Hi,

I am currently in production mode for some new racks. I called Home Depot and Lowes and they only carry 3/4 inch Melamine no 1/2 inch. Dos anyone know or where to buy 1/2 inch? I would like to use melamine even though it weighs a ton. Does anyone with experience building racks have any friendly advice. To build a CB 70 10 high rack, I am thinking I would need 5 sheets. If I use 3/4 inch it would cost about 150 bucks for 5 sheets. Still a lot cheaper than buying a name brand. I already bought the tubs and the heat tape will cost 50 bucks. Thanks for the advice and help. :master:

Regards,
Bill

I've never had any luck with the 1/2 inch stuff . It just snags way too much causing the tubs to stick really bad. The last 1/2 inch mel rack I build I eneded up just tossing it in the trash..lol

3/4 inch all the way and never go double wide with adult tubs or it'll snag as well

I always used 3/4" melamine when building racks.

3/4 inch all the way and never go double wide with adult tubs or it'll snag as well

Unless you put center braces in. :yessir: The problem with the double wide rack I built is you have to take it apart to move the damn thing, won't fit out any doorways. :lol:

check with local cabinet supply or casework supply companies. We have a place locally that is a supplier for bathroom/kitchen contractors that has 1/4, 3/8,1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 inch. It is also a better grade then what you find at the big box hardware stores.

i always use 3/4 inch

The problem with the double wide rack I built is you have to take it apart to move the damn thing, won't fit out any doorways. :lol:

Same here. Mine are built where they will stand..

OK,

Thanks for the info, I was just chatting with Justin from Sloan Reptiles and they use 3/4 too. Man, I love the info you guys share with us newbies....What we do without you. Now which one of you guys is coming over and helping me carry it into my house...?

Thanks again,
Bill

Hey,

Do you guys think I could build a 10 CB 70 Rack using 3/4 inch for the shelves and 1/2 inch for the sides and back ?

Thanks,
Bill

Your on your own Bill! :lmao: :lmao: They definently are heavy!

OK,

Now which one of you guys is coming over and helping me carry it into my house...?

Thanks again,
Bill

Hey Justin,

That is what you think......I know where you live....:lmao::devil:

Bill:

Haha :lmao: Let us know if you need any help.

Hey Justin,

That is what you think......I know where you live....:lmao::devil:

Bill:

I use white peg board for the backs of mine. It allows air to circulate and it is much lighter. All you really need it for is to keep it from racking and tubs from falling out the back.

Hey,

Do you guys think I could build a 10 CB 70 Rack using 3/4 inch for the shelves and 1/2 inch for the sides and back ?

Thanks,
Bill

stick with 3/4" all the way and pegboard for the back. Like some others said, the 1/2" and smaller will bow pretty bad, especially supporting all the weight.

I've used 3/4" melamine for my racks. It might be heavy, but it's far sturdier and won't sag under excessive weight like the thinner stuff will. If you dado the shelves into the sides, it becomes even stronger and sturdier as well.

Hi Rextiles,

"dado" Could you please translate....Am I tired or just not that good with wood working. Probably both. Thanks for the help.

Bill

Hi Rextiles,

"dado" Could you please translate....Am I tired or just not that good with wood working. Probably both. Thanks for the help.

Bill

Here's a decent site (http://sawdustmaking.com/About%20Joints/about_joints.htm#dado) that explains dado joints. :)

I also meant to show a picture of my shelf using dados:

http://www.rextiles.net/pictures/large_rack/large_rack-shelf_dado.jpg

Thanks, I just saw it the kind post you shared with us with your 3rd generation rack.

Very Nice,
Bill

http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/41qt/index.shtml

A little update on my Rack Plans,

My neighbor is a little more skilled than me and has a very nice work shop. He is very familiar with the dado cut and is going to be able to cut my melamine. I am going to use 3/4 inch everywhere except for the back piece. That will be 1/2 inch melamine. I have also decided to build two 5 tub CB 70 racks and stack them. I will take pics and make plans so if it comes out descent I will be able to share. Stay tuned and thanks for all the help and suggestions.

Bill

Sounds great! It's nice when you can get some friends or neighbors to help out as well.

I am going to use 3/4 inch everywhere except for the back piece. That will be 1/2 inch melamine.

While I'm not sure what your overall usage or need for this rack is going to be, you might want to consider using white pegboard for the backing as it's lighter, cheaper, has holes for extra ventilation and can be easily nailed to the rest of shelving and still give excellent structural stability to your overall cabinet. Anywho, just a thought I'd share what has worked for me. :)

Good luck with your project and please let us know how it progresses!

Yes,

I am going out tonight to start the melamine production. I will look at the peg board. Thanks for the advice again.

Bill