DiY Enclosures from Commercial Shelving

[Homebody]

Ball python in the 4Wx4T? I’m leaving......them in the 2x2x1Talls. 😆
The 4x4 is for a huge green tree python. It would be great to have something large enough to put a nesting box in the bottom for her.

Also have a short tail python. Making her a 8Wx2T, possible 6W, as the base.

Overall the STP case will provide a 6-8ft base. That can fit the 4x4 GTP case, and the 4 stack of AP 2x1’s flush in a roughly 6x6 square.

Can't wait to see what those no longer idle hands can do.

[ThePain]

So here’s a tease of the 4x4. Still a lot to do on it. This first one will help me fine tune the details on the rest. Mainly the exact spacing needed to fit the track. Now that I know I’m going with a hard vinyl track. This track is on Amazon. Says in the title for 1/2” bare sliding glass doors. They slide effortlessly. Comes in a few sizes. If anyone plans to DiY a box with sliding glass front these tracks come in multiple sizes. Longest length I seen though was 4ft.

[Homebody]

So here’s a tease of the 4x4. Still a lot to do on it. This first one will help me fine tune the details on the rest. Mainly the exact spacing needed to fit the track. Now that I know I’m going with a hard vinyl track. This track is on Amazon. Says in the title for 1/2” bare sliding glass doors. They slide effortlessly. Comes in a few sizes. If anyone plans to DiY a box with sliding glass front these tracks come in multiple sizes. Longest length I seen though was 4ft.

So 52 lbs glass panes slide effortlessly on hard vinyl track. Good to know. That'll be very useful if I ever need to build an enclosure for a monster. Keep the tips coming.

[ThePain]

Recommend this sealant. Brand OSi QuadMax for windows, doors, siding. The track is stuck with it. Along with stainless screws in the top. Will use this to seal all the edges. Picture taken with me sitting inside the enclosure.

Currently I’m preparing to cut boards to make basically a frame that will go behind the doors. It will set flush to the track providing a few benefits. Added rigidity, safety since the doors can’t fall in, and help keep debris out the track. [IMG] [/IMG]

[Bogertophis]

Sounds like excellent planning- keeping stuff out of the track, & especially, safety. This doesn't seem like your first rodeo?

[ThePain]

First time making an enclosure. My AP cases were bought built. But I know how to use a speed square to make a quick box. There’s a little finish and trim carpentry goes on here. The process of building the box (4 sides+2 back panels) is a project anyone can do successfully. Most probably under an hour. With a square, corner clamp, drill bit, countersink bit, and screws.

Just a little understanding of the butt-joint will go along way in anyone making their own custom size. Eventually I may lay this out in instructional format. Took some pictures of the steps. 🤷

[Homebody]

Eventually I may lay this out in instructional format. Took some pictures of the steps. 🤷

That would be great. I don't expect my box to last my pet's lifespan, and it looks like I could learn a thing or two from you.

[ThePain]

Here’s pictures of the next step. If you know the size of your track, this step could be done before installing glass.

Put wood in behind the glass. A 3inch strip up top, 8inch on the bottom. Here’s a tip. All screw heads should be outside the enclosure. Took 4 under, 2 on each side for lower strip. 4 on top, 1 each side for upper.

Can use speed square here to get the strip square with the glass vertically before measuring inset and drilling. Having it square vertically, and inset equal on both sides will give a uniform small gap. Without rubbing the glass. Aim for 1/8” gap between wood and glass.
[IMG] [/IMG]

[ThePain]

Left the top edge to run wiring thru and for airflow. Yet to figure how to screen it in nice. The mid gap in the rear will fit a rubber T-strip. Next I’ll put that sealant in all the interior edges. Very close to finished on this one after that.

[Homebody]

Recommend this sealant. Brand OSi QuadMax for windows, doors, siding.[/IMG]

We generally recommend using aquarium sealant for reptile enclosures. If you haven't already, I suggest you do some research on this product before exposing your snakes to it.