MeatHead
Hatchling Member
Hi guys,
Just wanted to post a little progress thread as I build Dexter's new viv! I used the plans from here: http://www.freewebs.com/crossfireenclosures/ I was able to find pretty much everything I needed to get the job done at Home Depot, but I have a few internet items I'm waiting on before I can finish up! If anyone is gearing up to build one of these here is a price list based on my area's Home Depot.
4x8 sheet of 3/4 Melamine: $33.98
Melamine Edging Tape: $5.08
24x48 sheet of Plexi-Glass: $19.79
16X8 Vents with screen backs (x4): $1.56 Total: $6.24
2" Round Vents (Pack of 6): $8.39
Liquid Nails: $2.47
Box of wood screws 1 3/4 inch: $5.37
Grand total thus far for materials: $81.32
Of course I'm missing some items like the trim for around the front once I have my doors in place. No light fixtures yet either. I couldn't find a T8 florescent fixture at Lowes or Home Depot, but the T12 runs $9.80 while the adjustable flood light base was also $12.98 at Lowes. I also need to find the track for my sliding doors though I'm very close to setting up my router to just cut my own out of wood and putting some felt in the bottom for the track. Basically looking at about $30 to finish this project out. I was of course missing some tools from those prices. I need a jigsaw to cut out the vents, and I bought a big t-square to help with some of the measuring.
So far this is what I have after about 5 hours:
I wanted a little extra ventilation on the top (since I couldn't find the original 3 inch vents the plans call for), so I put 5 extra of the circle vents on the top front and the back wall. It didn't go too bad considering I free cut everything with a jigsaw and a circular saw. I think for my next viv I will be borrowing a table saw to prevent me from having to do all the extra sanding lol! I'll keep you guys posted on the prices and when the internet parts come in. I will be doing fake walls on all 3 sides and a fake stone basking platform with a cave as well. Lots of grout in my future!
Just wanted to post a little progress thread as I build Dexter's new viv! I used the plans from here: http://www.freewebs.com/crossfireenclosures/ I was able to find pretty much everything I needed to get the job done at Home Depot, but I have a few internet items I'm waiting on before I can finish up! If anyone is gearing up to build one of these here is a price list based on my area's Home Depot.
4x8 sheet of 3/4 Melamine: $33.98
Melamine Edging Tape: $5.08
24x48 sheet of Plexi-Glass: $19.79
16X8 Vents with screen backs (x4): $1.56 Total: $6.24
2" Round Vents (Pack of 6): $8.39
Liquid Nails: $2.47
Box of wood screws 1 3/4 inch: $5.37
Grand total thus far for materials: $81.32
Of course I'm missing some items like the trim for around the front once I have my doors in place. No light fixtures yet either. I couldn't find a T8 florescent fixture at Lowes or Home Depot, but the T12 runs $9.80 while the adjustable flood light base was also $12.98 at Lowes. I also need to find the track for my sliding doors though I'm very close to setting up my router to just cut my own out of wood and putting some felt in the bottom for the track. Basically looking at about $30 to finish this project out. I was of course missing some tools from those prices. I need a jigsaw to cut out the vents, and I bought a big t-square to help with some of the measuring.
So far this is what I have after about 5 hours:
I wanted a little extra ventilation on the top (since I couldn't find the original 3 inch vents the plans call for), so I put 5 extra of the circle vents on the top front and the back wall. It didn't go too bad considering I free cut everything with a jigsaw and a circular saw. I think for my next viv I will be borrowing a table saw to prevent me from having to do all the extra sanding lol! I'll keep you guys posted on the prices and when the internet parts come in. I will be doing fake walls on all 3 sides and a fake stone basking platform with a cave as well. Lots of grout in my future!
