Building tips from the building challenged....

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Posted by bexley on April 15, 2003 at 08:18:42:

In Reply to: just got a skinny scarred ig, need help posted by kg on April 14, 2003 at 21:13:06:

I've been bringing home half dead animals for a loong time now, its too bad you had to give them money but good for you! I can build stuff ok, but I rely on some, well, unorthodox methods.

1> Angle brackets, at $0.35 they are your friend!! I can't cut a straight line, let alone get a 90 degree angle, so I buy lots of cheap metal 90 degree angle brackets, flat metal ones. They're 1-2 inches on each side, and I know I get a good angle. I use screws instead of nails, screw em in, I have the right angle or close enough I can, well, force the issue ;)

2> Use screws instead of nails. That way if you really mess up, you can take them out and try again. I do this lots :P I use nails to put panels on frames, but thats it. Frames and shelves, I use brackets and screws all the way!

3> I draw what I want first, and figure out how many pieces of whatever are the same length. I cut the first one, and then use that first one to draw a line on the others to cut, so they are at least close. Things like 2x2's are awesome for framing for reptile cages, aren't expensive, and cut easily with a handsaw.

4> Use standard pre-cut sizes for anything you can. I have to confess, Tempest's size is what it is, because the panels I nailed on to make the sides came in that size. They are 4' long, his cage is 4' long.

Hope this helps, and good luck! I would never have guessed you were 13, thats for sure. Let us know how it goes, I'm sure with some TLC he'll turn around quickly, he was lucky to have been found by you thats for sure :)

:I know I'm going to get rude comments for this, but I bought a skinny, scarred ig baby from a pet store. I felt so sorry for it! It was in a 5 gallon tank with no light, a cracked heat rock, and a food bowl filled with iceberg lettuce, zuchinni, and cucumber. It was also housed with a bigger 18" iguana that was beating it up and stepping all over it. I had $15 in my pocket, so I bargained and got it. He was so cold when I took him out! I found him squished between the glass and the food bowl. He's about 10" long, sorta green with brown patches, and has little scars on his head and body. How old do u think he is? The employee told me he was there for months. He's temporarily in a 10 gallon right now with a heat lamp, water, and some mustard greens and veggies. I'm going to get a fecal on him next week. Is it okay if I can't get a UVB light until next week? Thank you. Please don't be too mean, I'm only a kid.
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