Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Wow I havnt been on this forum in ages....

Anywho, Im about to build my girlfriend a cage for her bearded dragon. Havnt exactly decided on the design yet completely but we're leaning towards a sliding door on the front. The other options were a hinged top or a hinged front that slid under the cage but I have NO clue how to do that latter, lol. I might even build a small trap door on the side for her to quickly change out food or water.

Anyways, I think Im going to go with Pine wood and just add a few coats of sealant and stain. Glass Im going to be getting from a local glass man but the last most important component is unfound. I have wood glue, nails, might buy clamps, and the necessary screwdriver. I doubt Ill need anything more than that. Wood I can cut to size at my friends house. I might buy some gorilla glue or that liquid nails stuff.

Now, WHERE do I buy the tracking. Ive never installed any type of bypass or anything of that sort. Even a good DIY guide would be appreciated because Im not sure how to POP the glass in once the tracking is glued down. So....where can I buy tracking and also where can I get the lock for the doors.

Thanks ahead of time!

Here is a post between me and Chris Harper http://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1441700,1441700

Its easy to install. the top is deeper so u slide the glass up and sit it down into the bottom it comes with instructions. Dont cut until you have the track in place and glued

The plastic track is the third product down. You'll likely want the product made for 1/4" glass item 140

Copy Paste this into your address box

http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/2007_Master/lg_display.cfm?page_number=27&catalog=070148

"Thank You Chris Harper"

I've heard of people getting the plastic sliding door tracks at Lowes or Homedepot, but I've never found them there. You can however, find sliding door locks at those stores. You will also need plastic finger pulls to slide the glass doors with ease. They're very easy to attach to the glass.. no glue required. Just peel off the paper backing and press it somewhere strategically on the door. You could find them at Orchards. Like Jeff, I get all of those supplies at Outwater.com. They have everything. Even acrylic hinges for that trap door. If you intend to order the tracks from them, I suggest you order the other supplies you need from them as well, I think there's a minimum order... Don't forget to order the top and bottom tracks as they're sold seperately. As for intallation. Cut the length you need, one of each.. top and bottom track. Glue the deeper track to the top and the shallow one to the bottom with some type of silicone and hold it down with masking tape to dry overnight. Glass measurement: measure the length of the track/inside of the enclosure, divide that by half and then add 3/4 inch for over lap. Now measure the top of the upper track where the track meets the top of the enclosure, to the top rim of the bottom track. Measure at two different points.. in the middle and on the side you're making the glass panel for. Lastly, you'll need the glass panels slightly shorter to insert the panels with an upperward push, resting it to the bottom track. I would then subtract about 1/8 inch to accomplish that without forcing it or worse, ending up with a glass panel you can't use. Take these measurements to your local glass shop. Be very careful with the top'n bottom (vertical) measurement. I suggest that you make a template out of rigid cardboard or cheapo laminate board and test it to make sure it works before taking the msasurements the the glass shop. Here's the links to each item at Outwater... it could be tricky navigating through the catalog for them.

plastic sliding door track
http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/2007_Master/lg_display.cfm?page_number=27&catalog=070148

Plastic finger pulls
http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/2007_Master/lg_display.cfm?page_number=39&catalog=070148

sliding glass door locks & acrylic hinges
http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/2007_Master/lg_display.cfm?page_number=132

I think Im going to go with Pine wood and just add a few coats of sealant and stain.

I know you did not ask for this advice, but I would not use solid wood in a reptile cage. I assume by pine you mean the panels of edge-glued pine you can buy in Home Improvement Centers. This stuff looks nice and is priced well but does not deal well with the temperature differentials you often find in reptile enclosures, especially desert dwellers that need high heat. You can get extreme warping and even cracking.

If you mean pine plywood, that is fine.

Now, WHERE do I buy the tracking.

I think somebody already posted to a previous thread. I did not read it but I assume it mentions Outwater Plastic among other places. I used sliding doors on my bearded cage and liked them and would use them again. However, the one downfall to them in your situation is that crickets can escape from the overlap area. This trade-off was worth it for me due to my preference for sliding doors. I just shoved folded up paper towel in the gap until the crickets were eaten.

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Currently keeping a small collection of various Gonyosoma. Both G. janseni and G. oxycephala.

