$400 screen cage no thanks Ill make 1 just like the professionals for less then $150

[Jwillchamel]

Hey i wanted to tell everyone how to make a screen enclosure just like the professionals less then $150

 

[Jwillchamel]

Im making a 4ftx3ftx2ft cage

 

[Jwillchamel]

I wanted to do video but the file is to big

 

[MelissaB]

Is that aluminum screen? If it's not aluminum the crickets can and will chew holes in it.

 

[Jwillchamel]

It is black aluminum

 

[Branman]

Post more pic. I wanna see the finished product and some pics of how you did it.

 

[WAMBO]

Custom! Cool!

 

[broderp]

I've thought about what your doing. Any Home Depot or Lowe's sells DIY screen making kits. All you need is the corner parts and the aluminum rails. They sell parts individually or as a kit.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/New-York-Wire-5-16-in-Gray-Screen-Frame-Corners/3094527
https://www.lowes.com/pd/New-York-Wire-Saint-Gobain-ADFORS-Screen-Replacement-Kit/3087695

I have used them to make low profile LED lights for my terrarium. Use hot glue or epoxy to make a nice strong frame. I think the challenge you will find will be in screwing the individual sides together and not stripping the aluminum.

I've looked into some screened cages, and I will say I haven't made my mind up yet about all of them, but many seem like some sort of aluminum frames screwed together. I asked one such maker about the warranty of their product and I was told that they only warranty the item to arrive non-defective. This was a read flag to me as assembly is always required. It is very easy to strip and damage. They probably use some unique aluminum channel material with a few proprietary parts, but it's basically an aluminum frame that is screwed together.

Right know, the market is captured by a few big name brands. They are good products, but the cost on them for what the material costs looks like a large markup to me.

 

[Jwillchamel]

Im not done but i will post more pics tonight and if you get a small drill bit and drill preholes for the screws then put them in with a screw driver you wont strip them if you dont force them

 

[Jwillchamel]

I think the markup is material x 2.5

 

[savage13]

@Jwillchamel I'm way ahead you bro.. good luck with the built.

 

[Jwillchamel]

 

[OldChamKeeper]

Re-inventing the wheel. Some can build a cage, some can't. Good for you.

 

[Jwillchamel]

Anyone can do this if you can read a tape measure

 

[bluesox68]

Looks great. I am curious about the gap by the doors. do you find it cricket proof? Again great work!

 

[broderp]

Re-inventing the wheel. Some can build a cage, some can't. Good for you.

I hope I misread the apparent sarcasm in this thread. Not everyone can drop 300-400 for a pre-made cage, not to mention the immense satisfaction you feel when it's done and it's done well.

This is a very cool and inspired thread.

 

[Jwillchamel]

Thank you broderp

 

[Jwillchamel]

Thank you broderp

I hope I misread the apparent sarcasm in this thread. Not everyone can drop 300-400 for a pre-made cage, not to mention the immense satisfaction you feel when it's done and it's done well.

This is a very cool and inspired thread.

 

[WAMBO]

I'm betting the feeders won't get out. But if they do, the retail cages just put a cheap piece of plastic on the inside of the door space. I imagine anything would work.

 

[Ilike4hornedchams]

I wanted to do video but the file is to big

Ah, I wish we were neighbors lol, I would filmed you makin it! There is One guy from the south that has made really good videos like this on Youtube but THAT'S IT! Only 1 guys and like 2 videos of him making a generic one, we need to make more! lol. Maybe I'll make one some day.