Homemade Rack Question

[Rapture]

I've been considering getting a rack lately, and also making one myself instead of buying. It crossed my mind to ask if there are certain types of wood that would be good or bad to use. Does flexwatt get hot enough to damage different woods?

[muddoc]

Flexwatt definetly gets hot enough to damage any wood. However, with a good thermostat, the heat tape will never get hotter than you set it. If it is hot enough to damage the wood, it will definitely damage a snake. I think so long as you use a good t-stat, and monitor your temps, any wood could be used.

[cueball]

I used 3/4 MDF to build my rack and use 4" heat tape with a Helix thermostats. It is an cost efficient setup that was straightforward to build and works well. I hope this helps.

[Sevo]

I too use 3/4 MDF.. it is sooo easy to build with.. and the best part is have all your cuts done at HD.. they have a big saw that can handle it and it saves you alot of time. the only thing you must do is pre drill your holes or the stuff will break apart

good luck

[Rapture]

What is MDF?

[Adam_Wysocki]

MDF = Medium Density Fiberboard.

http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/sto...ml&catref=wd22

-adam

[daniel1983]

http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/sto...ml&catref=wd22

Wood magazine kicks it!

[JenHarrison]

How would you compared the MDF to melamine? I had been looking at that at Lowe's and I'm curious. Which do you think is better? Which is cheaper?

[Sevo]

How would you compared the MDF to melamine? I had been looking at that at Lowe's and I'm curious. Which do you think is better? Which is cheaper?

Melamine is MDF with a covering on it. ( look at the rack above in the pic.. that is melamine)It is better than just plain MDF as the white coating helps it resist humidity and moisture better. Get the melamine.. very cheap for a 4x8 board of it and have them cut it at home depot.. saves you alot of time

hope this helps
Chris

[stangs13]

I used 3/4 MDF to build my rack and use 4" heat tape with a Helix thermostats. It is an cost efficient setup that was straightforward to build and works well. I hope this helps.

MDF is the way to go!!!!! Im going to build my rack out of it!