Recently I began working on two 28qt black melamine snake racks. Well I had a little free time today so I was able to assemble one of them. Now keep in mind this rack is no where near complete. I still have the edgebanding to do as well as install the heat tape and the back of the rack.

I was going to wait to post anything about these until they were both completly done as I am doing a step by step "How To" complete with photos, but I am really pleased with how it turned out so far so I figured what the heck!!

Anyway I will post a few of the particulars, but will not go into great detail as I have to have something for the "How To" thread.

The racks are 11 shelves. I was able to get all 11 shelves and the top out of one sheet of melamine.

I was originally going to do the edgebanding with black PVC banding, but thought of something else for all the edges. Sorry not going to tell what right now.

If you look at the side view there are only two screws holding each shelf. I still have two more screws to put in for each shelf for a total of four per shelf per side.

For those of you who have worked with melamine, it has a particleboard core. Particleboard is notorious for stripping out the screw holes if you over tighten the screws. I fixed this issue by pre-drilling every hole and countersinking. I plan on using 3/8 button plugs stained black to dress the holes. I did not strip one screw hole with this method.

Well that's about it so now how about a few pics....

Front view...



Angled side view...



Well there it is. I hope to have them both done within the month. I only have a few hours of free time a week so it is slow going.


Larry

Looks nice

Thanks Joe. I have a few special items going onto these racks. One is a bit costly and is only for aesthetics, but should really dress them up nicely.

cant wait for the how to, those look great. if you dont mind put measurements of tubs, i was gonna build a rack but couldnt decide what tubs to get, thanks

One thing i would of done to lightel your load on the side made 8" wide pieces so its open rather closed.. You could still do it just more work but save your back same time when moving..


Looks good.

Thanks Keith.

The tub info is as follows:

Sterilite 28 qt. Model 1655

Dimensions with the lid on: 23"l x 16 1/4"w x 6"t

Dimensions without the lid: 22 3/16"l x 16"w x 5 1/2"t

I am not using the lids so my measurements were centered around the tub dimensions without them.

As stated previously the rack above is not even close to being finished. I hope to have the second one assembled this weekend.

Thought about that Rich. The reason I went with fully enclosed is this:

My snakes are in my basement. Not a problem in the spring and summer. Although my basement stays relatively warm in the winter, I wanted the added piece of mind of reducing any possible heat loss. Plus these racks will be totally mobile when completed.

You could still do it if you can find black Foam board aka Fanfold. Fill in the sides where it would be open with the insulation.

One thing I forgot to add.....these are made out of 5/8" thick melamine not 3/4" thick. I didn't think it would make that big a difference, but my wife and I moved this around the basement pretty easily. I have a 3/4"thick 15qt. rack that holds 18 tubs which is considerably heavier than the 28 qt. Although it is roughly the same amount of material.

All great suggestions Rich. I actually thought about that as well. That's one reason it took me so long to start these, deciding how I wanted them. Truth be told another reason (but not an important one for the well being of the snakes) I just really like the way enclosed racks look!! Just personal preference I guess.