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18 Tub Rat Rack
This is a pretty standard design, but I figured I would share since I stole all of the ideas from other posts here. I just started this afternoon so the rack is still a work in progress.
- The tubs ($5.47 * 18 = 98.46) were the concrete mixing tubs from Home Depot. I checked the ones at Lowe's but they were a bit too flimsy.
- I got two 2'x25' rolls of 1/4" hardware cloth from Home Depot as well, which came out to $91.94. Hindsight... you can just get 4 rolls of 3'x10' and save like $20.
- All of the PVC, lumber, screws, water tub, etc. ended up costing around $150.
- I already had water nipples. These will run you about $75 for 18, plus shipping.
All together with tax and military discounts I'm into it for about $350, plus the water nipples that I bought a few months ago while building my other rack. About twice as expensive as I figured on when I first started thinking about doing this, but not too bad I guess.
Initial cuts:
- 1x2x8 - 24 28" cuts
- 1x4x8 - 24 22" cuts
- 2x2x8 - 12 67" cuts, 24 25" cuts
![](https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cache2.php?img=http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i17/spitzu_2006/Second%20rat%20rack/IMG_2222.jpg)
Beginning the first frame:
![](https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cache2.php?img=http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i17/spitzu_2006/Second%20rat%20rack/IMG_2225.jpg)
I already built the first frame and attached and marked the rails to exactly where I wanted them. I took the rails off because I still have to put the hardware cloth on, but I used that first frame to mark exactly where I want the rails to go on each of the other frames. This should speed up the process a bit.
Note: Don't buy twisted 2x2s like the one I have in the middle there. I have to replace that one tomorrow ![Razz](https://ball-pythons.net/forums/images/smilies/tongue.png)
![](https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cache2.php?img=http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i17/spitzu_2006/Second%20rat%20rack/IMG_2230.jpg)
![](https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cache2.php?img=http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i17/spitzu_2006/Second%20rat%20rack/IMG_2232.jpg)
Here I am doing each tub individually, but you can use the 3'x10' roll and just go length wise across the entire frame. You should be able to cover 5 tubs with one roll, so use 4 rolls @ $18 a piece. $72 instead of the $92 that I spent.
![](https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cache2.php?img=http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i17/spitzu_2006/Second%20rat%20rack/IMG_2233.jpg)
Make sure you fold the cloth over the front and staple it down, otherwise your fingers may get stabbed while pushing in the tubs.
![](https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cache2.php?img=http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i17/spitzu_2006/Second%20rat%20rack/IMG_2236.jpg)
Testing the tubs. They slide perfectly, and the gap seems to be about 1/8" to 1/4" which should be fine.
![](https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cache2.php?img=http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i17/spitzu_2006/Second%20rat%20rack/IMG_2238.jpg)
![](https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cache2.php?img=http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i17/spitzu_2006/Second%20rat%20rack/IMG_2244.jpg)
I can get a bit more detailed with the measurements and material list if needed. More pictures probably tomorrow!
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The Following User Says Thank You to spitzu For This Useful Post:
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Looking good! ![Good Job](https://ball-pythons.net/forums/images/smilies/th_fing02.gif)
Any specific reason for the 1/4"? I used 1/2" on my rack but only because that's what I read. Just curious ![Smile](https://ball-pythons.net/forums/images/smilies/happy.gif)
Regards,
Brian
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ASFs. Some of the smaller ones could theoretically get through 1/2" I guess.
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The Following User Says Thank You to spitzu For This Useful Post:
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The Following User Says Thank You to spitzu For This Useful Post:
Anna.Sitarski (07-10-2011)
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Fantastic work! Thanks for the update ![Smile](https://ball-pythons.net/forums/images/smilies/happy.gif)
Regards,
B
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The Following User Says Thank You to Simple Man For This Useful Post:
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I just built a 6 tub and just an FYI. You can cut your lumber cost almost in half by buying 2x4s and ripping them down yourself. That is if you have a table saw and a helper
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The Following User Says Thank You to PitOnTheProwl For This Useful Post:
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wow great work! thanks for sharing!
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The Following User Says Thank You to Anna.Sitarski For This Useful Post:
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Re: 18 Tub Rat Rack
![Quote](images/themes/default/misc/quote_icon.png) Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl
I just built a 6 tub and just an FYI. You can cut your lumber cost almost in half by buying 2x4s and ripping them down yourself. That is if you have a table saw and a helper ![Good Job](https://ball-pythons.net/forums/images/smilies/th_fing02.gif)
No table saw, and I wouldn't trust myself to cut a 5'7" length of 2x4 straight down the middle anyway.
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Registered User
Re: 18 Tub Rat Rack
![Quote](images/themes/default/misc/quote_icon.png) Originally Posted by spitzu
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