Questions regarding multi-stack condos

[jeschardies]

The problem I am running into is that I can find the plans and "how-tos" for a melamine enclosure, but nothing when it comes to building a decent multistack unit. I am looking to build something that would resemble a single piece of furniture. I have seen a very nice one in the "viv pics only" forum on the second page and I've pm'd them asking about it with no response.
I am not the most handy person, but can probably manage to build something that may work. My problem is that I don't know about the weight that needs to be supported and the framing of such a piece of furniture. Is there anywhere or anyone that would be able to help me out. I'm looking to get plans for a two or three high stack that is sturdy and will be able to withstand the weight of the enclosures.

Thanks

 

[JeffSimpson]

The problem I am running into is that I can find the plans and "how-tos" for a melamine enclosure, but nothing when it comes to building a decent multistack unit. I am looking to build something that would resemble a single piece of furniture. I have seen a very nice one in the "viv pics only" forum on the second page and I've pm'd them asking about it with no response.
I am not the most handy person, but can probably manage to build something that may work. My problem is that I don't know about the weight that needs to be supported and the framing of such a piece of furniture. Is there anywhere or anyone that would be able to help me out. I'm looking to get plans for a two or three high stack that is sturdy and will be able to withstand the weight of the enclosures.

Thanks

Do you need them to be able to be separated, or would a single unit with 2 or 3 levels be OK? Also, are you set on using melamine, or would plywood be OK? Both are fairly sturdy, but plywood takes screws much better, especially if they are going to be taken apart at all.

Assuming you are starting with a sturdy bottom unit, the weight shouldn't really be much of a concern. Assuming the enclosures will be up against a wall, you could always add some boards in the back to hold everything together, and stiffen it up.

 

[Peaches39828]

i'm currently building one as well but i went with plywood instead. not only because of the price but melamine isn't the best friend of certain tools. i built my base out of a couple 2x4's and went up from there.

 

[jeschardies]

I am looking for a single piece of furniture. I am not set on melamine, but I would like to use a wood that is somewhat decorative or can be painted to look nice. I have not used plywood in this fashion before, so I'm not sure of its decorative capabilities. I am mostly looking to get an idea of the framing so that it is reliable and will hold everything without any weaknesses.
Do I make one large frame or two/three frames and attach them individually together? Which is stronger/easier? These are the kind of questions I have.
I know my way around my tools, but I have not tried to build anything like this before. Is this out of my league? I know the basic crossfire enclosures seem quite easy so I thought maybe I'd step it up a notch and attempt a more decorative enclosure. What do you guys think?
Maybe using old furniture or prebuilt shelves would be a better start for me? I just want to try and save some money by doing it myself and also want the satisfaction of the accomplishment.

thanks

 

[JeffSimpson]

I am looking for a single piece of furniture. I am not set on melamine, but I would like to use a wood that is somewhat decorative or can be painted to look nice. I have not used plywood in this fashion before, so I'm not sure of its decorative capabilities. I am mostly looking to get an idea of the framing so that it is reliable and will hold everything without any weaknesses.
Do I make one large frame or two/three frames and attach them individually together? Which is stronger/easier? These are the kind of questions I have.
I know my way around my tools, but I have not tried to build anything like this before. Is this out of my league? I know the basic crossfire enclosures seem quite easy so I thought maybe I'd step it up a notch and attempt a more decorative enclosure. What do you guys think?
Maybe using old furniture or prebuilt shelves would be a better start for me? I just want to try and save some money by doing it myself and also want the satisfaction of the accomplishment.

Well, what would probably help is to draw up a picture what you think you might want to make. You could simply make 2-3 stand alone enclosures, stack them up, screw them together, and call it done. I'm not sure what you mean by "single piece" of furniture? Something that can be separated vs. something "looks" like single structure, can simply be a matter of adding some trim to cover it up.

Making 2-3 separate, or one giant frame is really a matter of preference. You'll need more wood to make 3, it'll probably be easier to make, easier to move, but cost more. A single unit will need less wood, cost less, could be a pain to move, but would be a little more difficult to build. In regards to strength, assume your joints are solid,
either will be plenty strong.

