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I've got a table that I display my snakes on that I'm looking to convert into a cage. The table measures 50x15x20. It has a shelf that rests about 3 inches above the floor. The actual cage will be the area beneath the tabletop extending down to the shelf. I was thinking of taking fine mesh and securing it to the back and sides. The front would be a 48x18 piece of plexi, attached by hinges on the tabletop. This will leave a 3/8 inch gap between the plexi and the shelf (the shelf is slightly inset). I figured weather stripping could take care of that. At the end of the day, I'd only need a staple gun, drill, screws, and weather stripping. How does this sound, I've never done any cage building before.
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0.0.1 Snow Corn
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0.0.1 Ball Python
1.0 Albino Burmese Python

I have seen a handful of furniture conversions that turned out great. However, it is very difficult to give an educated opinion without seeing the table in person or at least a very detailed picture. I'm sure you can make it work.

I put the wire on this morning. 1/4 inch screen. I was hoping they'd have something finer but all there was was window screening, and it was too weak. I've just got to get the plexi cut, a 48x20 piece. If I wanted to make it a sliding two piece door, how do I go about doing that? I'd rather have that than one big swinging door.
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0.0.1 Snow Corn
1.0 Ghosts
0.0.1 Ball Python
1.0 Albino Burmese Python

If you're using a sliding bypass door then don't use plexiglass, especially for snakes. Regular glass will work better.

First, purchase your glass track and see what size you need the glass cut to. It may vary among different tracks.

How much would more would glass run than plexi? Local hardware store would cut my piece for 40 bucks. If I stay with plexi, would there be a problem having one 24 inch piece secured, and letting the other one swing open? The more I think about it the more it seems like a 48 inch swing door would be a nuisance. As well, this cage won't be subjected to high temperatures so I don't expect warping, whats the problem with sliding plexi anyways?
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0.0.1 Snow Corn
1.0 Ghosts
0.0.1 Ball Python
1.0 Albino Burmese Python

I only have a minute...

Glass is almost always cheaper than plexiglass. Plexi not only warps and yellows, it is also much less secure when used in a bypass setup.

It does work well for hinged doors, however.

>>How much would more would glass run than plexi? Local hardware store would cut my piece for 40 bucks. If I stay with plexi, would there be a problem having one 24 inch piece secured, and letting the other one swing open? The more I think about it the more it seems like a 48 inch swing door would be a nuisance. As well, this cage won't be subjected to high temperatures so I don't expect warping, whats the problem with sliding plexi anyways?
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>>0.0.1 Snow Corn
>>1.0 Ghosts
>>0.0.1 Ball Python
>>1.0 Albino Burmese Python

I actually just inquired about a 48" piece of glass the other day to a local shop. It would have cost $25 for the glass. I asked them how much it would cost to have it cute down into 2 pieces, one piece 23" and the other 25" they said $25 total no matter how I wanted it cut. My advice is go to a privately owned glass or window buisness it saves a LOT of money!
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0.1 Snow Corn "Hope"
1.0 Ball Python "Wilson" (Castaway)
1. Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Chunk" (Goonies)
.1 Orange Albino Black Ratsnake "Peaches"
0.0.1 Mexican Black Kingsnake "Onyx"