Ackie Cage Build

jpsteele80 · 05-09-14, 04:25 PM

Ok I'm getting ready to build an ackie monitor cage, it's probably going to be about 6 to 6 1/2 foot long by about 30 inches wide and about 5 or 6 feet tall, I'd normally go with 2x4's as a first resort but since it will only be 30 inches wide ( so I can fit it out my door without disassembling it) do you think 2x2's would work, it will give me 4 more inches and all the room I can get they will appreciate, I'm going to frame the outside and put the plywood on the inside, any thoughts?

smy_749 · 05-09-14, 04:33 PM

Use a 6 x 2 x 2 trough as your base. You won't need to reinforce it with anything. Since troughs are hideous, if you don't like the look, just continue the box down to the floor to cover the trough area. It will be about 30 inches wide with the box and outer frame all built on and you won't have any issues with molding, warming, etc. The troughs are also very light weight.

jpsteele80 · 05-09-14, 04:52 PM

Yeah and a trough that size is about 150 dollars, then I would have to frame it in since there ugly as hell so by the time im done I would have probably spent more than just using frp

smy_749 · 05-09-14, 05:17 PM

Sorry, didn't know budget was a major concern. To answer your question, It really depends on how many 2x2's your planning to reinforce with, how much dirt you are planning to use, etc.

jpsteele80 · 05-09-14, 05:42 PM

Budget really isn't an issue, I just think by the time I frame it in it will have cost more than using frp, I'm going to have 24 inches of dirt 6 foot long and with 2x2's it would be 26 inches wide

wareagleA5 · 05-09-14, 07:58 PM

I built a 5x3x2 with one foot of dirt with 3/4 oak ply and no framing. It does have one brace on the inside to keep the sides from bowing out. So far so good, no flexing or warping because of all the weight.
IF you do a search for Barlow he uses a construction method with internal framing and has pics of one of his builds on this site. He also has an awesome guide for Ackies.