WoW Outwater is ridiculously cheap. Im getting the 1/4" tracking in white. Now it says its 12ft minimum which is fine. But in checkout do I put 1 in quantity or 12 in the quantity box?

Also how long does shipping take from them?

I wouldn't know what to select online. I've always ordered from them telephonically. The sales people are very nice and helpful... they made sure I get the right cut and even gave me a nice price the last time I ordered from them. I'm not saying that they'll do the same for you, but they practice good customer service. I believe I received my order within 3-4 days. Good luck with your project!

I think you put in 12' but I'm not completely sure. I would call them.
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Currently keeping a small collection of various Gonyosoma. Both G. janseni and G. oxycephala.

Okay some Im just about ready to finish my plans before I buy everything I need for the enclosure. Just wanted to run it by you guys so you could confirm everything is ok.

Enclosure size will be (LxDxH) 40"x16"x20" Yeah I know its weird measurements but that should be perfect for a bearded dragon.
Anyways, as I mentioned I ordered tracking, a lock, and finger pulls from Outwater. I have a drill and circular saw so that should take care of the tools. I WILL have to borrow a jigsaw however to cut the vents.

List of things I THINK I will need :

4x8 Sheet of 3/4" plywood (probably Pine) (is 3/4th ok?)
Caulking Gun
Liquid Nails
Silicone (for good measure)
Wood Screws ( Can you guys please recommend a length. Would 2" work all around? Or would nails be better in this case?)
36" Light Fixture
Vents/Mesh for ventilation
Glass ( never really looked into plexi)
Sealant and Stain

I know theres a few questions already within the thread but I have just a FEW more.

1. Can someone explain "pre drilling" holes for screws if I decide to use them.
2. What would be a ballpark figure for the glass I would have to use. Im approximating Ill need 2 x ~20.75x10". Of course Id have to buy a larger sheet from a glass place and have it cut. What kind of cash am I looking at here?

That pretty much somes it up. Thanks ahead of time guys.

P.S. Ballparking a price of $40 for the glass and about $25 for the wood (shrugs shoulders) I am imagining this project coming out to about $150.

You will also need a power drill.

4x8 Sheet of 3/4" plywood: Sounds good, I use 3/4 Melamine.
Caulking Gun: OK
Liquid Nails: Color matching LN or silicone to seal the inside corners and edges.
Silicone (for good measure): Use the smae LN or silicone to glue the tracks.
Wood Screws( Can you guys please recommend a length. Would 2" work all around? Or would nails be better in this case?): I use 1 3/4 screws. I don't use LN... screws is good enough.
36" Light Fixture: OK, don't forget a ceramic socket for the spot light. (if keeping sunbathers, like beardies).
Vents/Mesh for ventilation: Get the vents used for ventilation/heating. They're available in diferrent sizes,in white/off-white, and with mesh on them already... Home Depot or Lowes.
Glass (never really looked into plexi): Glass. Plexi scratches easily and the heat would probably warp it.
Sealant and Stain: Dunno... I use Melamine, it doesn't required staining nor sealing.

Pre-drilling with a drill bit smaller than the screw diameter is a good idea. It serves as a guide for the screw to drive in straight, it prevents the wood from splitting and the edges from expanding. Just drill past the firt top wood panel your drilling into and just 1/4 into the second wood. Don't drill to close to the edge. The wood will expand or split even with pre-drilling. One more thing... Don't over tighten the screw. That too, can plit and bulge the top wood. Good luck.

Enclosure size will be (LxDxH) 40"x16"x20"

Unless you are limited by space, I would make the cage 48" wide, specifically large enough to hold a 48" light fixture. You'll make better use of the material and the 48" light fixture will produce more light intensity and be cheaper and offer more choices in bulbs.

I kept my large male BD in a cage with the dimensions you mentioned and I felt it was too small. Built a 48" for him and that seemed much better.

Otherwise, 2" wood screws are fine. I would rule out acrylic or plexi for the doors as they tend to warp when exposed to temperature differentials. And a dragon could scratch the heck out of it.

Also, I would use waterborne stains and sealers. Avoid the oil-based stuff.

Pre-drilling allows the screws to be counter-sunk and also means the wood is less likely to split. Buy a counter-sinking bit that matches the size of screw you buy (#6, #8 etc.).

No idea on glass price. Be sure to shop around.
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Currently keeping a small collection of various Gonyosoma. Both G. janseni and G. oxycephala.