DIY Mesh Enclosure - what mesh and bonding?

[Tony86]

Hi guys, first post but been browsing for a while now.

I'm looking to build a new panther chameleon enclosure and was wondering about a few things. I'm trying to replicate the aluminium screen enclosures I've seen on the Internet, but a little bigger. I'm aiming for a 3x2x4 (WxDxH).

The frame / door I'm comfortable with making but my question(s) are what type of mesh would be best and how would I go about bonding it to the frame?

Any help you can give would be great

Cheers

 

[gotwqqd]

Not sure what you are doing material wise but as far as the mesh to the frame
I'd build a frame with the inside edge rabbeted. then place the mesh between the rabbet and a filler piece. staple or pin nail

another thing you can do is have a mortise/dado run along the middle of the whole inside edge of the frame...then use a piece of trim jam fitted after the mesh is inserted

 

[Tony86]

Not sure what you are doing material wise but as far as the mesh to the frame
I'd build a frame with the inside edge rabbeted. then place the mesh between the rabbet and a filler piece. staple or pin nail

Thanks for the prompt response. That's a pretty neat idea.

I plan to use aluminium box section for the frame with moulded nylon connections for the corners (similar to those little greenhouses).

I initially thought about adhesives to glue the mesh on but was somewhat concerned about chemicals seeping post cure.

 

[gotwqqd]

get some nylon strips cut and use them to clamp the mesh between them and the frame ... use self tapping SS screws. countersink for hiding if you wish

It will look much cleaner than using adhesive

it will require someone helping to hold mesh taut while you drive the screws.....leave plenty of excess around the edges then use a straight razor to trim up close to the moulding piece

what type of aluminum? are you worried about oxidation/pitting?

 

[Tony86]

get some nylon strips cut and use them to clamp the mesh between them and the frame ... use self tapping SS screws. countersink for hiding if you wish

It will look much cleaner than using adhesive

it will require someone helping to hold mesh taut while you drive the screws.....leave plenty of excess around the edges then use a straight razor to trim up close to the moulding piece

what type of aluminum? are you worried about oxidation/pitting?

Clever. I like that idea

Just general purpose aluminium (6061). I was more concerned over the toxicity of any bonding adhesive really. But if I go with your approach it won't be an issue now!

Finally, with regards to the actual mesh, which do you think would work best? Aluminium, plastic or fabric?

Sorry for all the questions...

 

[DaChameleonKing]

I just made one! Here are pics!

 

[DaChameleonKing]

also I put plexiglass in the back to keep humidity and glass on the front with the sides screen. If you want to house 2 you would have to make a divider. I used this type of mesh from home depot my chams have climbed on it and he was fine. I checked his claws and it didn't seem to hurt him


Link: http://www.homedepot.com/p/New-York...m-Insect-Screen-FCS9222-M-FCS9222-M/100397106

 

[Tony86]

I just made one! Here are pics!

That's nice but a bit more sturdy than I'm looking for!

Thanks for the link regarding mesh though. I'll look for similar here in the UK.

 

[JoCarp]

I am building an armoire enclosure that has metal gate type doors. I'm going to use JB weld on the to attach the screen to the inside of the doors. With that said, I just figured I would give it a long time to set/cure before putting Merlin inside (like 2-3 weeks). I don't really have much option though, as you can see in my album on my profile, I don't think I have any other option to affix the screen. I got black aluminum screen for what it's worth.
Good Luck!

 

[DaChameleonKing]

That's nice but a bit more sturdy than I'm looking for!

Thanks for the link regarding mesh though. I'll look for similar here in the UK.

Oh your int he UK... I cant really help you that much then because I have never been there and I don't know shops there. Sorry, but good luck!

 

[tinypaws]

I am researching the same thing and currently looking into getting some screen kits.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1390350

Amazon, eBay, most hardware stores have them. Build panels to size and attach sides with self tapping sheet metal screws. For hinges, hardware store has them.

The problem I am having is by the time I add up all the cost, it is about as much as a pre made one. Especially when considering some sort of pan system on the bottom for water.

 

[Tony86]

I am researching the same thing and currently looking into getting some screen kits.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1390350

Amazon, eBay, most hardware stores have them. Build panels to size and attach sides with self tapping sheet metal screws. For hinges, hardware store has them.

The problem I am having is by the time I add up all the cost, it is about as much as a pre made one. Especially when considering some sort of pan system on the bottom for water.

I had exactly the same thought originally. Turns out those screen kits aren't as common over here in the UK. The ones I did find weren't cheap either.

I think they would work quite well though. Maybe a bit on the flimsy side?

 

[tinypaws]

I had exactly the same thought originally. Turns out those screen kits aren't as common over here in the UK. The ones I did find weren't cheap either.

I think they would work quite well though. Maybe a bit on the flimsy side?

I have something like the link below right now. This is how they are constructed, simple window screens screwed together, and hardware store hinges, and mirror mounts for door latch. if you look on ebay or amazon you can get the screen material by the linear foot, saw it yourself, buy the corners, press in the rubber coord, ...

http://www.petsolutions.com/C/Repti...6&cadevice=c&gclid=CKT9tO7smsoCFUOVfgodVkEDGw