What kind of wood?

[K1LOS]

I built my chameleon cage out of melamine and wasn't too pleased with how easily it chips at the edges, i didn't find it too easy to work with (trying to avoid LOTS of chipping while cutting, and while fastening screws). I also hated that edging, gave me lots of trouble.

SO, what are my alternatives? I want something that is smooth ( so i don't want plywood). It will just look better after it is painted. Obviously pine and cedar are out. So what else is there for me?

Also, is there a large difference in bowing or sagging between a 5/8" or 3/4" thickness of wood? I have seen them both used frequently in people's designs. 5/8" would be nice as it would lighten the whole cage a bit. I was told that you can only get a glass track for a specific thickness, which was it?

I have all my plans made out and designed. To make 2 4'x2'x18" and 2 2'x2'x18" I will need just over 3 4x8 sheets. The left overs of the 4th sheet will give me enough extra to make a stand with a shelf in it to stash all my stuff.

I'll post a how to when i am all done. Thanks

Geoff

[K1LOS]

I went to Home Depot today, and was thinking i'd use MDF. I am still undecided on the thickness though. Can anybody think of a suitable sealant i could use for that? Any idea on pricing? Thanks

Geoff

[peterm15]

dont quote me but i think its epoxy that ive seen recomended most for sealent.. but MDF even with just a little spot missed could ruin your whole enclosure..

what wrong with plywood... it will last 10 times longer than mdf or the melamine and can be painted just fine if you use a primer.. also with the correct sanding you could even stain it rather than paint..

[outcold720]

Birch plywood is good it looks nice and its pretty smooth. If you sand it then it should turn out really nice.

[Collide]

I used pine to build my cages i have had some for 5 years and no issues

[Invictus]

Pine plywood is a non-issue. Remember, it's just a veneer anyway. You can use whatever plywood tickles your fancy, just seal the inside. As for MDF, don't even bother trying to seal it - you'd need at least 2 coats of primer before even applying the paint.

For my plywood cages, I'm staining them, and then putting anywhere from 3 to 10 coats of Indoor use, water-based polyurethane. It's tough as nails, perfectly safe, and will not allow moisture into the wood. I've recently discovered that poluurethane can be applied to melamine as well, but I'm experimenting with the durability of this method.

[Cedille]

Yeah.. that's why Plywood is G1S or G2S (Good 1 Side or Good 2 Sides) for painting/staining purposes. I've used the epoxy sealant but other than stinking to high heavens it's messy and a pain in the arse. I've switched to boat paint for interiors because it's easy, coats well, and doesn't need to be mixed (plus it comes in dozens of colours)

[Invictus]

Boat paint is epoxy paint, so it would be pretty good. Where do you get it, and at what cost?

[K1LOS]

I don't like the idea of having to sand it, prime it, paint it, seal it, and then caulk it. Sanding is an extra step i am trying to avoid. I don't have an electric sander, and sanding all that by hand would take ages. I have been told that you can get plywood that is pretty well smooth already from the store. Any idea on the cost of these for a 4 x 8 sheet, 5/8 or 3/4" thick?

Geoff

[peterm15]

about the same.. sanding is not a big deal.. 10 min with a block of wood.. nothing major needed

[Invictus]

Yeah, block sanders are just fine. Most of the good plywoods (oak, birch, or maple) come sanded already. I don't recommend caulk either - waste of time. It doesn't bond well to wood. For my enclosures, I just use wood filler in the joints. Just mix it with a bit of water to thin it out before applying, and sand the excess - I mean, the best way to fill wood is with wood, right?

[Collide]

here are some of my cham cages built with pine, most of my cages have a planted bottom like a planter box i line it with plastic and filled it in.

Photos here!