DIY Large Rack - Part 2 Putting it together
Put it together:
16. Cut (2) 2X4s to the measurement from step 9 + 3”.
17. Attached a full 2X4 to each end of these cut boards from step 16 (with the cut boards under the long ones - like a big U)
These will create the uprights which the levels will attach to and the boards and give a base to attach casters to so you can move the whole rack
18. Cut a 2X2 to the same length as the 2X2s in step 2 + 3” (see NOTE at step 2)
19. Attach these 2X2’s between the bottom boards from step 17 connecting the 2 “U’s (attach them where the 2X4s meet each other)
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...s/IMG_0665.jpg
When done you will have an upright frame with (4) 2X4 posts, a base board in the front and back, and the (2) 2X2s holding the bases together
20. Cut the metal wall studs to the same length as the boards from step 9
21. You will need to notch the ends of these studs 1.5” on the sides so that these studs will rest inside the frame you created for each level. Cut a stud for each level
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...IMG_0659-1.jpg
22. Place one of these studs across the 2X2s you installed - it will “float” between the 2X2 with only the notched ends resting on the wood.
23. Now for the tricky part you need to measure the level thickness with the tubs floating. I used bricks the hold a level off the ground with the tubs just touching the ground and measured from the ground up to the bottom of the one of the 2X2 rails.
24. Cut 4 pieces of scrap wood to this measurement.
25. Place one of the scrap pieces at each corner of the 2X2s (that are at the base of the 2X4 structure) and set the first layer on these pieces. Make sure this level is level and then attach the level to the 2X4s with wood screws.
26. Test it...you should be able to slide the tubs on this level in/out with ease and have the bottom resting on the metal stub below.
If so...then congratulations the rest is easy.
27. Move the scrap pieces up on top of the level and repeat for each next level.
Once you are done attaching all the racks you can move on to the heat.
Tape the flexwatt to the underside of the metal studs then put the reflectix on so it sandwichs the flex between (use Aluminum heat tape). I will assume you can get instructions elsewhere on how to wire it up or have it wired when you buy it.
Place a metal stud on top of each level so that the tubs above rest on it (or float no more then 1/16 above…any more and to much heat to dissipate and not heat effectively.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j2...s/IMG_0662.jpg
Congrats this completes the basic rack…next we move on to the top and hatchling portion.
Re: DIY Large Rack - Part 2 Putting it together
Very nice DIY Sean. I always love to see how other people do it. I always get an idae for improvement on my own racks from other peoples mistakes or successes. Job Well Done.