my viv project

[Jaskotch]

so finally got some weather that was decent enough to allow getting outside with the tools needed to cut the melamine as required for my 'crossfire' type enclosure. what's great about this design is that there are not all that many cuts to make! yea!!! cuz cutting melamine is - well - not fun. the only melamine I have not cut yet are the front strips of melamine top and bottom, that will support the glass panels- going to put the rest of it together before i finalize that. starting on the detail work for what has been cut, which can be managed inside... here are the sides, complete... those are the requisite 8x16" vents, and i used #6 x 1/2" brass pan head slotted wood screws to secure (pre-drilled holes, of course). i went ahead and put a layer of silicon on the cut edges of the holes cut for the vents. i don't know, just seemed like the right thing to do.

 

[scm133]

WooHoo!!! Looking good!!!

 

[Jaskotch]

Happy to have the major cutting done, because work outside is impossible at present!
I took too much length off the back- unfortunately, I overestimated the abilities of my circular saw, with me at the control, to cut a nice straight line. I felt a straight line was necessary, so I tried to "clean it up" with my router. Got a straight line, but had to take off a bit more than I wanted to achieve it. Now I have a gap on the sides of the back. I haven't decided if I will push the gap to one side, or split the diff. Certainly not enough of a boo boo to send me back to Home Depot for another sheet of melamine. There's one thing for sure- I can caulk with the best of 'em. When it's all done, you'll never know. Just thought I mention it, as a precautionary tale, because melamine is a tough customer when it comes to cutting... what is it they say- measure twice, cut once. and in the case of melamine, have a very high tooth count finishing blade! in this pic, the back piece is not yet tied down. I just stuck it in there for the pic. I will insert the vents into the back piece before I tie things down. All in all though, it is looking good. Of course, the stand needs some pegs inserted, but they will be just for show, so probably one of the last things I do! So far....... so good.......

 

[scm133]

Looking good!! Chalking is my best friend.

 

[Jaskotch]

yes, it is an art. i live in a log house. i can caulk for miles and miles!

 

[Jaskotch]

installed vents. cut a circle of screen to fit inside the back of each, to keep the pesky overwintering ladybugs that find their way in to our house out of the enclosure during the winter. so next i'll fit the back, then have to cut the panels for the front top and bottom. going to have to wait for the snow to melt [again] before any more cutting commences. wah.

 

[Jaskotch]

some progress- all this is nailed down now. next come the front panels, and the glass.

 

[scm133]

It is really looking great!!! Are you doing tracking rails on the top and bottom for the sliding glass??

 

[Jaskotch]

yep- got the ones on this page called Plastic Miracle Track, & got extra wheels beyond what comes with the tracks just to be safe- have them in hand, they look like they're going to work just great! all i need is to cut the melamine panels, and order the glass...........
http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/lg_display.cfm/catalog/Master_2012/page/316

 

[Jaskotch]

UV light installed. No reflector (for now?) Have taken some readings, they are below (in uW/cm2).
I'm using a Fulham Workhorse 3 Instant Start ballast, it's mounted on the back of the enclosure (got it for 16$ + shipping).

at 8" from bulb, directly under bulb, ranges from a low of 63 to a high of 127 (in all cases, the high is achieved at the midpoint of the bulb). on the far end of the enclosure at that height and position, 17.

at 12" from bulb, 47 to 76, with 17 at the far end of the enclosure

at 16" from bulb, 30 to 51, with 26 at the far end of the enclosure

at no position in the enclosure was there less than 16 uW/cm2

 

[scm133]

It is looking great!! You are getting good readings from the bulb!! I am envious of all your vents. :mrgreen: It will make regulating the temps so much easier for you!! :wink:

 

[Jaskotch]

Almost there... just need to add one or two incandescent fixtures and the front trim!

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[scm133]

Wow!! The glass looks great!!!

 

[Jaskotch]

thx!!! worked out pretty good. like that i can take the glass completely out, with these deep rails, that works. rollers make for easy sliding. rails i got come with sticky tape on the bottom- no liquid nails or otherwise required with this setup. won't be long now....

 

[scm133]

You might want to consider self adhesive door handles like this http://www.customcages.com/index.cfm?do=detail&productid=61
It makes sliding the glass easier. :wink: