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Post by erin on Jul 30, 2010 18:27:59 GMT -5
Hi all,
I've noticed that many of you who are rebuilding the wooden frames have incredibly nifty pocket hole joinery in place of the staples - are you using a particular jig for this (brand name, etc.)?
Is anyone rebuilding the frame with staples like originally used?
I have a tendency to over-engineer everything (bracket hardware everywhere!) but recognize the need to keep the trailer light weight and am hoping to get everyone's feedback on the best way to reconstruct the frame.
Thanks, Erin
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Post by 61shastacompact on Jul 30, 2010 20:03:17 GMT -5
Kreg is the brand to get for the pocket hole jigs. It is a very easy to use system and makes for a nice strong joint when used in conjunction with a good wood glue. Here is a link to the one that worked for me: www.kregtool.com/Kreg-Jigreg-Mini-Prodview.htmlJim
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joek
250 Post Member
Inside Out
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Post by joek on Jul 30, 2010 22:16:44 GMT -5
Yep, love the Kreg Jig. The Mini like Jim has is great if you don't have too many to do. A few levels up is the original which I have and have driven thousands of screws over the years. I think the patent may have run out because I have seen cheaper versions recently in the hardware store.
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B.Tal
100 Post Member
"Leola" before rescue
Posts: 142
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Post by B.Tal on Jul 31, 2010 15:44:55 GMT -5
Hey Erin, i've been using brackets and gorilla glue for rebuilding some of my framing. its just a stronger solution than the staples. i think the weight added is negligible. Im also saving weight by removing original toilet,vent pipe, water tank. ive had to "sister" some framing members to old framing for support and strength in my cab-over bunk area. (astrodome) I was going to use a Kregs but can't get it into some of the tight positions. great tool tho!
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Post by erin on Aug 1, 2010 19:56:58 GMT -5
Thanks for the feedback, I imagine I'll end up with the Kreg original as it looks like it's the correct spacing for putting the two holes in the required frame pieces (correct me if I'm wrong). Sistering the joints and using glue is a good idea, I'd feel good about beefing the frame up that way around the corners, I could hardly fathom the trailer held up as well as it did given the mickey mouse way they constructed it (frame members not even touching held loosely in place with staples). They just don't build them like that anymore... oh, wait a sec, I guess they do...
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joek
250 Post Member
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Post by joek on Aug 8, 2010 16:47:38 GMT -5
Yeah, I was surprised how loose they built the old Shastas. I guess they thought the plywood and aluminum would hold it all together, which I guess it actually did.
When I bought my Kreg jig kit, it came with original Kreg jig and the mini, as well a pair of vise grips for holding joints together. I thin the mini is a critical tool for our restorations if you aren't taking everything apart. They can be used to strengthen many joints without the need to take them apart. If you can afford it, I'd buy the mini as well. If not, just buy the mini because at leat you can do everything with it.
Them's my $.02, for what it's worth.
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cowcharge
1K Post Member
I suffer from Shastasomiasis.
Posts: 1,471
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Post by cowcharge on Sept 11, 2010 11:46:14 GMT -5
My frame has staple bridges holding it (sort of) together as well, lol. But I'm wondering if that isn't more from the wood drying out and shrinking over 40 years, along with being worked loose from all the mileage.
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joek
250 Post Member
Inside Out
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Post by joek on Sept 12, 2010 21:39:21 GMT -5
Wood barely, if at all, shrinks in length when it dries.
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