Plywood is plywood, so you can always paint it or add some paneling. If you use a nicer plywood like oak or maple, they both take stain very well.

Draw something up and post it, if you can. Assuming you have a drill and a circular saw (or table saw), there's not a whole lot else to it. A router would be handy, but not needed.

 

[TASTIGER]

im in the process of making a multipule tank thing lol dont know how to explain it because they cant come apart. ill draw something to help if you would like it. also watch for my pictures if u need ideas

 

[PaganDragons]

Oak or Maple faced plywood looks really good and you can stain it or just use a clear coat. On my enclosure I used a false roof to create a craw space to run all my wires. I plan an stacking 1 or 2 more units on this one, its made out of 3/4 plywood. its very strong


I am still not finished I have to cut the pulgs to hide the screws then sand and stain/clear coat.

 

[aoscar]

The weight will not be an issue, I use 6 wood furniture dowel pins to hold the levels together around the perimeter of each level.

 

[Nasubi77]

Here is an idea that I have seen on other bd forums but not this one.

Lowe's sells a shelf unit (that happens to be on sale this week) that is 6 ft tall and 4x2 floorspace. It is the perfect size to build 3 - 4x2x2 stacking enclosures. You would just use plywood to enclose the thing. The plywood could be 1/2" or smaller because it is not supporting any weight. You would need to cut in vents on the sides and back. Or you could use pegboard (with all the little holes) as the back. Then you can build tracks on the front of each enclosure using quarter round and use either plexi or glass. I will see if I can find the original design I found a while back and will come back and link it for you.

I think it's a great idea, especially for those of us who are woodworkingly challenged...

[edit] Here is the link..turns out I had it bookmarked..
http://www.repticzone.com/forums/BeardedDragonCommunity/messages/1940408.html

 

[jeschardies]

I've actually really considered this, when I was last at Lowe's and saw some of these. I also saw them around the job site that I am on and thought the same thing. We would only need two, but the bottom can be used for the dubia and crix. I have both because my dubia are not sustained yet.
Thanks for the assistance everyone. I was talking with my fiance and I think the main things I will need to worry about is the staining to match some of our in house furniture and she wants it to have some trim to give it character. I won't be building it until we move, hopefully will be soon, but I'll be sure to keep you all updated.

Thanks

 

[TASTIGER]

woodworkingly challenged...

lol i love it!! i am deffinatly challenged when it comes to wood. what i did was basically build a big box and divided it in the middle

 

[kimbasmom]

Lowe's sells a shelf unit (that happens to be on sale this week) that is 6 ft tall and 4x2 floorspace. It is the perfect size to build 3 - 4x2x2 stacking enclosures. You would just use plywood to enclose the thing. The plywood could be 1/2" or smaller because it is not supporting any weight. You would need to cut in vents on the sides and back. Or you could use pegboard (with all the little holes) as the back. Then you can build tracks on the front of each enclosure using quarter round and use either plexi or glass. I will see if I can find the original design I found a while back and will come back and link it for you.

If you use the Lowe's unit, then how to do you handle the lights? I, too, am planning to build something, but I'm wondering how you do the lighting? I don't want/can't do any wiring, so what type of fixtures, and then can you gently run the cords out one side to surge protectors/timers?

Thanks!

 

[Nasubi77]

If you use the Lowe's unit, then how to do you handle the lights? I, too, am planning to build something, but I'm wondering how you do the lighting? I don't want/can't do any wiring, so what type of fixtures, and then can you gently run the cords out one side to surge protectors/timers?

Thanks!

Here is the link to the thread on another forum that gives a pretty through explanation of the whole process if you read all the way through it...
http://www.repticzone.com/forums/BeardedDragonCommunity/messages/1940408.html

What the person did in the original design was to just hand a regular metal dome work light, like a lot of us use, on a hook in the back of the viv, and then feed the cord out to a power strip. That would be the easiest way.