Metal rack

Hi, I have done a search and not found anything. Has anyone ever built a metal rack using square section steel? Similar to those commercial ones listed for sale on websites (very expensive). I have found a place locally that sells 1 inch square hollow steel tubing and corner connectors, so I wanted to have a go at making one. Just thought I would see if there are any tutorials on it. I can find plenty of guides using wood, but not metal.

I want to make it out of metal because it takes up less room and is of equal weight if not a little lighter!

Thanks for your help in advance, Aubrey.

I have searched every where for metal rack plans, but never found anything. I just have a lot of pictures of the metal racks that are out there. I plan on building one in the near future, but I will weld mine. What kind of connectors are you talking about?

Trey

I found it in a local hardward store catalogue. It is primarily meant to be used for making desks and furniture etc, but can be adapted for a rack. The connectors are sturdy plastic connectors that join corners or right angles etc, all you need to do it have the metal cut to the right length and then click it all together. I will try and see if they have a website to show you. They are in the UK, but you might find something similar in the US.
Aubrey.

This is not meant to discourage you, but I imagine that there aren't any because wood is easier to work with and requires less skill. It's easy to cut, assemble, etc. If you have the metal working skills then go for it! I would take a look at as many designs/plans as you can and then adapt them to metal. If you decide to go for it, you should do a progression thread on the construction. I'd really like to follow it!

Good luck!

Thanks for your help. I'm not really a metal worker at all. The beauty of this system I found is that the factory can cut all the right lengths for you and then you just slot it all together with the corner connectors, a bit like childs building blocks! I'll keep you posted.

Plus, metal is kind of the opposite of insulating.

Is it round metal or tubular? My Freedom breeder rack is square metal and I could give you some pics of the setup for ideas. This rack is welded but you can get general idea. PM me if you want more info.

I don't mean to steal your thread but I would like some of those pics, West Coast Jungle.
Thanks
Trey
mxrider42@hotmail.com

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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

Plus, metal is kind of the opposite of insulating.

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Good point. I imagine that vertical heat transfer between tubs would be pretty high.

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Originally Posted by blueapplepaste

Good point. I imagine that vertical heat transfer between tubs would be pretty high.

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Yes I would have thought so too, but all the professional racks seem to be made from metal.

Response to the earlier post, it is square section metal tubing.

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.