d.i.y rack system

Hello all was wondering if you guys can help me out I want to build or buy not sure yet I have no tools which sucks but buying a rack system can be very expensive if I build what are some tools I will need the idea is to save all the money I can if I buy what are some affordable racks to buy I would like to stack them anyway any tips,advice that can help me out thank you all :)

Also interested in this.....


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For snakes or rats?

Both but more for snakes

I'd probably recommend purchasing one of these if you don't have any tools to build one. http://www.cserpents.com/C_Serpents/RACK_SYSTEMS.html

By the time you buy all the tools and hardware necessary to build a rack, you'll have already surpassed the price of one of these. I've heard nothing but good things about this company as well. Although, if you're planning on continually building racks because you will be growing your collection, then buying power tools would be worth the investment. If you'd like to know what tools I use, pm me and I'll give you a list. :gj:

It really depends how much do you plan on building? Building is no doubt cheaper, but takes time and effort and in your case an initial investment of tools. If your just needing a few racks, you might be better off buying. but if your going to make this a big hobby.... cheap as possible, you could make due with a circular saw, drill, tape measure, and a chalk line or straight edge. If you wanna make it easier on yourself and open a little more possibility, you can buy a table saw, I picked mine up for 100 bucks on craigslist, but that's going to be variable obviously. A single stack rack is really easy, most common way is to cut your sides as 1 piece and screw the shelves into the side at the right height. Wire flexwatt up ( i suggest a soldering iron over using those clips) , add thermostat, and your done. Other little things are drill bits, philips bit for drill, screws, soldering flux, solder, cord with plug, duct tape,

I did all this with a table saw and everything else mentioned above. The cages i used a miter saw on the doors.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...9206760438.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...r/DSCN0851.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...r/DSCN0850.jpg

so yea tools can be a great investment, but really depends on how much you want to do. buying is a lot easier, less time consuming, and depending on your skills a better product.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by OhhWatALoser

It really depends how much do you plan on building? Building is no doubt cheaper, but takes time and effort and in your case an initial investment of tools. If your just needing a few racks, you might be better off buying. but if your going to make this a big hobby.... cheap as possible, you could make due with a circular saw, drill, tape measure, and a chalk line or straight edge. If you wanna make it easier on yourself and open a little more possibility, you can buy a table saw, I picked mine up for 100 bucks on craigslist, but that's going to be variable obviously. A single stack rack is really easy, most common way is to cut your sides as 1 piece and screw the shelves into the side at the right height. Wire flexwatt up ( i suggest a soldering iron over using those clips) , add thermostat, and your done. Other little things are drill bits, philips bit for drill, screws, soldering flux, solder, cord with plug, duct tape,

I did all this with a table saw and everything else mentioned above. The cages i used a miter saw on the doors.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...9206760438.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...r/DSCN0851.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...r/DSCN0850.jpg

so yea tools can be a great investment, but really depends on how much you want to do. buying is a lot easier, less time consuming, and depending on your skills a better product.

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Dude that is like the fricken Taj Mahal of homemade racks lol! I love it!

Heres a 41qt melamine rack i had used for 6months while saving up for a PVC rack.
http://img.tapatalk.com/328ae97c-b307-6dee.jpg

It worked well but it was HEAVY. Tbh id really just reccommend saving up for a pvc one. Especially if you dont have the tools to do it. Reptile Basics has some awesome racks for very fair prices. Just my honest opinion. :gj:

Thanks I will keep all this in mind looks like I have some thinking and planning to do :D

X2 on OhhWatALoser's list........... I prefer a table saw but the other question is where would you plan to kep all of the tools you buy?;)

BTW MDF and Melamine are VERY heavy, thats why I like casters:gj::gj:


http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...-53-39_865.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Melamine are VERY heavy, thats why I like casters:gj::gj:

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hahahahaha I agree 100%
I build my first hatchling rack in my basement cause I had more space and when it came time to carry it up to the snake room.
Wow a lot heavier than I anticipated up 2 flights of steps.

PVC rack i built I got all the supplies at a local lumber store they would probably cut it on site for you if you have all the specs at hand. I assembeled mine in a small apartment just need a box of screws and electric drill or just a screw driver that's what i used took allot longer but didn't have an electric one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GYTyLgTT6I

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dart

I'd probably recommend purchasing one of these if you don't have any tools to build one. http://www.cserpents.com/C_Serpents/RACK_SYSTEMS.html

By the time you buy all the tools and hardware necessary to build a rack, you'll have already surpassed the price of one of these. I've heard nothing but good things about this company as well. Although, if you're planning on continually building racks because you will be growing your collection, then buying power tools would be worth the investment. If you'd like to know what tools I use, pm me and I'll give you a list. :gj:

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Hes local to me and I've seen his racks. They are really nice. My next rack will be from him


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Does anyone know of any good uk based companies??


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by AlexCaldecott

Does anyone know of any good uk based companies??


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Hi, after doing a bit of research for my self i have come across a couple of UK based racking company's.
http://www.pro-racks.com/
http://www.euroracks.co/default.html
Not in the uk but can deliver to uk
http://www.lpracks.com/racks-adult.html

looking of getting a rack or two my self but then been looking at building them as it will be cheaper in the long run.
Hope the links help you
All the best
Nick

Thanks Nick!




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Quote:

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Originally Posted by OhhWatALoser

It really depends how much do you plan on building? Building is no doubt cheaper, but takes time and effort and in your case an initial investment of tools. If your just needing a few racks, you might be better off buying. but if your going to make this a big hobby.... cheap as possible, you could make due with a circular saw, drill, tape measure, and a chalk line or straight edge. If you wanna make it easier on yourself and open a little more possibility, you can buy a table saw, I picked mine up for 100 bucks on craigslist, but that's going to be variable obviously. A single stack rack is really easy, most common way is to cut your sides as 1 piece and screw the shelves into the side at the right height. Wire flexwatt up ( i suggest a soldering iron over using those clips) , add thermostat, and your done. Other little things are drill bits, philips bit for drill, screws, soldering flux, solder, cord with plug, duct tape,

I did all this with a table saw and everything else mentioned above. The cages i used a miter saw on the doors.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...9206760438.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...r/DSCN0851.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...r/DSCN0850.jpg

so yea tools can be a great investment, but really depends on how much you want to do. buying is a lot easier, less time consuming, and depending on your skills a better product.

---

The bottom cages look sick man. That is awesome with your helix flush mounted in the bottom.

Would love the measurements on that last cage

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36in long, 30in deep, 14in tall

Whats the measurements for the doors and the trim also are those 45 degree angles for the cut on the doors

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3 pieces are 1 x 2 with a 3/8 dado cut and the bottom is a 1x4 with a 3/8 dado cut, door was cut an 1/4 smaller than the inside, but added a 3/8 dado cut to overlap the outside.