Red Eunice
Arachnodemon
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2014
- Messages
- 666
So, instead of creating a new thread each time I'll just add new builds on here.
When it comes to arboreals, I personally, will build from acrylic sheets and normally 3 sizes. The size of the enclosure will determine the acrylic thickness I use. I've built using .080" up to .220", but .160",.180" are used most often. The 2 most often used thicknesses cost $65 for a full sheet (48"X96") and depending on enclosure size will yield many. IMO, .250" is overkill, costly and heavy, might as well modify an aquarium, less costly.
I use a 2 part epoxy specifically made for use on plastics and sets in 20 minutes. From sheet to finished enclosure, actual hands on time, requires less than 1 hour to build.
One DOES NOT need power equipment nor a lazer to build from scratch, although they do speed up the process. Use of a straight edge, hand clamps, a sharp edged surface, razor knife and patience, result in clean, straight cuts. I'm referencing the "score-n-snap" method, I built my first ones in this manner. I found them to be as good looking as the ones I currently build w/h power equipment.
I prefer using brass hardware for 3 reasons, durability, they're eye appealing and cost less than acrylic ones. Lowes is a 5 minute drive and always have them in stock, no S&H charges.
Well, enough of that and on to yesterday's builds. 7"X7"X15" pair, thickness .120" material, a partial sheet that was given to me. Can't pass up free acrylic, besides I've got 5 rehousings in the near future.
When it comes to arboreals, I personally, will build from acrylic sheets and normally 3 sizes. The size of the enclosure will determine the acrylic thickness I use. I've built using .080" up to .220", but .160",.180" are used most often. The 2 most often used thicknesses cost $65 for a full sheet (48"X96") and depending on enclosure size will yield many. IMO, .250" is overkill, costly and heavy, might as well modify an aquarium, less costly.
I use a 2 part epoxy specifically made for use on plastics and sets in 20 minutes. From sheet to finished enclosure, actual hands on time, requires less than 1 hour to build.
One DOES NOT need power equipment nor a lazer to build from scratch, although they do speed up the process. Use of a straight edge, hand clamps, a sharp edged surface, razor knife and patience, result in clean, straight cuts. I'm referencing the "score-n-snap" method, I built my first ones in this manner. I found them to be as good looking as the ones I currently build w/h power equipment.
I prefer using brass hardware for 3 reasons, durability, they're eye appealing and cost less than acrylic ones. Lowes is a 5 minute drive and always have them in stock, no S&H charges.
Well, enough of that and on to yesterday's builds. 7"X7"X15" pair, thickness .120" material, a partial sheet that was given to me. Can't pass up free acrylic, besides I've got 5 rehousings in the near future.
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