Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know a couple of you ordered some of this stuff. It is a very interesting material.

Anyone have anything to report yet?
Larry
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Larry Stroud - Fort Pierce, Florida

I hear they make great coolers.

>>I know a couple of you ordered some of this stuff. It is a very interesting material.
>>
>>Anyone have anything to report yet?

Seeing as though it comes in a variety of flavors. I've used extruded polystyrene (alot) and expanded polystyrene makes great coolers. I've also used polystyrene sheets in models.

Have yet to use it with Herp's...
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile
Specializing in Boa Morph's

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
0.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow
1.0 Ghost
0.1 Possible Super Hypo
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Suriname/Columbian cross
0.1 Anerthrystic

In a recent thread here titled "12 inch cube cage polystyrene" we were discussing sheet poly for cages. I was curious to here if anyone had built a cage yet.

On the other hand, I'd like to see some pictures of anything else built with the various versions of the material.

Is it slow in here lately or is it just me?
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Larry Stroud - Fort Pierce, Florida

I just picked up the cut sheets I ordered this week. The company I went to for cutting did a great job. Unfortunately, work has been hectic and I have been really busy. Hoping to start putting everything together once the vents I ordered arrive next week. At this time, the verdict is still out for me.

Bart

Bart,

There is a thread on "another forum" about what plastic company XYZ uses. I was surprised to see you had not responded. You probably missed it due to being busy.

Can't post a name or a link, but it's possible it sounds like EMM VEE EFF.

Or just email me and I'll send you a direct link.
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Currently keeping:

6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Javan, mixed colors)

0.0.4 Rhynchophis boulengeri

1.1 Philodryas baroni

1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata

0.0.1 Rhamphiophis rubropunctatus

0.0.2 Morelia viridis (Aru & Merauke locale types)

1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

I don't remember seeing that thread.

I know my frustration with the cutting/milling of this material was just a matter of getting the right blades and cutters. I really really like xpvc, but there are some things this material would be ideal for too.

Nice picture Chris, and yes I am envious, that is a beautiful animal. Some day!!

So what is the difference between polystyrene sheet and ABS sheet? Any?
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Larry Stroud - Fort Pierce, Florida

I think what you are referring to as polystyrne is actually high impact polystyrene, aka HIPS.

According to wikipedia they are similar. My guess is that ABS is just a bit softer.
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Currently keeping:

6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Javan, mixed colors)

0.0.4 Rhynchophis boulengeri

1.1 Philodryas baroni

1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata

0.0.1 Rhamphiophis rubropunctatus

0.0.2 Morelia viridis (Aru & Merauke locale types)

1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

Abs has more butalaine(sp) in it and more regrind.

Abs has more butalaine(sp) in it and more regrind.

What does that add up to as far as cutability, flexibility, impact/abrasion resistance, etc.?
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Currently keeping:

6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Javan, mixed colors)

0.0.4 Rhynchophis boulengeri

1.1 Philodryas baroni

1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata

0.0.1 Rhamphiophis rubropunctatus

0.0.2 Morelia viridis (Aru & Merauke locale types)

1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

There seems to be little difference from what I can tell but styrene seemed slightly "softer" to me than ABS.

As it turns out, my vents arrived today and the tubs for my rack did not so I may play with the styrene this weekend when I get the time.

Chris, I did see that thread and considered posting but then hesitated because I can only assume the company is using HIS. Without having one of their cages in front of me, I can't be certain so I will keep my assumptions to myself (or at least off public forums). All I can say for certain is that I will not purchase anything made by "mystery material".

Bart

All I can say for certain is that I will not purchase anything made by "mystery material".

Yup.
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Currently keeping:

6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Javan, mixed colors)

0.0.4 Rhynchophis boulengeri

1.1 Philodryas baroni

1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata

0.0.1 Rhamphiophis rubropunctatus

0.0.2 Morelia viridis (Aru & Merauke locale types)

1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

ABS get mushie and rubberie when it heats up. Like w/a router bit. The styrene is easier to glue.

That is what I am finding also.

Bart

is because a friend of mine had said he was going to be picking up a few sheets of this material to try. He found a guy locally selling it for $8 a sheet. It was advertised as ABS.

He did end up getting five sheets and came by yesterday. I had told him I would give him a hand with the cutting and assembly.

