visualize it that way), and clamped it to the side of a utility trailer I had, to give me an idea of
what it might look like, and how big it would actually be.
It looked like it would work out fine, so I bought a piece of 4' x 8' x 1/2" MDF board, and drew my actual design on it.
I would use this as my pattern. I chose MDF board because it was cheap, and there were no voids like plywood. Since I
planned to cut my panels and frames out using a router with a laminate bit, I needed a smooth edged pattern. Hitting a
void in a piece ofplywood when trimming can make a nasty gouge in your finished work (don't ask me how I know this). I
used 1/2" because not only was this going to be my pattern, but it would also be my work bench. I also wanted plenty
of edge to use as a guide for the router. I rough cut the pattern with a jig saw, and cleaned it up with a belt sander.
I put the final edge on the pattern with a surform.
After cutting out the pattern and drawing in most of the shelves, matteress, and door, I realised that 8' was not long
enough! When I was drawing the design, I didn't realise how much floor space those darn lower radisus ate up. Back to
the drawing board. I could either change the shape, eliminating the lower radisus, or make a larger side. Since I really
liked the design I chose, I decided to make a larger side. I had already planned to make "sandwich" type walls, so a
splice was not a major problem, it would just cause me to waste a little more material. MDO board was not availible
locally in anything longer than 8', so I went with 3/4" particle board, which I found in 5' x 10' sheets at a local
cabinet/hardwood supply shop.
I really hate bending over when I am working on something, and most saw horses put the work just too low for me. While
shopping for wood, I noticed these adjustable saw horses. They are just the ticket! When adjusted all the way up to 37",
they put the pattern at the perfect working height for me. The other advantage to them is that with a 3/4" piece of
particle board or plywood on top, they are about the same height as my table saw, and are great for catching my work.
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