Framing/braces or just bolt the plywood together?

[kelzerman]

Formica I have not found any reliable data comparing type 1 pvc to expanded foam core. Only way to get reliable data would be to test it myself and I do not have the resources to do that. All I can say is we use type 1 for structural products that withstand high impact and weight. We also work with expanded foam core which is used for signage. I will tell you what expanded core is probably about 50% lighter... a 48"x22"x22" cage out of type 1 is about 113 lbs according to my software. Now I don't have a sheet of pvc to compare to this picture, but I can assure you that you will not bend a sheet of type 1 anything like this. Now this is a sheet that is 41"x60"x1/4"







You know after looking into this a little more; you obviously have not had an issue with using 1/2" expanded closed cell. I respect what you guys do and in no way are bashing. You guys have made some fantastic looking cages, but I would not use it for a larger enclosure. I would however try using it for a little 3'x2'x2'

[formica]

certainly a simple sheet of PVCX is very flexible, but how much the structure of an enclosure bends, depends on allot more than that, not saying that Type I wont be significantly stronger or more rigid, just that there is more to the engineering/architecture of an enclosure, than the flexibility of a simple sheet, but of course yes it plays an important role.

but with good design, PVCX is structurally sound even to 4x2x2, although I personally would not build it bigger than that, some enclosure fabricators do and it seems to have damaged their reputation somewhat, with enclosures cracking and breaking

I would only stack max 3 units fully loaded with bio-active substrate, and only if they where fully reinforced with an internal frames, even with an internal frame the enclosure is lighter than a Plywood or OSB of similar size, if the right products are choosen



Look forward to seeing your finished results anyways! always interesting to see different materials being used - particularly interested as I have a 10X6 build coming up, where PVCX is definitely not an option except for finishing

[kelzerman]

Originally Posted by formica

certainly a simple sheet of PVCX is very flexible, but how much the structure of an enclosure bends, depends on allot more than that, not saying that Type I wont be significantly stronger or more rigid, just that there is more to the engineering/architecture of an enclosure, than the flexibility of a simple sheet, but of course yes it plays an important role.

but with good design, PVCX is structurally sound even to 4x2x2, although I personally would not build it bigger than that, some enclosure fabricators do and it seems to have damaged their reputation somewhat, with enclosures cracking and breaking

I would only stack max 3 units fully loaded with bio-active substrate, and only if they where fully reinforced with an internal frames, even with an internal frame the enclosure is lighter than a Plywood or OSB of similar size, if the right products are choosen



Look forward to seeing your finished results anyways! always interesting to see different materials being used - particularly interested as I have a 10X6 build coming up, where PVCX is definitely not an option except for finishing

Oh I agree completely! The structure it self will have a huge impact on the strength of the enclosure. I was just referring to the deflection of the material in its self... You will certainly not have that drastic of a flex in a correctly engineered enclosure. This project is a little down the road. I have to still order the type 1 and then working it into the production schedule of cncs. This will be all cut with high precision cnc machining. I will be sure to post pics of the outcome.

Me personally would think you would run out of floor to ceiling space before I would worry about the structure of the type 1 enclosures...BUT!! I have not had one of these enclosures in my hands yet so I very well could change my mind.

Formica,
Do you work for Formica brand laminate?

[formica]

haha no...Formica is a genus of ants my other ''exotic animal'' hobby

[mclund]

Lots of great information here guys. Larry and I talked about an oversized cage (8x2x2). I have this burning desire to keep an O Hannah, but that project is a ways down the road.

[kelzerman]

Originally Posted by mclund

Lots of great information here guys. Larry and I talked about an oversized cage (8x2x2). I have this burning desire to keep an O Hannah, but that project is a ways down the road.

Right finally a nice un-heated debate full of useful information!

[LarryS]

A cage, as a structure is much stronger than the individual panels that make it up. I personally would not have a problem with a 1/2" pvcx cage at 8w x 4h x 3d, so long as the design is sound. The bottom would need to be fully supported, and the door and opening would be a challenge.
Having an animal inside that could expand against the cage body is an entirely different situation and I agree with everyone that pvcx would not be sufficient without additional reinforcement.

Matt, you're going to need a bigger snake room.

[Danimal]

For the OP, A simple, strong joint to make is with a good glue and pocket holes. I use gorrilla glue or liquid nails and a kreg jig. Lots of videos out there about it.

[guyabano]

With 3/4 in. plywood, you can make pretty good enclosures without additional support. Anything over 6x3x3, I'd start adding some framing. Good wood glue is your friend.

[Toggsy]

Originally Posted by Danimal

For the OP, A simple, strong joint to make is with a good glue and pocket holes. I use gorrilla glue or liquid nails and a kreg jig. Lots of videos out there about it.

Tbh I didn't know what a kreg joint was until I looked it up on the internet And in all fairness I thought it might of been another name for a biscuit joint.
This method looks real easy to do.
Are the jigs very expensive ?

[LarryS]

Originally Posted by Toggsy

Tbh I didn't know what a kreg joint was until I looked it up on the internet And in all fairness I thought it might of been another name for a biscuit joint.
This method looks real easy to do.
Are the jigs very expensive ?

There are a lot of different versions of pocket hole jigs. I would recommend the type with the built in clamp like this;

Kreg Jig K4 Pocket Hole System - Amazon.com

I have an old Kreg jig and use it all the time. It's one of those tools that once you have it you wonder how you got along without it.

We have never used pocket holes for cage construction, but it is certainly an option. I personally still feel a simple butt joint is all that is needed.