not a handyman

ok so here is my problem. I'm NOT a handyman at all. I am wanting to build a rack that holds 4 to 6 tubs. I don't have the tools to cut the pieces myself so I am going to have them make the cuts at homedepot. but everytime i get down there thinking I know what i want or need I second guess myself and walk out.

I am using 32qt tubs that measure 24" long x 17" wide x about 6" tall(but will change to any tub that I can get at wal-mart or target if needbe). Is there anyway to make this using maybe 1 sheet of melamine or am i just hoping and dreaming?

Any help for those of you that are handy.

This cutlist should work but be sure to double check all my math. I'd hate to have you mess something up because I added wrong and I am not always the best with numbers.

You need:

7 pieces 24 1/2 X 17 1/2 or 24.5 X 17.5 inches in both cases

2 side pieces 24 1/2 X 40 1/4 or 24.5 X 40.25 inches

and if you want a back

1 back piece 17 1/2 X 40 1/4 or 17.5 X 40.25

You'll need two sheets

ok, let me see if I got this right. that was for 6 tubs. Lets say I just did a small 3 tub rack for now, I would need:

4- 24.5 x 17.5 pieces
2- 24.5 x 21 pieces

that is saying that I am using 3/4" melamine

or am I just completely off

DOH!!!

I was measuring for 1/2 inch melamine. For such a small rack I don't think you need 3/4. Of course, it's your rack so do as you see fit but adjust all the measurements.

Once you've done it a couple of times it's not difficult at all.

no, no. I was just using 3/4" as an example for myself. If all I need is 1/2" which is probably cheaper, then that is what I am going with..lol. I just want to start with a small one and as cheap as I can just in case I completely screw up and have to start over.

so with the 1/2" instead of the 21" it would be a 24.5 x 20 for the sides?

What I find works best is to do a little sketch of what you want it to look like, write all the dimensions on the drawing, and then add it up. I am really bad at doing math. I always need a visual aid.

Or if you are like me and have a gazillion architect scales laying around, you could do a scale drawing. :P

Might also want to think about putting a back on it, unless you are using back heat. :)

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

What I find works best is to do a little sketch of what you want it to look like, write all the dimensions on the drawing, and then add it up. I am really bad at doing math. I always need a visual aid.

Or if you are like me and have a gazillion architect scales laying around, you could do a scale drawing. :P

Might also want to think about putting a back on it, unless you are using back heat. :)

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Lol, I am actually sitting here with a notebook and pencil in my lap. I just want to get some input before I start buying and cutting

Yep, I know how it is. I think I made like 20 different plans with different dimentions and all that jazz. I had been working on ideas for months and finally just went for it. I was so proud of myself when I finished!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Yep, I know how it is. I think I made like 20 different plans with different dimentions and all that jazz. I had been working on ideas for months and finally just went for it. I was so proud of myself when I finished!!

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thats what I'm hoping for. I went to home depot this morning thinking I knew exactly what i was going in there for the walked out with my head down..Lmao..

I made like 20 lists of stuff I needed to buy and calculated everything out and wrote it down and I still ended up going back to the HD because I forgot crap or needed more. It is such a pain in the butt to navigate that store.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

I made like 20 lists of stuff I needed to buy and calculated everything out and wrote it down and I still ended up going back to the HD because I forgot crap or needed more. It is such a pain in the butt to navigate that store.

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that and there are always 20 people standing around when you don't need help but as soon as you need help there is NOBODY around..

Here is a thread that might help http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...=726391#726391

trust me, I have read that post and every other rack building post on this and 2 other forums like 10 times each. I just can't figure out how I want to make it or how big to make it or, or or

lol, I know what you mean, I drove the guy nuts at HD, but he was a trooper :), and you might want to pick up some polyseam seal clear or white. I sealed all corners top and bottom, just in case of water mishaps.

thank you guys for your help. I just got home from home depot. I hope I got all the cuts right. I am going to start putting it together here in a few. I will post pics of it if I got it right. If it is screwed I will just pretend we never had this conversation...lol