Cutting PVC rack for flexwatt

[DLena]

I have a 5-tier hollow core PVC rack that utilizes heatcord woven through the hollow areas inside the right side of the rack. (The bins go in short, not deep.) What I want to do (if it’s going to work) is run a single length of flexwatt along each shelf. In order to do this, I’d need to cut a slot on each side of the shelves to thread the heat tape through.
1. Will this work?
2. What tool does my cousin need to cut these slots? (He has tools, electric ones! Lol)
3. Would aluminum tape be a good way to secure the flexwatt? Other recommendations?

[KevinK]

Ok so if I'm understanding this right you need to cut clearance slots to run the heat tape to the next progressive shelf?..... so what I would definitely be looking at tooling wise is a router with a two flute endmill..... but it's going to be a little bit of a difficult project because PVC has a tendency to melt if it overheats by your tooling .


If he has access to CNC machine shop mills (knee mills or CNC) this should be a piece of cake but most people don't ....

If you don't want to use a router or a knee mill you could dremel out the slots but it definitely isn't going to look pretty

[DLena]

Thank you for the suggestion. Would the aluminum tape work well to secure the flexwatt?

[KevinK]

Thank you for the suggestion. Would the aluminum tape work well to secure the flexwatt?

No problem, and yup, thats what I would use.