Metal rack

Chris works at a metal fabrication shop and he used extruded aluminum for the frame and has steel shelves. It looks really nice, if your handy with a welder and have some buddies to bend it up for you, I say go ahead and do it. On the other hand, he didnt have to pay nearly as much for it in cost because all the shelves were scrap. I can post a pic if you like.

I thought about building a metal rack and the issue you will run into isn't the frame (to your point that is just connecting the tubes with connectors) but how the tubs are attached and slide in/out. On Freedom and ARS racks they have c channels that are welded in place to allow the tubs to slide. Then there is the issue of the tops (the metal plate) these will need to have holes to vent excess humidity. Also, depending on the final metal material you will need to powder coat (anything else will scratch too easily and then rust). Stainless would be too expensive and Aluminum I would fear would bend too easily with all the opening/closing going on. You will also need to consider how your heat is attached being a metal rack everything MUST be grounded or you run the risk of fried snakes (and yourself possibly)

Not trying to discourage but some things to think about.

Hope this helps,
Sean

i just made a rodent rack with inch and a quarter square tube.
most steel racks will be welded. its cheaper and faster. if i was you i wouldnt waste money on corner connectors i would just weld it if you can or find a small welding shop to do it for you. personally im a union ironworker so its no biggie for me to build one and i have alot of tube right now that ive been stocking for just such a purpose. as far as heat i would make those e-pannels like freedom breeder uses with the insulation, but for the most part those metal open air racks are made for reptile rooms or heated rooms. technically you could insulate the outside with foam pannels that you can get from most lumber yards just make sure you stay away from the regualr what sytrofoam it tends to be less heat resistant.