Melamine

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Posted by fhayden1 on May 01, 2003 at 16:46:11:

In Reply to: Melamine posted by chris_harper2 on May 01, 2003 at 10:59:30:

Chris,
Thanks for the information. Home Depot in my area offers Melamine in 8'X4' sheet. I though I'd make a 4'X2' enclosure to start off with. I appreciate all the good information. Also they offer 8'X4' sheets of OAK and Birch. Both cost 39.99 each. I want to build a series of cages that I can keep in my living room. I have lots of tools I haven't used yet. I got a router, circular saw, and a wireless drill. It all came together in a DEWALT Kit. I was very excited because I've been a fan of carpentry for a while now. Anyway...

I think the shop light idea was a good one. I could always put a UVB in it.

I don't have any Janseni. At the time I figured it would be a good project. I had some really nice specimens too. I sold them to a guy in Sarasota who took on the project. There is a guy in California who posts them sometimes. I know Ben Seigal has some listed right now.

Thanks for all the advice.
Frank

:Hi Frank,

:I've actually put melamine enclosures together with screws only with no problems. However, I don't recommend that.

:Typically I put down a bead of adhesive, clamp my two edges together and then use screws to hold them together.

:Melamine can be a pain to work with so I alwasy pre-drill and countersink. I also find square drive screws are better suited as well as smaller diameter screws (less likely to crack).

:For adhesives I've used wood glue, silicone, liquid nails, and even slow cure hot glue. All of them worked fine.

:Lastly, I'll point something out that you probably already know. Melamine typically comes in 49" widths rather than the typical 48" widths. This is very handy for species such as Bearded Dragons that do well with a lot of light as that extra width makes it easier to fit in 48" flourescent light fixtures.

:You're probably already aware of that but I thought I'd point it out just in case. I've known several people cut that 1" off only to regret it later when trying to install lights.

:Lastly, I found a very old classified add that I believe you posted on another site. It was for Elaphe janseni.

:If that was you and you still work with that species or have anything relevant to offer, please e-mail me by clicking on my blue hi-lighted name on this post.

:Thanks.

Follow Ups:

Melamine... more chris_harper2 05/01/03 (4)
- Melamine... more fhayden1 05/02/03 (3)
  - coating... chris_harper2 05/02/03 (2)
    - coating... fhayden1 05/02/03 (1)
      - sent e-mail through your name-link (n/p) chris_harper2 05/02/03 (0)