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I want to build a cage 6L X 3D x 2H using melamine

1)How well does it cut?
2)How have you cut it?
3)Do you caulk the edges?
4)Can you use a router on it?

Thanks

Wow, are you sure you want to use melamine for a cage that size? That is going to be a very heavy enclosure! To answer your questions: use a good saw blade, melamine does have a tendency to chip (some use tape to help prevent this), I caulked my melamine stacked cages using 100% silicone, make sure you predrill holes before you use screws or it will really chip. You can rout, but once again use a good bit & possibly tape off the area. This is the cage I built for my boas using 1/2" plywood. It is insulated inside with 1/2" polystyrene & completely sealed with silicone. I also did the "fake rock" trick with spray foam & tile grout (which is also sealed with grout sealer).

The plan is to make a full wall of display cages 6 or seven in total. Weight is not a issue the lighter the better of course I would like vision cages but those are not in my price range

another option would be to design your cage then have a cabinet shop cut the pieces,perfect cuts and no left over pieces.i went this route with the last rack i built and it worked out nicely.they can supply little plastic covers for each screw hole ,looks professional.post pix when done.

Hope Im not to late with my post. You might want to use the plywood route with melamine faces. When I was making my snake room, I wanted to make all melamine caging. I started buying the wood and after investing a few hundred dollars, was informed by another breeder that the cages would fall apart in about three years. I asked why that was, and he told me from the humidity when the snakes spill their water and general cleaning. I ended up buying several visions which are ok, but now want to build custum insulated caging that would be easyer to maintain temps.
Talking with several carpenters and a few other snake breeders, they all recommend plywood. Plywood wont fall apart when it gets wet, and with a melaine face could look really nice.

If you choose to ever go the vision route. Remember, they will always stay new looking, but dont hold heat very well. Try to always buy them used, you will save a bundle.

Good luck with your project and hope to see pics.
Jason

I have made over a dozen cages using melamine. I am also a hobby carpenter so the tools I had availible. I find it easy to work with melamine despite its weight. If you build each cage individual and stack them it becomes really easy. Units are a pain and become very heavy. Also sealing the eges with silcone dosn't always do the trick. Often nicks and scratches in the surface will allow water and moisture to seep into the wood thats bad. When the cage is complete it is well insulated and heats well and is suprisingly durable. All mine look very professional and have sold a number of them to fellow enthusiasts. No hardware shows from any side. Other then a slight seam my cages look like one piece although they are not. Good luck and tip on cutting use a large table saw with a plywood or finishing blade more teeth the better. You can also by pre-cut shelving that you can make work as well. Good Luck