60 tub V-18 build started..... progression thread

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

Having built 5- 6 XPVC racks and an incubator, I was looking to improve the rack builds by recessing the heat tape. I'm tired of taping the edges of the heat tape down and having the tubs always slide over the heat tape. Talking to Reptile Basics they recommended to recess a slot in the shelf for the heat tape and using their double sided tape to secure the heat tape in place.

I dropped off some excess pieces of XPVC to Piedmont today and bought 2 sheets of XPVC to have them cut me 21 pieces at 19" x 22.27" for my 3 wide, 20 tall V18 build. Then I went to Harbor Freight a bought a $60 1.5 HP plunge router with a 20% off coupon and a 3/4" flush router bit. I had some scraps still laying around and decided to route the channel in some scrap for 3" heat tape.

Here we go:

1.5 HP Plunge router:


Came with an edge guide:


5 minutes of work:


Now... doing 20 pieces will take an hour or so, but I think the time and money will be well spent.

Stay tuned for the build

[BumbleB]

Looking forward to seeing the build. Would love to try a similar rack just on a smaller scale one day

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

Looking forward to seeing the build. Would love to try a similar rack just on a smaller scale one day

Nothing wrong with smaller.

I'm just trying to utilize all the vertical space I can. All my V-18 racks currently have between 2-5ft of "wasted" space above them. This build should have just enough room the clear the light bulbs in the "pit".... lol!!

[Tsanford]

Favorited and following!

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

Picked up the XPVC all cut today.

(21)- 19" x 22.75" for 20 shelves and the top
(4)- 6" x 96" for the side supports. Will be cut to proper height after all shelves are mounted.
(2)- 4" x 96" for back supports. Will be cut to proper height after all shelves are mounted.
(1)- 2" x 96" to be used as a back stop for center V18 tub.



Crude home made router table with some aluminum angle pieces mounted as guides:



Shot of 1st pass and 2nd pass:



Bit for channel to keep heat tape in place:



Heat tape in channel. Once I finish cutting the complete 2.5" width I will cut the same slot on the other side to keep the 3" heat tape in place.:

[Tsanford]

Looking good! I might have to try this for my next rack!

So you made the slot for the electric part of the heat tape, but how are you going to get the heat tape into the slot and get the double sided tape in between?

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

I'm skipping the double sided tape. Just feeding the heat tape through the slot and that will hold it in place.

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

20 shelves routed and channeled for heat tape.

[jesst]

Wow that looks great

[Tsanford]

Can't wait to see this completed!