New Rack Design with DIY instructions

[Blue Apple Herps]

Here's my newest rack design with instructions. I decided to not make a giant thread like I did with my DIY $100 viv and just made a pdf of the instructions. This way you can print it out if you decide to make it.

Anyways, here it is. It holds 7 41qt tubs which I prefer for housing adults over the 32 qt ones. It's a combination of wood and Sintra (expanded PVC, what all the commercial ones are made of). Total cost including heat, tubs, and all supplies would be ~$225. I made three racks so was able to buy longer boards of wood and save on costs. I built two of these and one for 32qt tubs for ~$550 (with heat, tubs, etc). Still wayyyyyy cheaper than the commercial ones, and I like the industrial look this one has.

Instructions are available here. If you have any questions, PM me here or email at [email protected].

 

[Corny Noob]

Well I'm probally not gonna need racks any time soon, but if I do I'm sure I'll check this out.
Thanks again for such a wonderful rack solution!

 

[tom e]

Dude! You are just in time every time.
When I needed to build a cage, you had instructions for a cage- Now that I'm ready to build a rack- here you are again!
I'll post pictures when I'm done! :grin01:

 

[Jessicat]

Very nice looking racks. Just wondering, what method do you use to make holes in your tubs? My dad helped me drill holes into the Sterelite tubs I have, but the plastic is pretty hard and seems to crack easily. I'm leaning towards going with a soldering iron for future tubs.
What do you use?

 

[Duff]

Very nice looking racks. Just wondering, what method do you use to make holes in your tubs? My dad helped me drill holes into the Sterelite tubs I have, but the plastic is pretty hard and seems to crack easily. I'm leaning towards going with a soldering iron for future tubs.
What do you use?

Definitely go with the soldering iron. Smooth as butter. Just make sure to do in outside or in a well-ventilated room.

The rack looks really good. Where do you find the pvc sheets? That's one part that's kept me from doing my own large racks.

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

Dude! You are just in time every time.
When I needed to build a cage, you had instructions for a cage- Now that I'm ready to build a rack- here you are again!
I'll post pictures when I'm done! :grin01:

Glad I can help! If you have any questions; don't hesitate to ask. :cheers:

Very nice looking racks. Just wondering, what method do you use to make holes in your tubs? My dad helped me drill holes into the Sterelite tubs I have, but the plastic is pretty hard and seems to crack easily. I'm leaning towards going with a soldering iron for future tubs.
What do you use?

Yup, soldering iron. I have an iron that I use just for melting holes that I picked up at Wal-Mart really cheap. I used to drill, but the plastic would sometimes crack, and it was such a chore to drill hundreds of holes. So yeah, pick up a cheap soldering iron and you're all set.

Definitely go with the soldering iron. Smooth as butter. Just make sure to do in outside or in a well-ventilated room.

The rack looks really good. Where do you find the pvc sheets? That's one part that's kept me from doing my own large racks.

I got them from a local plastics distributor. I had them cut them down for me as I don't have a means to transport 4x8' pieces of it. I actually called a couple of different places to get quotes. It ended up being ~$15 per sheet. Just do a google search or get out your yellow pages to search for local suppliers.

 

[SnBMeg]

The more of these diys I see, the closer I come to going around my room with a tape measure and calculating a budget. >_>

Looks excellent! Great job, and thanks!

 

[jls1311]

That rack looks great. What is ur opinion on melamine racks? I'm planning on building mine but I'm weighing my options. There are so many ideas out there... I welcome the help from anyone.