It went fairly well. It cut OK and was easy to handle.
The only complaint was when cutting small amounts from a larger one, like if you wanted to remove 1/8" or so from a part. The material being removed wants to pop and fly. Not a nice thing. I need to look up blade requirements, I am sure that is the problem.

The place he bought it from, suggested regular PVC glue for bonding, so that is what we used. I'm sure there is a better adhesive, I think Bart had suggested a "Weld On" product, but all in all the glue up went good.

I didn't make any jigs or fixtures of any kind for these cages, it was all done on the table saw and assembled freehand.

All things considered, I would have to give this stuff a thumbs up.

Now I am really anxious to hear how the others are doing with their projects.
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Larry Stroud - Fort Pierce, Florida

I am slowly working on my projects and everything so far is going well. Keep in mind I had the supplier CNC cut the sheets to the sizes I needed so the only cutting I am doing is for the vents, which I use a jig saw. I picked up pieces of both black HIS and white PVCx. I am using Weld-On 2007 for the PVCx and Weld-On 2354 for the HIS. Weld-On does make thin bodied adhesives that can be used for both. The stuff I am using may be able to work with both but haven't tried it (label does not indicate both materials). My only complaint with the black HIS is the unslightly scratches on the surface. As far as function, I have no complaints. Once I get something together (working on a few projects at the same time), I will post pics.

Bart

These are not finished and won't be anytime soon. I still need the doors cut and haven't decided on a material yet. The first pic is an 18" cube which will be used to house a pair of crested geckos. I ordered two sheets of black HIS cut to make two 36x18x12 colubrid cages (still working on those) and two 18" cubes, one for crested geckos and one for a juvi chondro.

The 18" cubes will have sliding doors but I have not decided on either polycarbonate or glass. Acrylic just won't hold up to the humidity. Polycarb also warps but not as much in my experience.

I also had one sheet of white 12mm PVCx (Celtec) cut to make a small hatchling rack. I try to make the most use out of a full sheet so I had them cut the left over scrap to make a cage for my son's gecko (my previous attempt using 1/8" HIS did not go well).

This cage will have a 1/4" polycarb door that will swing down. Because my son will not sleep without a night light, I also added a "moon light" to serve this purpose.

I started working on the colubrid cages but once I pick up my tubs tomorrow, I need to focus what little free time I have on the hatchling rack. Will post pics of the colubrid cages once they are finished.

Bart

Can you give us an idea on what you spent on the plastic material for the carcass'? Just include the price of the plastic, cutting and shipping. Don't worry about vents or solvents for now.

I like the proportions on those cages.
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Currently keeping:

6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Javan, mixed colors)

0.0.4 Rhynchophis boulengeri

1.1 Philodryas baroni

1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata

0.0.1 Rhamphiophis rubropunctatus

0.0.2 Morelia viridis (Aru & Merauke locale types)

1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

Thanks. For the two sheets of back 1/4" HIS, I paid $172 which included all cuts. From that I am able to build two of the 18" cubes and two of the 36x18x12 cages for my graybands. I picked it up locally. They wanted $50 to ship freight but since they are only an hour's drive away, I passed on the shipping.

A pint of the solvent only ran about $7 and will probably last me as long as the cages. It doesn't take much.

The vents were around $4 a piece.

I am currently getting estimates on the doors.

The PVCx sheet, cut to my specs, ran me $98. From that I am building a 15 tub hatchling rack and the boy's gecko cage.

The big project is going to be building new cages for my chondros. For those, I am still on the fence about whether to use HIS or PVCx. Ordering the material for these cages just gave me the opportunity to see if this company was worth working with when that time came. I am pleased to say they are. I was very impressed with the accuracy of the cuts, the time it took to process my order, and the price.

Bart

For the two sheets of back 1/4" HIS, I paid $172 which included all cuts.

Was this local place also using CNC to cut the panels?

From that I am able to build two of the 18" cubes and two of the 36x18x12 cages for my graybands. I picked it up locally.

Wow, so under $50 per cage for each cage carcass. Not bad.

I'm too tired to do the math. Were these 40x72 sheets or 48x96?

The PVCx sheet, cut to my specs, ran me $98. From that I am building a 15 tub hatchling rack and the boy's gecko cage.

And was it also CNC cut? If Celtec 550, did they account for the fact that the material is 1/2" oversized when calculation the cuts? Or was there enough scrap that it did not matter?

The big project is going to be building new cages for my chondros. For those, I am still on the fence about whether to use HIS or PVCx. Ordering the material for these cages just gave me the opportunity to see if this company was worth working with when that time came. I am pleased to say they are. I was very impressed with the accuracy of the cuts, the time it took to process my order, and the price.

