Building Crossfire-inspired viv, question about doors

[adamcollier11]

When I cut my melamine I taped around where I was cutting. So cutting on the line in the middle of the tape where I made the line you don't get any cracking, chipping or splitting.

 

[causeascene203]

Ooh, that's such a good idea!

I was just cutting it freehand, and the edges always get a little bit chipped. I'll try that out! Thanks!

 

[zebraflavencs]

If you have a glass company close by, they will cut and bevel edges , for a price, but there you are.
I used plexi on all my vivs.
Janie.

 

[BDCleo]

Here is an online source for the track for the glass:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#1717A1

It's a little tricky to figure out what to order on that page, but look for the product number 1717A1. Price for a 4 ft set top and bottom is only $6.52. Shipping to me (in WI) was only $5.25, so total was $11.77, delivered. They shipped it the same day I ordered so I received it quickly (but that would depend on where youa re located and such).

 

[apbgv]

another idea for tracks, if you have an carpenter around, they can use a router to make the tracks for the glass, my dad made a display case using that plan. I just gave him plans for the crossfire Didn't tell him I wanted 3 of the eventually.

 

[MNbeardie]

Lowe's cuts glass and plexi for free. Just bring in your measurements and pick your thickness.

 

[hammerhead]

I found my tracking, rollers, spacers etc at a local glass company.

 

[lovinmybd]

I couldn't find the tracks anywhere....I happened to be talking to a friend and he has all his aquariums for his pet store custom made and they use the tracks on the tops of their tanks....so he ordered me a few....you could try with asking at a pet store that has its own custom tanks for the store.

 

[FATBOYDADRAGON]

Hello
I purchased my tracks at http://www.rockler.com
As far as plexi /glass go with 1/4 " glass.
Plexi will discolor over a period of time amd will definately get scratched up
Fatboy has been in his viv for 18 months now with glass doors and no problems
The local glass store cut ,polished the sharp edges and gave me a pair of door handles
all for 30 bucks.
The glass as cut 25 x19 X 1/4 Inch thick
I chose rockler because i couldn't find black door tracks ar do it best websight
I just roughed up the bottom to the tracks with sandpaper and used liquid nail construction
adhesive to secure them
Hope this helps

 

[blackbearded]

by causeascene203 on Wed Jun 03, 2009 6:23 pm
Ohmygosh, I hate melamine! What a nightmare to work with!

melamine is so easy to work with! always pre drill the holes b4 screwing them in!

 

[Sunshinessmile]

On the topic of the glass tracks... for like $12 you can get 8ft of U or C shaped metal rods... they would work perfect... they are about 3/4 of an inch thick....