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
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