Which company are you talking about here? The local place or Total Plastics, which you mentioned last week or so?

Or did you order both the PVCx and HIPS from the same local company? I'm not completely clear on that. But I'm really wiped out today.
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Currently keeping:

6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Javan, mixed colors)

0.0.4 Rhynchophis boulengeri

1.1 Philodryas baroni

1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata

0.0.1 Rhamphiophis rubropunctatus

0.0.2 Morelia viridis (Aru & Merauke locale types)

1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

The HIS was 48x96 and this was the first place I found offering it in that size as I am use to seeing it 40x72. With the pieces of Celtec I requested, it was not necessary for them to account for the 1/2". I can't say if it was 550. They offered what I purchased and a heavier product which I would guess costs considerable more.

The company was Total Plastics which has a local branch in Pittsburgh, as well as other states on the east coast (including one in Tampa). If anyone has a local branch I would suggest taking advantage of it; however, you may not find the same prices if dealing through the website, contact the local branch directly. I requested a quote through the site three weeks ago and still have not received it. I contacted the branch directly and had my quote the next day. Lead time for cutting the Celtec was 1 day. The HIS had to be shipped in from another branch but still only took a week.

Bart

Thanks for the clarification. I wish I had a Total Plastics with an hour of my home. That would solve a lot of problems for me.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts on both plastics as you get further into your projects. Everything you have posted so far has been helpful and inspiring. Make sure to start a separate thread.
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Currently keeping:

6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Javan, mixed colors)

0.0.4 Rhynchophis boulengeri

1.1 Philodryas baroni

1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata

0.0.1 Rhamphiophis rubropunctatus

0.0.2 Morelia viridis (Aru & Merauke locale types)

1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

Wow Bart, those look awesome!

I like the "moonlight in your sons cage.

You do very nice work. I'm looking forward to the pics of the other projects.
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Larry Stroud - Fort Pierce, Florida

Very nice!.Definitely looking forward to more photo's

Went back and read your previous post. I now see that you bought both the HIPS and PVCX locally and that both were CNC cut. Sorry I overlooked that. Rough night with our eight month old last night.

Still interested in hearing the answers to my other questions.

Sorry for the confusion.
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Currently keeping:

6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Javan, mixed colors)

0.0.4 Rhynchophis boulengeri

1.1 Philodryas baroni

1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata

0.0.1 Rhamphiophis rubropunctatus

0.0.2 Morelia viridis (Aru & Merauke locale types)

1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

What does that add up to as far as cutability, flexibility, impact/abrasion resistance, etc.?
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White styrene can yellow over time. Were talking years. If you get a good seal it hold together well. I've got some that are 10 years old still going strong. Glue the edge let it dry. You can cut it with a saw blade with out any issues.

I just recenly discovered that the S in ABS stands for styrene.

I used some ABS to line the back of this cage several years ago and remember not liking how it cut. Probably not as bad as the high-impact stuff that you and Bart have played around with.

Okay, I confess. I really wanted to taunt you with a Gonyosoma picture. But that really is ABS (styrene) in the back.

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Currently keeping:

6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Javan, mixed colors)

0.0.4 Rhynchophis boulengeri

1.1 Philodryas baroni

1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata

0.0.1 Rhamphiophis rubropunctatus

0.0.2 Morelia viridis (Aru & Merauke locale types)

1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

>>In a recent thread here titled "12 inch cube cage polystyrene" we were discussing sheet poly for cages. I was curious to here if anyone had built a cage yet.
>>
>>On the other hand, I'd like to see some pictures of anything else built with the various versions of the material.
>>
>>Is it slow in here lately or is it just me?

It is slow...

Please excuse my sarcastic reply but it was in tune with teh vague nature of the topice. I do recall the post regarding the 12" cube, hopefully others provided useful info.

I do know that a gentleman in Europe built a cage entirly out of extruded polysterene. The only concern for me is the flamable nature of the product. But it is very easy to work with.
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile
Specializing in Boa Morph's

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
0.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow
1.0 Ghost
0.1 Possible Super Hypo
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Suriname/Columbian cross
0.1 Anerthrystic

I dunno what grade polystyrene stuff people are 'ordering', but figured I would insert that I use the polystyrene from Home Depot to make my backgrounds for my tanks, and they come out nice