Few building questions

[Chaos-n-Dissonance]

Taken from a larger post I made in general - If you're curious, check it out https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ed-some-advice . Just figured these specific questions were more geared towards specifically building enclosures

1) I wanna make a 36"x18"x12" enclosure out of ½" PVC. How would I make heat tape work with this setup?
2) ⅛" PVC board... How do you work with this stuff to make a sturdy tub-style enclosure? Or would I be better off with a different material?
3) Any tips/tricks for making your own DIY enclosure? Pretty new to DIY stuff so only know the basics about materials and techniques.
4) What types of PVC are safe to use for snake enclosures?

[wnateg]

1) RHP would work better.
2) 1/8 is too thin. 1/2 minimum recommended.
3) I make mine out of melamine, but it's really heavy. PVC is more expensive, but lightweight.
4) expanded / foam pvc sheet is the most cost effective.