d.i.y rack system

[smc1118]

Hello all was wondering if you guys can help me out I want to build or buy not sure yet I have no tools which sucks but buying a rack system can be very expensive if I build what are some tools I will need the idea is to save all the money I can if I buy what are some affordable racks to buy I would like to stack them anyway any tips,advice that can help me out thank you all

[AlexCaldecott]

Also interested in this.....


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[txcoker]

For snakes or rats?

[smc1118]

Both but more for snakes

[dart]

I'd probably recommend purchasing one of these if you don't have any tools to build one. http://www.cserpents.com/C_Serpents/RACK_SYSTEMS.html

By the time you buy all the tools and hardware necessary to build a rack, you'll have already surpassed the price of one of these. I've heard nothing but good things about this company as well. Although, if you're planning on continually building racks because you will be growing your collection, then buying power tools would be worth the investment. If you'd like to know what tools I use, pm me and I'll give you a list.

[OhhWatALoser]

It really depends how much do you plan on building? Building is no doubt cheaper, but takes time and effort and in your case an initial investment of tools. If your just needing a few racks, you might be better off buying. but if your going to make this a big hobby.... cheap as possible, you could make due with a circular saw, drill, tape measure, and a chalk line or straight edge. If you wanna make it easier on yourself and open a little more possibility, you can buy a table saw, I picked mine up for 100 bucks on craigslist, but that's going to be variable obviously. A single stack rack is really easy, most common way is to cut your sides as 1 piece and screw the shelves into the side at the right height. Wire flexwatt up ( i suggest a soldering iron over using those clips) , add thermostat, and your done. Other little things are drill bits, philips bit for drill, screws, soldering flux, solder, cord with plug, duct tape,

I did all this with a table saw and everything else mentioned above. The cages i used a miter saw on the doors.





so yea tools can be a great investment, but really depends on how much you want to do. buying is a lot easier, less time consuming, and depending on your skills a better product.

[Mike41793]

It really depends how much do you plan on building? Building is no doubt cheaper, but takes time and effort and in your case an initial investment of tools. If your just needing a few racks, you might be better off buying. but if your going to make this a big hobby.... cheap as possible, you could make due with a circular saw, drill, tape measure, and a chalk line or straight edge. If you wanna make it easier on yourself and open a little more possibility, you can buy a table saw, I picked mine up for 100 bucks on craigslist, but that's going to be variable obviously. A single stack rack is really easy, most common way is to cut your sides as 1 piece and screw the shelves into the side at the right height. Wire flexwatt up ( i suggest a soldering iron over using those clips) , add thermostat, and your done. Other little things are drill bits, philips bit for drill, screws, soldering flux, solder, cord with plug, duct tape,

I did all this with a table saw and everything else mentioned above. The cages i used a miter saw on the doors.





so yea tools can be a great investment, but really depends on how much you want to do. buying is a lot easier, less time consuming, and depending on your skills a better product.

Dude that is like the fricken Taj Mahal of homemade racks lol! I love it!

Heres a 41qt melamine rack i had used for 6months while saving up for a PVC rack.


It worked well but it was HEAVY. Tbh id really just reccommend saving up for a pvc one. Especially if you dont have the tools to do it. Reptile Basics has some awesome racks for very fair prices. Just my honest opinion.

[smc1118]

Thanks I will keep all this in mind looks like I have some thinking and planning to do

[PitOnTheProwl]

X2 on OhhWatALoser's list........... I prefer a table saw but the other question is where would you plan to kep all of the tools you buy?

BTW MDF and Melamine are VERY heavy, thats why I like casters

[PolishPython]

Melamine are VERY heavy, thats why I like casters

hahahahaha I agree 100%
I build my first hatchling rack in my basement cause I had more space and when it came time to carry it up to the snake room.
Wow a lot heavier than I anticipated up 2 flights of steps.