Wood vs. Metal racks

[m00kfu]

Sorry I haven't been around to answer anyone's questions the past couple of days. Our internet connection at home has been screwy and I haven't had the patience to deal with it long enough to actually come around the forums. I think I can get just about everyone in one post.

Chris, Are you able to take each level off or is it all once piece? What materials /thickness did you use? I know a guy local to me that could build something like that as long as I knew the specs of the materials.

Thanks for any help.

Yes, each level is seperate. I pretty much came up with the design by looking at pictures of ARS racks. The sheet metal is 16 gauge steel, all held together by 1/8" thick 1" square tubing.

Chris,

I'm very curious about how you made the top of each section. Is it metal with holes drilled in it, stretch plate, Plexi...? A close up photo would be great.

The tops are indeed sheet metal with holes, and yes they were cut out on the laser at work.

Thanks Connie. I need to do something with the tops on my Freedom Breeder racks to bring up the humidity a bit.

Like Connie said, plexi would work pretty well but might get pricey. Another option would be the magnetic vent covers they sell. It's a thin sheet with a magnetic side that you can cut to the dimensions that you want. I just recently started using this to cover up some of the holes when the balls go into shed to bump the humidity up a bit.

looks like he used the same design as an ars rack, laser cutting

You got it right on the dot!

So my new best friend, making any more soon?

Actually, I probably am. I've got a modified design I'm working on figuring out right now that would be a little more work to assemble, but would break down into much smaller sections.

[FIREball]

[QUOTE=m00kfu;938685]Yes, each level is seperate. I pretty much came up with the design by looking at pictures of ARS racks. The sheet metal is 16 gauge steel, all held together by 1/8" thick 1" square tubing.QUOTE]

And whats used for the supports for the tubs, is that just like angle iron? Also the bottom of each level is that piece a smaller size so it fits in the top of the next level?

[m00kfu]

And whats used for the supports for the tubs, is that just like angle iron? Also the bottom of each level is that piece a smaller size so it fits in the top of the next level?

It's actually sheet metal that was bent on a press brake, but you could probably get away with using some angle iron. Each leg is made from 1" square tubing, and there's about half an inch of 3/4" square tubing sticking out of the bottom that fits inside the leg of the level below it, keeping it all lined up.