Rodentracks.com Build Question

I am about to start cutting and building my rodent rack from the small size plans on Rodentracks.com. The measurements on the website call for the black mixing tubs to be 19 3/4" x 27 1/2" x 6". I bought the tubs at Lowe's. There was a small size and large size of the same tub (just like there is a large tub and small tub build on rodentracks.com). The tubs I got measure 20" x 26" x 6". It's hard to imagine they redesigned these tubs to be an inch and a half short one way and a quarter of an inch short the other way.

Do I need to make adjustments in the cuts/plan for these tubs? I'm looking for input from someone who has actually done the build before. Either that or input from someone mechanically gifted

http://www.rodentracks.com/Small-Tub-Rat-Rack.html

assembled like this:

http://www.rodentracks.com/Large-Tub-Rat-Rack.html

Thanks,

Jon

I would say that you do need to adjust. Sounds like you may not have the same tubs that they plan for. I have seen a couple versions of the small and large tubs from different stores.

Maybe he's using the Home Depot tubs? I would use them regardless and just adjust measurements if necessary. They're sturdier.

Distributors buy from different suppliers and tub size is not consistent between them to begin with.

Resize and verify you have the same ones next time you make a rack. Home Depot switched suppliers on me and I didn't realize it until none of my tubs fit the new rack.

I used the same plans when I built my first rack. One thing I would like to point out.

With the height of the rack once its assembled there's not much room on top for a water bottle or food or anything. The second one I built I added 6" on top of each tub. Here is a picture of the first rack I built using the big tubs.

The bigger tubs were purchased at home depot. The bigger tubs are also a bit of a pain since hoppers and such have a hard time eating. I have to use ALOT of shavings in the tub.

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/...-24-54_816.jpg
http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/...-25-03_740.jpg
http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/...-25-19_768.jpg

you can see theres not much room on the top of the tubs. I use a watering system so it works but still a pain to even refill food. I would add a few inches to each tub personally.

I called Home Depot and had them measure the tub they had by hand. 27.5 x 19.75 x 6...

I'm going to go buy those rather than tinker with the measurements (it's ridiculously simple, I know) because I am not looking to have rats escape in my house or waste materials based on a slip up.

Thanks everyone!

There are two different style mixing tubs out there between Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards. The tubs I use are the thicker of the two and really feel a lot more durable.

Here is a picture of the label, I got these from Home Depot

http://i45.tinypic.com/t03l01.jpg

Just a few pics of the racks. I did use two of the larger sized ones a well for the breeder rats. All I did for the larger tubs was turn the tub upside down and lay the 2x3's on the lip of the tubs and made my cuts from there; got the dimensions and made the rest of my cuts.

http://i50.tinypic.com/2dc63k4.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/2d6w4dt.jpg

If you would like I can grab the dimensions of the smaller size rack from you, just let me know.