Constructing a Veiled Enclosure

[PhxKarma]

I plan to build my own enclosure for the veiled I plan on getting soon, looking for a little advice.

I plan on using 2x2 beams they sell at home depot, they are like $4 each I believe, not sure of the type of wood.

For constructing the frame, I plan on using 2.5" wood screws or similar, and I plan on reinforcing the corners with small brackets. Any tips on putting the frame together? I am new to working with wood.

The door will be placed on hinges with a simple latch, but will this be cricket proof?

 

[jojackson]

Im no carpenter mate, I built my first cage, quite similar to what you describe.

Seal the timber after you cut it to size and before you screw it together, you might be glad you did later.
A hinged door will stop most crickets escaping, unless they are really small, but the closer the fit the better.

Note that mine is raw timbre, fortunately I never used it long enough for that to be an issue before I upgraded.
The mesh is coated aluminium called 'pet mesh' stronger and stiffer than regular aluminum mesh.

 

[PhxKarma]

Im no carpenter mate, I built my first cage, quite similar to what you describe.

Seal the timber after you cut it to size and before you screw it together, you might be glad you did later.
A hinged door will stop most crickets escaping, unless they are really small, but the closer the fit the better.

Note that mine is raw timbre, fortunately I never used it long enough for that to be an issue before I upgraded.
The mesh is coated aluminium called 'pet mesh' stronger and stiffer than regular aluminum mesh.

Where do I get the pet mesh from, and is it expensive?

What do I seal the wood with? I wanted to paint it black.

 

[Pure]

Get your screen from metroscreenworks.com.

The wood you plan on buying is normally just pine.

No need for the corner brackets if you cut your pieces at 45 degree angles.

Personally I would use 1x2s, I can get them for 79 cents a piece at Lowes. Once put together in the form of a cage, they will be plenty strong enough. If you have issues with escaping crickets, just install a 1x2 border on the inside of the cage for the door to fit snugly against once closed.

To seal it, just paint it. Use a low VOC paint to seal the wood. This explains VOCs if you don't know what they are. Do some research on the brands of paint you are looking at. Some labeled Low or no VOCs are false.

 

[PhxKarma]

Get your screen from metroscreenworks.com.

The wood you plan on buying is normally just pine.

No need for the corner brackets if you cut your pieces at 45 degree angles.

Personally I would use 1x2s, I can get them for 79 cents a piece at Lowes. Once put together in the form of a cage, they will be plenty strong enough. If you have issues with escaping crickets, just install a 1x2 border on the inside of the cage for the door to fit snugly against once closed.

To seal it, just paint it. Use a low VOC paint to seal the wood. This explains VOCs if you don't know what they are. Do some research on the brands of paint you are looking at. Some labeled Low or no VOCs are false.

Are they that price normally? I will have to check lowes. I am using a small handsaw to cut the wood, do they still sell those boxes that help you cut at perfect angles?

 

[beeze]

https://www.chameleonforums.com/members/beeze-albums-making-aluminum-cage.html

Here's an aluminum cage that I build awhile back.

 

[BocaJan]

You are talented. I tried to make just a panel to see if I could and ACK...it wasn't as easy as I thought it was going to be. I wanted to make a bunch of little cages for babies...12x18.

 

[Pure]

Are they that price normally? I will have to check lowes. I am using a small handsaw to cut the wood, do they still sell those boxes that help you cut at perfect angles?

They should. You want the one for tenon saws if doing this by hand. I just use a skill saw for all my cuts.

 

[PhxKarma]

Should I just rent a nice saw instead?

The saw I have is more like a hacksaw, but I have used it to cut 2x2 before with no problems just takes a few minutes.

 

[Pure]

Yeah renting a skill saw would definitely make the job a whole lot easier, and not to mention faster. Your going to have a lot of cutting to do. Your looking at a minimum of 48 cuts for a simple construction cage with a door.

 

[PhxKarma]

Yeah renting a skill saw would definitely make the job a whole lot easier, and not to mention faster. Your going to have a lot of cutting to do. Your looking at a minimum of 48 cuts for a simple construction cage with a door.

What kind of saw do I rent?