melamine cage design

[Reticsrule]

well i finally went out to home depot today and bought the materials to build a cage for my male BCI. the cage is going to be 4'x2'x18" and made out of melamine. the total cost was just under $100. i bought a 8'x4' sheet of melamine, a sheet of pine (i think) for the front, a 4'x2' sheet of plexiglass, a few hinges and two slide locks. the cage is going to have a drop down door on the front with a plexiglass viewing area. i liked the melamine because it wont have to be finished and it looks fairly nice. i dont like the idea that its really heavy and i hope it doesnt chip when the cage is put together. does anyone have any suggestions for me?

[Up_North]

Retecsrule,
Well I don't know much about snakes but I do know melamine! I have used it to build all my racks and enclosures and I love it. The best advice I could give you is to use a corse thread screw as fine thread will turn the partical board to dust (home depot actuly sells a screw for melamine) I use #8 and pre drill your holes useing a countersink with a taperd drill bit #8 also found in most hardwere stores (home depot) these two things will save alot of time and frustration!
John

[Reticsrule]

im actually having one of my dads friends build the cage for me(as i would have no idea how) but i will be sure to give him your advice. thanks!

[bassteck76]

Tape all your cuts with masking tape.....this will keep the finish from chipping as you cut it.

Richard

[Reticsrule]

thanks for the tip bassteck76.

also can melamine get wet or will that ruin it? and does it hold humidity well?

[geckoguy157]

another way of not getting it to chip without tapeing is back cutting basically you set the blade just the height of the arborite the white part and run the sheet over the bl;ade backwards yes i am serious lol

[rrrrr]

One thing I learned on my first cage is to use a countersink drill bit to predrill your screw holes. The screws to use I believe are drywall screws.

[bassteck76]

Drywall #8's should do the trick. It can get wet but not stand in water.....a small spill from a water dish wont hurt...but if the water is pooling up and sets there it will cause some problems long term. It will hold some humidity and heat. You will want a digital thermometer as quickly as possible. Drill a small hole in the side and run the probe lead in the enclosure....then simply silicone in the hole.

Hope this all this is helping....LOL

Richard

[Reticsrule]

im 14 and no carpenter so im getting a little confused on some things but the guy thats building it for me will know what youre talking about lol:)

[testdrivehemi]

One good idea I can give you is ,glue a pirce of vinyl flooring to the floor of your cage and seal all corners with a bathtub quality silicone sealant ,it will extend the life of your cage by keeping the melamine from getting wet and swelling up .works good for me.

[geckoguy157]

hm ive never herd of putting vinyl flooring on the bottom of cages have to try it though have acess to lots of that stuff (floor layer by trade)

[jaybird123]

Hi all, I'm new to the site but not to reps or wood. Right now I have a terrerrium I'm biulding and I'm going a different route. I have an old 27" television cabinet I'm converting. For my Beardie "Spike", I have a question as to spray foam to make a rocky terrain for her she is very active. What could I use as a hardener that won't harm her. I think it's a really good idea and if and when it works I'll post it but I'm bangin' my head on a wall. Uretheane, Shlacking, I've even asked people about machae with casting material. I would appretiate a confident answer as I don't want to hurt her. Anyone has anything to offer be great.

P.S.

I would attatch a pic of spike but I don't know how. LOL.

[Reticsrule]

hey, my bearded dragon's name is spike too lol:D. you should probably start a new thread for your question though.