jerobi2k
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this is brief summary of items used to craft the 2 units below and a continuation from this thread. http://www.tegutalk.com/showthread.php?tid=8986#axzz1Tj3tRKJZ
Parts list and prices for items I used on my 2 enclosures.
1.)Aquarium Sealant (clear caulk) x1 @ 8.99
2.)Mesh wire roll (Lowes) x1 @ 13.99
3.)Narrow utility hinges 2per pk x3 @ 2.87 = 8.61
4.)Utility pull (small gate handle) x2 @2.87 = 5.74
5.)Barrel Bolts (small gate lock) x4 @2.97 = 11.88
6.)1 gallon Sanding Sealer - water based (or you can use polyurethane water based as well)x1 @22.00
7.)1 Liquid Nail - for Wood Paneling x1 @3.47
8.)Handy Panel- (smaller plywood sheets) x5 @18.42 = 92.10
or
8.)Plywood Sheet x3@ 13.97 = 41.91
9.)Wall Trim (for Plexi glass frame) x3 @ 1.18 = 3.54
10.)Acrylic Sheet (plexi glass) 30x23 x2 @ 13.98 = 27.96
11.)2x4 piece of wood x3 (for upper / lower support and leg pieces) = 20.16
Total if used handy panel = $218.44
Total if used Plywood = $168.25
for 2 enclosures.
as far as paint was went I used left over paint from other projects I did around the house. the paint was originally purchased at Home Depot and Lowes in the "oops section" for only 1$ per qt and 5$ per gallon. most large do it yourself stores have these sections where they keep paint others have returned at a cheaper price.
the units both are 4x2 and were both crafted over one weekend using Misc screws / nails, Drill, circular hand saw, hammer, phillips head screwdriver, staple gun, caulk gun and sandpaper.
for the front and door I used a sheet of plexi, made a frame for it out of molding, sealed it in place and tossed a few screws under the frame so they are hidden and the plexi is secure. the door is hinged to the top, with 3 small hinges and has 2 gate latches on the bottom of each side for locks. the front itself was just a flat piece of wood I cut into three, the door and 2 side panels. also got a small gate handle on the bottom.
with the lower unit I crafted the enclosure aside attaching the front, I wanted to be able to have the basking area lights lowered into the unit itself (on a small unit like this it scares me to have exposed heat lamps) so I measured out a small section and cut it out and wood glued and screwed it back into place reversed. later on I measured my light fixtures and cut out the vent/lighting area.
as far as sealing the unit went I was going to use a Polyurethane water based sealer but one of the guys at Ben Seigel Reptiles recommended using a Water Based Sanding Sealer instead saying "it was easier to work with and dried quickly" he was correct and I did 6-7 coats only on the inside and then used the Aquarium Sealant around the edges once the Sanding Sealer was dry.
to be honest these are very basic units and are a little on the smaller side but I am always in need of smaller units so they will come in handy as long as they stay together. my close friend who is a fantastic craftsman was suppose to build a 8ft unit with me but was unable due to a family loss. I had a few days off and wanted to build something so I tossed these together. the 8ft unit will still be built but is being put on hold for a month or so. building these units alone was a good experience and I look forward to being able to lend my buddy a hand instead of watching over his shoulder, lol. similar units this size pre-made go for about $250.00 each. best of luck on your enclosure adventures and I hope you have as much fun as I did crafting yours as I did mine for my little buddies
Parts list and prices for items I used on my 2 enclosures.
1.)Aquarium Sealant (clear caulk) x1 @ 8.99
2.)Mesh wire roll (Lowes) x1 @ 13.99
3.)Narrow utility hinges 2per pk x3 @ 2.87 = 8.61
4.)Utility pull (small gate handle) x2 @2.87 = 5.74
5.)Barrel Bolts (small gate lock) x4 @2.97 = 11.88
6.)1 gallon Sanding Sealer - water based (or you can use polyurethane water based as well)x1 @22.00
7.)1 Liquid Nail - for Wood Paneling x1 @3.47
8.)Handy Panel- (smaller plywood sheets) x5 @18.42 = 92.10
or
8.)Plywood Sheet x3@ 13.97 = 41.91
9.)Wall Trim (for Plexi glass frame) x3 @ 1.18 = 3.54
10.)Acrylic Sheet (plexi glass) 30x23 x2 @ 13.98 = 27.96
11.)2x4 piece of wood x3 (for upper / lower support and leg pieces) = 20.16
Total if used handy panel = $218.44
Total if used Plywood = $168.25
for 2 enclosures.
as far as paint was went I used left over paint from other projects I did around the house. the paint was originally purchased at Home Depot and Lowes in the "oops section" for only 1$ per qt and 5$ per gallon. most large do it yourself stores have these sections where they keep paint others have returned at a cheaper price.
the units both are 4x2 and were both crafted over one weekend using Misc screws / nails, Drill, circular hand saw, hammer, phillips head screwdriver, staple gun, caulk gun and sandpaper.
for the front and door I used a sheet of plexi, made a frame for it out of molding, sealed it in place and tossed a few screws under the frame so they are hidden and the plexi is secure. the door is hinged to the top, with 3 small hinges and has 2 gate latches on the bottom of each side for locks. the front itself was just a flat piece of wood I cut into three, the door and 2 side panels. also got a small gate handle on the bottom.
with the lower unit I crafted the enclosure aside attaching the front, I wanted to be able to have the basking area lights lowered into the unit itself (on a small unit like this it scares me to have exposed heat lamps) so I measured out a small section and cut it out and wood glued and screwed it back into place reversed. later on I measured my light fixtures and cut out the vent/lighting area.
as far as sealing the unit went I was going to use a Polyurethane water based sealer but one of the guys at Ben Seigel Reptiles recommended using a Water Based Sanding Sealer instead saying "it was easier to work with and dried quickly" he was correct and I did 6-7 coats only on the inside and then used the Aquarium Sealant around the edges once the Sanding Sealer was dry.
to be honest these are very basic units and are a little on the smaller side but I am always in need of smaller units so they will come in handy as long as they stay together. my close friend who is a fantastic craftsman was suppose to build a 8ft unit with me but was unable due to a family loss. I had a few days off and wanted to build something so I tossed these together. the 8ft unit will still be built but is being put on hold for a month or so. building these units alone was a good experience and I look forward to being able to lend my buddy a hand instead of watching over his shoulder, lol. similar units this size pre-made go for about $250.00 each. best of luck on your enclosure adventures and I hope you have as much fun as I did crafting yours as I did mine for my little buddies
