My first non-practice rack

[ChristinaM]

I practiced once, built a little 2 shelf rack a couple months ago. Now I'm proud to admit I built this one, ALL MYSELF :) See, I am NOT building inclined, so I am quite proud of myself on this one. I still have some added supports and painting to do, but otherwise it is done.

k, it's not the best, but definately not the worst. I'm not as skilled as alot of ya'll are LOL.

ok, shutting up now LOL.

http://img6.photobucket.com/albums/v16/ChristinaM/enclosures%20and%20decor/rack.jpg

http://img6.photobucket.com/albums/v16/ChristinaM/enclosures%20and%20decor/rack3.jpg

http://img6.photobucket.com/albums/v16/ChristinaM/enclosures%20and%20decor/rack2.jpg

I will post more once it is moved, anchored to the wall, and full of critters :D

[EXXXtacy2000]

Nice! I'd buy it... Show us pictures when you get the tanks/cages in it.

[Yness]

I'd buy it too. I like the idea of using a routered track for heat rope. Is it safe to use heat rope with Melamine. Is that melamine? What are the dimensions? How much did it cost?

[Simon]

Nice looking
great job~
that didn't take you long at all~~
hahahah

[ChristinaM]

oops, my bad.....the stats:

materials:

2 pieces 4x8 5/8" thick particle board ( cheaper than malamine and reletively comparable in strength although it does need some added enforcement.

particle board screws. If you cannot find them, you can use deck screws.

( http://www.thelaminexgroup.com.au/downloads/trade_essentials/TradeGuide_Particleboard.pdf )

the link above has some really good tips for working with particleboard.

I only splintered one screw hole, and that was the first one I used a power driver on to screw in the screw. ( its recommended not to use a power driver, but if you are very very careful, it works ).

- wall anchors ( because the way I'm using this rack, it will be top heavy, so I am anchoring it into the wall, right in the wall studs )

that's it for materials :)

Measurements: 4'x4' or if you want specific, 49"x49"
http://img6.photobucket.com/albums/v16/ChristinaM/enclosures%20and%20decor/rack4.jpg

the bottom two shelves are going to have a piece of 6"x16" added in the middle for additional support ( because the shelves are only 6" apart, I can't put a support bar lengthwise or nothing would fit on the shelf). This material can sag over time, so support is a great idea.

Yes it is safe to use the heatrope as long as its kept on a dimmer, or thermostat.

bottom shelf ( very bottom along floor ) has one strand of heat rope
second shelf: 2 strands
third shelf: 2 strands
top: mmm, it reminds me of an element in an oven, you can see that section in one of the above pics. This is because that shelf will hold ONE tank....a showy tank, and the heat rope will cover approx 1/3 of the tank.

questions? comments?

[mykee]

Wow, that's a spectacular job for someone who is an amateur builder, you should be very proud of yourself. Good work!!

[Dom]

looks great but i think the groove should of been put on a side instead of in the middle.. Much easyer to make a gradient that way with temps..

Looks good

[urd]

nice rack ! looking into doin the same sought of thing:)

[ChristinaM]

Originally posted by Dom
looks great but i think the groove should of been put on a side instead of in the middle.. Much easyer to make a gradient that way with temps..

Looks good

mm, not sure what you mean??
I'm assuming you mean the grooving for the heatrope?

On the lower shelves, the grove is along the back, so in the container, the hotspot would be the back, then cooler as the animal moves forward.

The top shelf, the grooving has placed the heatrope under 1/3rd of the tank ( for a BCI ).

Thanks for the comments, I am definately interested in finding out what you mean :)

[ChristinaM]

ohhhhhhh, I think I know now. Are you looking at the 1.5" gap in the back wall?

That's only there because ummmmmmm :) I was that much short. Had it been the right size, the whole back would be solid.

[Invictus]

That is a fantastic job, and I really love the idea of the routered heat rope groove covered with aluminum tape! I'm going to steal that idea by the way. :D

[Classic]

Nice Job. Looking forward to the completion pics.

Brian

[Cruciform]

Where'd you get your heat tape Christina?

[ChristinaM]

Hi there, I got my heatrope at the last expo from PCPC.

[Linds]

Great job! :D

[Batdad]

Christina,

Do you have any contact info for the company that you bought the heat rope from?

Thanks
Bruce

[ChristinaM]

Hi Bruce, I emailed you the info :)

but here's the PCPC website addy: http://www.portcreditpets.com/