DiY Enclosures from Commercial Shelving

[ThePain]

Considering the weight of the glass, at 52lbs a pane, got some aluminum C-Channel today. One to silicone onto the sliding edges of glass for protection. The other to be the track the window will sit in. I have the panels stood up on the edge to hold the Channel in place as the silicone dries. I couldn’t get it nowhere near as tight on the top unless I clamp it. So I’m doing one side today, then flipping them tomorrow.

Note: Today slide test show track fitment looks good. Has slight gap in guide channel to accommodate strip. But friction in raw aluminum will need reduced. Possible lubricant or Teflon strip with felt. I’m guessing for now..

[Bogertophis]

Considering the weight of the glass, at 52lbs a pane, got some aluminum C-Channel today. One to silicone onto the sliding edges of glass for protection. The other to be the track the window will sit in. I have the panels stood up on the edge to hold the Channel in place as the silicone dries. I couldn’t get it nowhere near as tight on the top unless I clamp it. So I’m doing one side today, then flipping them tomorrow.

Note: Today slide test show track fitment looks good. Has slight gap in guide channel to accommodate strip. But friction in raw aluminum will need reduced. Possible lubricant or Teflon strip with felt. I’m guessing for now..

Many years ago I converted a cabinet to a snake home & used aluminum C channel for sliding glass doors. I found some narrow self-adhesive velvet-like strips that fit in the channel & allowed the glass panes to slide easily. I can't recall where I bought it though- might have been a craft & fabric store- & even if you can't find self-adhesive strips, you might find the right stuff you can glue in place. I wouldn't use any sort of lubricant, because it could transfer & sicken your animals- besides, lubricants are messy & need reapplication.

[Homebody]

Note: Today slide test show track fitment looks good. Has slight gap in guide channel to accommodate strip. But friction in raw aluminum will need reduced. Possible lubricant or Teflon strip with felt. I’m guessing for now..

I've been thinking about adding felt to my channels, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Because my glass slides in vertically, there's less friction, so it's less of an issue for me.

Also, 1/2" glass is way thicker than you need and that 52 lbs is going to wear on you. Consider switching to 3/16" or even 1/8" and find another use for those 1/2" panels.

[Bogertophis]

I've been thinking about adding felt to my channels, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Because my glass slides in vertically, there's less friction, so it's less of an issue for me.

Also, 1/2" glass is way thicker than you need and that 52 lbs is going to wear on you. Consider switching to 3/16" or even 1/8" and find another use for those 1/2" panels.

For sure! Good catch! 1/2" thick glass is massive & excessive.