Sawing a PVC enclosure...

Hello!

I potentially picking up a 4x2 pvc enclosure but unfortunately it as a fixed plastic divider in the centre. From your experience is that something that could be cut out with a saw? I know all pvc cages are a little different, I’ve never own a pvc cage owned one myself so I’m having trouble imagining if that’s a possibility.

Thanks!


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It might be awkward to get to, depending on how the doors allow access, but PVC isn't hard to saw. You might want to drill a pilot hole for the saw to start.

You might consider leaving the partition partway in (for support...some plastic cages develop a bit of sag) but a big enough opening for a snake to easily
go from one side to another. I think that's what I'd do, anyway. Maybe cut an opening that's 6-8", then smooth all the edges. And if you ever change your
mind & want to use it divided, it would be easy to re-attach a panel over what remains of the divider. ;)

Thanks for the reply! Yes that’s exactly what I was think, cut enough away to allow access without removing everything. If I end up getting it I think that’s what I’ll do [emoji1360]


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Cordless oscillating tool if you have one FYI will make that job pretty easy as you can plunge with them. You're going to look like Wile. E. Coyote trying to run any sort of a jigsaw inside that much of an enclosed space and your cut will look like dog crap on top of it.

Trace your desired opening size with a pencil, plunge cut it with an oscillating saw.

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Originally Posted by KevinK

Cordless oscillating tool if you have one FYI will make that job pretty easy as you can plunge with them. You're going to look like Wile. E. Coyote trying to run any sort of a jigsaw inside that much of an enclosed space and your cut will look like dog crap on top of it.

Trace your desired opening size with a pencil, plunge cut it with an oscillating saw.

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[emoji23][emoji23] very good advice! I’ll look into an oscillating saw, may even be able to borrow one.


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Originally Posted by DLLNP

[emoji23][emoji23] very good advice! I’ll look into an oscillating saw, may even be able to borrow one.


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Or rent one?

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Or rent one?

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Ya I think that’s an option too at Home Depot ... although Amazon Prime has one for only $45 haha so I might do that as well


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Originally Posted by DLLNP

Ya I think that’s an option too at Home Depot ... although Amazon Prime has one for only $45 haha so I might do that as well


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I didn't even think about Home Depot, there's a place in my town that rents all kinds of tools, but good tools are nice to have on hand. You'll find more things to do. ;)

if the front of the enclosure is attached w/ screws or bolts and not sealed, could u just take the front off and pull out the divider? that's also assuming that the divider is not permanently fixed w/ some sort of PVC seal or epoxy.

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Originally Posted by DLLNP

Ya I think that’s an option too at Home Depot ... although Amazon Prime has one for only $45 haha so I might do that as well


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Dont know if you have a Harbor Freight but they sell tools dirt cheap...
id just drill a hole a use a Jig or reciprocating demo saw.. use the Fine Metal teeth, works great for PVC and doesn’t make it Jump. Hopefully you can take the doors/slider out to work on it better... i will say be careful, all my AP enclosures are thick and I dont have to be gentle, but i have 1 Boaphile that is falling apart just by sneezing on it after only a year :(
A bunch of brands use cheap 1/8th inch PVC and they fall apart with pressure like the Backs of a old entertainment center...


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I’d be careful if you do decide to take out the entire divider. Since its a fixed peice in there, the enclosure might have been designed to have that piece permanently in there as a support, and would’ve been built depending on it. It might develop a sag in it, and either way, I probably wouldn’t stack another cage on top.


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Originally Posted by Ax01

if the front of the enclosure is attached w/ screws or bolts and not sealed, could u just take the front off and pull out the divider? that's also assuming that the divider is not permanently fixed w/ some sort of PVC seal or epoxy.

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Definitely a possibility! Just waiting on pictures to see what it looks like, screws would for sure be the easiest


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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Dont know if you have a Harbor Freight but they sell tools dirt cheap...
id just drill a hole a use a Jig or reciprocating demo saw.. use the Fine Metal teeth, works great for PVC and doesn’t make it Jump. Hopefully you can take the doors/slider out to work on it better... i will say be careful, all my AP enclosures are thick and I dont have to be gentle, but i have 1 Boaphile that is falling apart just by sneezing on it after only a year :(
A bunch of brands use cheap 1/8th inch PVC and they fall apart with pressure like the Backs of a old entertainment center...


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No Harbor Freight here (in Canada, maybe it’s US only?). Ah that’s disappointing to hear about the Boaphiles, it’s not like they’re cheap!


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Originally Posted by Treeman

I’d be careful if you do decide to take out the entire divider. Since its a fixed peice in there, the enclosure might have been designed to have that piece permanently in there as a support, and would’ve been built depending on it. It might develop a sag in it, and either way, I probably wouldn’t stack another cage on top.


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Ya I was thinking the same thing, for sure won’t be stacking it but I’ll make sure to determine whether or not it’s providing support before I cut it out. Last thing I want it a banana for an enclosure lol


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Originally Posted by DLLNP

Ya I was thinking the same thing, for sure won’t be stacking it but I’ll make sure to determine whether or not it’s providing support before I cut it out. Last thing I want it a banana for an enclosure lol


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I would cut out a big upside down “U” like a tunnel. That way you keep the support in the front/back to the floor. If its 23” deep inside id leave aprox 3” front & 3” in back. That way a good size aprox 17/18” cutout allows heat flow throughout.


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This forum is so informative...now I know more about oscillating saws, in case I ever need one, lol... I have a jig saw & a reciprocating saw, but wasn't familiar
with oscillating saws until Kevin suggested using one...then I looked them up.

And found out that oscillating saws and recipricating saws are the same?


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Originally Posted by Treeman

And found out that oscillating saws and recipricating saws are the same?


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No they're not...reciprocating blade goes forward & back, oscillating goes side to side. I bought a reciprocating saw for tree limbs mostly.

Use a saws-all with an extra long blade so you can get some flex in it. Clean it up flat with a palm sander (40, 120, 300 grit) or angle grinder.

Go slow, plastic doesn't cut well, it melts. Use a blade with large teeth to reduce melting.