Rat rack lumber

[Adam Chandler]

I'm throwing around the idea of building a 4 tub rack rack using Lowes 26" x 20" mixing tubs.

I was at Lowes today pricing everything to try to come with a rough total cost and the only 2x2 I saw were these 2x2 furring stripes:

I'm not sure what the difference is between a furring strip and a normal 2x2 but would they be appropriate to use for building a small 4 tub rat rack? They seemed pretty straight and without many knots.

[Simple Man]

That's what I've built all my racks out of. Lumber is cheap. The tubs and hardware cloth are the expensive parts

Regards,

B

[Adam Chandler]

Cool, the projected cost cost is a little lower than I thought it would be.
I think I would need 10 96" 2x2 for this project.

The measurements I came up with for a 4 tub rack instead of 6 tubs is:
4 x 44"
8 x 27"
12 x 24"
8 x 21.5"
4 x 10" (scrap for spacing) pieces of 2x2.

Does that sound about right?

[PitOnTheProwl]

IF you have a table saw or know someone that does you can cut your costs in half buying 2x4s.
I rip mine down into 3rds about 1 1/8"
Those strips you are looking at will work to.
The hardest part, however you go about it, is trying to find straight wood

[PitOnTheProwl]

4 x 44"

If these are going to be the upright legs, I would use 2x4s just to make sure they dont bow. One guy I know uses 1x4s and they work good but I would rather over-build rather than come home and chase the food

[Simple Man]

There's no need for 2x4 on the legs. I have three going and the boxes/slides firm everything up. I don't get any bowing at all with 2x2. Your quantities sounds right. I do however use a 2x4 in the rear for back stop/bracing.

Regards,

B

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Regular 2 x 2 are fine if there straight if there are not what I do is use a 4 x 2 instead and slip it in 2 (table saw required obviously)

It changes the dimension slightly however if the 2 x 2 are not straight it's your best option.

[JohnNJ]

I use the same 2x2's. I have used the 2x2's for legs and also the 2x4's.

I use clamps when screwing the wood together to keep it straight. Most important tools for building besides a drill - big and little clamps, an electric staple gun and a second drill.

You can get your wood cut at Home Depot or Lowes if you have a cut list with you so you don't even need the saw. Other things that make it easier - a t-square and a level.

Tip - buy twice the number of screws you think you'll need. If you have any left over you can use them on your second rack.

[mechnut450]

let me know the pricing as i thinkngi of doingthe same thing here have a a rodent rack that I can keep asf mice and or rats in. tight now I need about 5 tubs but I do have some scrape plywood and such around it maingly the plans I need for mine since i got to use water bottles still. I think a couplew spare tubs would work as well to make cleaning easier lol just swap out the rodents and dump old tubs and hose them let aire dry while the rodents make their messes in clean tubs.

[kitedemon]

depending on where you are there might be a small mill around. I get 2x4x8 from the local guy for less than 1.00 each and the local box store they are over 2$ each. The local guy will cut and plane any size you want and if you ask nicely they pick the very best out for you, and save you money.