A Few More Rack Questions

[bobberly1]

So, this rack project moving along and I just went to Lowes' to check out what's available. They have 2x4 pieces of birch plywood for $11, which is a pretty good price. Although it has oils in it. I've heard this is safe, right? As far as sealants go I know I need polyurathane, but are there any specific brands that people here have had success with? I was looking at Minwax and Zinssar. There are a ton of types within those brands to add to the confusion. Also, should I just seal the bottom side, the side that the snakes are exposed to, or both? My only concern with finishing the top side is flammability, these finishes are combustable dried, are they? They're going to be in contact with flexwatt, so this is a major concern. Well, the end is near in this rack construction, thanks alot for all of the help.

[bobberly1]

There are 100 people actively online, no one can offer any input?

[rabernet]

You'd probably get more replies if you posted it in the caging forum, where I moved your first caging thread and will move this one.

[bobberly1]

Oh great, thanks. I wondered why I had trouble finding that.

[zombie&lemons]

home depot has 1/2 birch for 29bucks for a 4x8 sheet that what im using right as we speak 1/2 birch i bought 5 sheets cause im making a 4 cage setup

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=83923 check my thread about my process

[hoo-t]

... My only concern with finishing the top side is flammability, these finishes are combustable dried, are they? They're going to be in contact with flexwatt, so this is a major concern...

Well, I'll throw this in... birch plywood is combustible too. Presumably, you will be using a thermostat on your rack to control the heat put out by the flexwatt, and it shouldn't ever get to temps much over 100 degrees f. Not high enough to worry about combustion. Your main worries about finish is toxicity, and then mainly for the uncured finish. Finish it how you like, but make sure to allow it to cure completely before putting animals in.

Steve

[zombie&lemons]

Well, I'll throw this in... birch plywood is combustible too. Presumably, you will be using a thermostat on your rack to control the heat put out by the flexwatt, and it shouldn't ever get to temps much over 100 degrees f. Not high enough to worry about combustion. Your main worries about finish is toxicity, and then mainly for the uncured finish. Finish it how you like, but make sure to allow it to cure completely before putting animals in.

Steve

all wood is combustible just about everything in this world is combustible. so yeah i have done a lot of research about birch. its the best wood to build speaker boxes out of, even better than mdf. but like you said as long as you seal the wood with paint, sealer, polyurethane, etc. you be OK. As for me im painting it. 1st with a black primer, 2nd with rustoluem accents STONE (bad ass textured paint. 9 bucks a can), 3rd and last a rustoluem accents matte clear coat sealer. then let it ventilate for a few days to a week. if im wrong please correct me. if im dumb just say im dumb!

[bobberly1]

Well, I'll throw this in... birch plywood is combustible too. Presumably, you will be using a thermostat on your rack to control the heat put out by the flexwatt, and it shouldn't ever get to temps much over 100 degrees f. Not high enough to worry about combustion. Your main worries about finish is toxicity, and then mainly for the uncured finish. Finish it how you like, but make sure to allow it to cure completely before putting animals in.

Steve

So does anyone know if it's toxic or had first hand experience? Come on people, first hand accounts of sealants, be specific!