Construction a rat rack from plywood

The only reason that I am asking is because I am trying to do the math and lay it all out and the numbers just aren't adding up. If what posted is everything I need for 1 rack. And I can get 2 out of a 4x8 sheet of plywood. I just cant seem to figure out how to get that many pieces out of a sheet. I really like this design and I want to use it.

My math isnt working out right either. I might have grabbed a piece or two of scraps and figured that into the sheet of plywood. :confused:

After putting a little more planing into it. I can get 4 racks out of 2 sheets of plywood. I would have to do all the legs on one sheet, and all the other cuts on another sheet. It works out the same since I am doing more than 2 anyways.

After building a few more I have found i get better results making them 47" high that way i can square up the factory cuts

Just finished another today

http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/...s/4467aa3e.jpg

I like the idea but I can't help but think of the added work involved in ripping a sheet of plywood into strips compared to just cross cutting 2x2s. I have a table saw and a panel saw but even with the panel saw its still a lot more work to mess with the 4x8 sheet when I can just cross cut the 2x stuff.

I have all the tools to rip and cut the wood. But I'm gonna buy mine at homedepot or lowes. They will cut it for you. Some charge some don't just depends on who you get.

Again, why bother? Also Just be careful home depot and lowes panel saws arent usually accurate. Probably not an issue with a rat rack but something to keep in mind.

I do it because its cheaper,sturdier and if you have alot of racks it saves LOTS of space. The way i see most people build them with 2x's, on 1 cage mine are 3" less in width. For me the added work involved with ripping takes all of 5 minutes maybe.

FYI...

If you are using these dimensions make sure you already have the tubs. Lowes changed their supplier for the 7 gal mixing tubs (Item #: 19251). The older ones were from MacCourt 26" x 20". The new ones are from Scepter 19" x 27". Also the rim is much smaller, around 1/2" or so.