This is a re-post from the Feeder Forum, but I thought I would share over here as well..



Rat Rack Building Instructions -



Below I will go over the instructions and steps needed to build and install a fully functional 5 level, 10 tub rat breeding rack.



Tools you will require to complete the job (or something similar) -



- Saw (i use a miter saw)

- cordless screwdriver/drill

- 1 staple gun/hand stapler

- hammer

- wire cutters (for cutting hardware cloth)



Building Materials you will require -



- 10 "large" cement mixing tubs 28"X19"X6"

- 1 box 1 5/8" screws

- 2' of 1/2" PVC pipe

- 2- 2'X 2' 1/4" hardboard pieces

- 1 box 2" screws

- 1 roll of 1/2" hardware cloth

- 15 1X3X8' boards

- 4 caster wheels (full rotation)

- 16 1.5" bolts, nuts and washers (for attaching wheels)





Lets get started.



Building the Frame -



In order to build the basic frame, we will need to cut 5 pieces of wood. We need 2 boards at 41.75", and 3 boards at 28". These will screw together to form the basic frame. Pre-drill and screw the frame together using the 1 5/8" screws as its pictured below. Once the outside frame is screwed together, measure 20.5" from both ends and make a mark, this will tell you where your middle support should be placed.











Now, roll out your hardware cloth onto the frame, and cut it to fit. Use your stapler, to fasten it down to the frame itself. When completed it should look something like below.











Building the slide assembly -



Now you have your basic frame all assembled, now we need to complete the tub slides. I tried many diffrent options, using wood cut for depth, using screws set as stops for the depth. But by far the easiest method for setting up your tub slides is to use 1/2" PVC pipe. You will need to cut, 45 little pieces of the 1/2" pipe to a length of 3/4". This allows you to attach the slide material with a screw right down the length of the pipe, using it as a "bushing" for the correct depth.





You will also need to get your 2'x2'x1/4"deep hardboard out at this time. You will need to cut the hardboard into 2 diffrent widths. The first is the "outer" tub slides which measure 1-5/8" wide. You will need to cut 10 of this size. Cut them and set them aside. You will also need to cut your "inner" tub slides as well. These measure 2-3/4" in width. You will need to cut 5 of these and set them aside.





Below shows you a close up of how the slides and spacers are attached to the frame. You predrill a hole thru the hardboard, and drive a 2" screw thru the middle of the spacer and into the frame rail.













Now i bet ur asking yourself "these slides are 24" long, while the frame is 28" long. This is for something which will make sense later in the installation. This allows the tubs to drop out of the way of the installed AUTOMATIC watering system. Below is a picture of the completed "slides" on both sides and the middle.











You have now completed 1 full level. Go ahead and complete the other 4 levels the exact same way.





Attaching The Legs & Wheels -



Now cut 4 of the remaining 1X3X8' boards to a length of 60". These will become the "legs" for the rack system. You need to allow 9" between the top of one level, and the bottom of the next, this allows proper spacing for the tub to slide out, and not have it bump into the later installed automatic watering system. Attach all 4 legs. Measure and cut 2 more boards at 41.75" for the "wheel supports". Screw them into the bottom of the legs. This is where you will attach your 4 wheels.









You can now build the optional "feed bins" if you so wish. They are built simply out of 1 board which is 19.75" and 2 which are 6". This screws together to form an area to hold all your feed for longer times between feedings.







The rack is basically completed at this point. You can fasten some type of "stop" at the back of each tub (screwed to the frame) to prevent the rats from pushing the tub out the back of the rack.











Just add rats



Email me if you have any questions, or if i screwed something up while writing and takin pictures... im almost sure i did! (plus.. i can take more pics if people need them.. )

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