Need help figuring out cuts for a rack

[Raverthug]

While Id like to do a closed in I dont mind an open air rack as our reptile room is heated. What size peices did you use and how many or each? Also can I use 3/8 thick or is that too thin?

[Amon Ra Reptiles]

I used 8 pieces 18 x 36 and 4" strips on the sides. I'm not sure about 3/8 I'm not that experienced with the strength of xpvc

[Raverthug]

ok so if im goin 9 high how long do I need to make the side peices?

[Amon Ra Reptiles]

Well it's best if you not cut you sides right off. You'll want to cut them a couple inches long them put you bottom shelf on and screw the sides to it then place your pub on the bottom shelf and the your spacer then place you second shelf on top if that and screw it into place. Repeat this until you get to the number of shelves you want. The. When you get to the top you'll have the extra couple of inches turn the rack over and those extra inches are now legs. I'll pm you my cell and if you have any questions feel free to call. Also I can send you some pics of the process if you would like.

[kitedemon]

This is my PVCx rack, yes it is 3/8 it is now 8 years old and has had no problems The edge is a bit hard to clean as it has open texture. Doing it again I'd try to figure out some way to seal that up.

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The shelves are rabbeted in to the sides the back is screwed to both the sides and shelves, other than that the shelves are just fit in with out glue just pressure. The top and bottom are screwed as well. There is a 3" foot at the bottom that is filled with rigid foam insulation.

The solid sides cost more in materials but help a bit with holding heat. I don't heat the whole room so it sits at 68º average, I have 17" flexwatt for the cool side and 4 on the hot side at the back.The 17 is low wattage and even in a full power runway it doesn't get much over 86º as an added safety measure (dual thermostats a primary and back up too)

The sides are 3 inches longer than the tubs and the shelves are an exact fit. I feel like doing it again I'd add a 1/8 spacer to the shelves.

A it can be easily changed when it is damages from rubbing.

B if you need to replace a tub in a few years it and the tub you used (like mine) is no longer available and the replacement is slightly taller you have more options to work with.

Again that costs more in materials but might save in the long run. I am either going to have to build custom tubs that fit or a new rack as one is now split and the rest are becoming worn out.

that is my thoughts and based on my experience I hope that helps a bit.
Alex


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[Kingofspades]

Under belly heat works awesome in an open air rack like that.

[chapskis1]

B if you need to replace a tub in a few years it and the tub you used (like mine) is no longer available and the replacement is slightly taller you have more options to work with.

That reminds me that I need to go purchase some backup tubs just in case that thing happens in the future!! I would hate to have a $400 rack that was useless because I didn't have a $5 tub to fit into it!!!

[jsmorphs2]

Could you PM me the info for the place you found the xpvc at? I just read this and I've been trying to find a place in the springs. Thanks!

[spitzu]

Could you PM me the info for the place you found the xpvc at? I just read this and I've been trying to find a place in the springs. Thanks!

Ditto... share that info please!

[kitedemon]

I actually bought mine at a sign shop and after talking with the guys out back a bit they even cut it to size for me with out charging me anything.

http://proveer.com/ I don't think that will help you they are a smallish local company to me. Most outdoor sign places will have PVCx or similar. I have used PVCx a lot it is super easy to work with as standard woodworking tools can be used (clean woodworking tools... that is)