Should i build my own bp rack?

I have a seller around me that wants me to pay 285 for a 5 bin rack, it comes with the heat cables installed. I think it would be a lottt cheaper for me to just build one by myself. the only thing is i really do not like working with electricity, and the videos i've watched on installing the flexwatt kind of scares me (with the risk of shock and possibly fire?) would it be worth it for me to just buy them already made?

i live in ontario by the way. also where would i get flexwatt?

flexwatt from beanfarm, or heat tape from reptile basics.
In addition, you could test your thought of lower cost to build it yourself. Price all the materials you would need and estimate the time required for you to do it yourself and include that in at your estimated hourly wage.

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Originally Posted by purlaze

I have a seller around me that wants me to pay 285 for a 5 bin rack, it comes with the heat cables installed. I think it would be a lottt cheaper for me to just build one by myself. the only thing is i really do not like working with electricity, and the videos i've watched on installing the flexwatt kind of scares me (with the risk of shock and possibly fire?) would it be worth it for me to just buy them already made?

i live in ontario by the way. also where would i get flexwatt?

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I remember seeing that Canada requires the use of a certified electrician, so I'd check in that direction 1st.

I'm sure if that is incorrect or outdated news another countryman will update us.

I am a DIY type person and have built 2 racks.....8 shelf 32qt. and 7 shelf 41qt. I saved money, but it took time and effort....that yielded satisfaction .... and a few choice words every now and then (lol). They worked out in the end though :) I wish you the best.

I'm building my own right now. Gonna finish it today. It's a 3 wall enclosed 41 quart, 6 tub rack with 12" heat tape. Altogether it has cost me about 170$, and I'm building it really strong to last a long time. Also I've made it to the dimensions that will also hold CB-70 tubs. Luckily I've got a father who is very good with tools and is doing most of the work. If I didn't have him I would probably be paying over 300 for a rack this nice.

we built our first rack and it works great. Just be sure if you do build your own to seal the wood, because otherwise it will suck all the moisture out of your tubs. Eventually we upgraded to pro racks (C Serpents... great work) and I don't think we'd go back to building, just because they are heavier and not as streamlined, but it's a great way to start, especially if you're on a budget.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by purlaze

I have a seller around me that wants me to pay 285 for a 5 bin rack, it comes with the heat cables installed. I think it would be a lottt cheaper for me to just build one by myself. the only thing is i really do not like working with electricity, and the videos i've watched on installing the flexwatt kind of scares me (with the risk of shock and possibly fire?) would it be worth it for me to just buy them already made?

i live in ontario by the way. also where would i get flexwatt?

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I too live in Ontario. Best place to go to is Exclusive snakes. Just look them up online. They sell the THG heat tape. It's just like flexwatt but I personally like it better.

Build your own rack. Setting up the heat tape isn't as scary as it looks. As long as you use copious amounts of electrical tape, everything will be fine. PM me if you want more into.

I built my rack. It's an open design based on Rabernet's Frugal Herper that's posted in the DIY forum here. 2x32qts per shelf, 4 shelves. Total cost including heat tape was like $130.

Just built a six bin 41qt rack. I spent a little extra for hardware and installed a locking system to keep nieces and nephews out when they visit. My daughter is old enough now I have no worries with her.

Home Depot even did all my cuts for free. They were very close to perfect. I had a cut sheet ready.

I ordered my heat tape from Epic Exotics (Exclusive Snakes is the same people. Sister company) Excellent service.

3 sheets of melamine : $90
50' of iron on white melamine edge tape: $10
Edge banding trimmer: $8
Sandpaper: $5
6' of 12" heat tape: $40 including shipping
Aluminum tape: $15
6 42qt Steralite bins: $54 (walmart on sale)
100 drywall screws and white screw covers: $10-15
4 locking casters: $20
Hinges and spring loading hinge supports for a hinged lid on the top storage compartment: $15
3 grommets for wire ports and wire clips: $8
Solder (for electrical): ~$5
2 extension cords (had these already):~ $15
(I had a soldering iron already but $15 at the source)
Total without soldering iron: ~$300 plus tax.
Total after 13% sales tax : $339

Now it took two full days to build but mostly because I had a ton of edge banding to do and that is slow going. A lot of extra time and expense adds up if you want a nice finished look. I could have save a ton of time and a bit of money without finishing the edges or creating a storage compartment, or putting it on casters.

Like is said I went beyond what most people probably do. I still consider it very affordable because cage cost a ton more. I think it would come between $210 and $220 without all the extras I added. Just a plain rack without finished edges, storage and casters. Maybe $190 if you can get away with two sheets of melamine for your design.

Hope that helps a little. My only advise is use casters if you ever plan on moving it because these things are a little heavy.

I also didn't shop around for the best price on every thing. Also I had quite a few things lying around from other odd projects.

If you are handy and have a bit of time and some basic tools you can easily build one. You can also save quite a bit by hopping around. I am worst case scenario kind of guy. Even though most consider what I spent on a DIY expensive it is still cheap compared to buying pro racks and shipping up here and much cheaper than six cages.