How can I use heat cable in melamine rack?

[neubauer geckos]

So I am gonna start building a hatchling rack.I have alot of spare melamine so I'm using that.however,I can't figure out how to use heat cable.I don't like flexwatt for various reasons,so I'm not gonna use that.do you guys have anybodeas?

 

[Tony C]

Use a router to cut a channel for the cable to sit in.

 

[Ehatcher]

Tony has the only feesable answer... unless you put it along the back of the tubs for back heat. But belly heat is always the best route though.

 

[RampantReptiles]

Use a router to cut a channel for the cable to sit in.

Thats exactly how it was done on the hatchling rack I used to have. There were 2 channels cut...so that it could be run all the way to one side and then all the way back. I think there was a couple inches between the routes. We also used a heat resistant paint on the rack because my x(the one who built it) was obsessed with making things fire safe... well at least fire resistant >_<

I sold the rack to gixxer3420 on this forum so maybe ask him if you have further questions.

 

[thegeckoguy23]

use it the same way as heat cable but u dont have to worry about all those cables and plug it into a rheostat

 

[neubauer geckos]

Use a router to cut a channel for the cable to sit in.

how would i do this?i don't know how routers work,or even what they look like.and would it chip the wood,or will it come out pretty good.do you have any pics on how to do this?i'm only familiar with a drill,circular saw,and jigsaw as far as power tools go...

 

[Keith N]

how would i do this?i don't know how routers work,or even what they look like.and would it chip the wood,or will it come out pretty good.do you have any pics on how to do this?i'm only familiar with a drill,circular saw,and jigsaw as far as power tools go...

You could use a circular saw if your more comfortable using one. Make a straight line then you have to make a series of cuts then with a fine chisel just chisel it out , but all in all a router would be easier.

 

[kcexotics]

Make sure you do recess the cable or you will be wasting your time and money.If the cable gets kinked it will no longer work.I use a router and then foil tape the cable in place.:main_thumbsup:

 

[neubauer geckos]

what does it mean to "recess the cable"? And do they sell foil tape at home depot?

 

[chrome sitar]

You don't need to recess the cable if you raise the tub. If you are going to run your heat cable in the last 3 or so inches of each level, then you can use something that much shorter underneath each tub.
For example, if your tubs are 12 inches long, and you want 3 inches of heat cable space, then you would need a 9 inch spacer under your tubs.
For a melamine rack I would suggest using showerboard. It's about 3/16 inches thick, and at ~$10 per sheet, the price is right. You could mount it easily with carpet tape, and if you decide you need more room, just remove it and recut.

 

[neubauer geckos]

What is shower board and where do I get it?Ito really like this idea.also,how would I hold the heat cord down?

 

[chrome sitar]

Sorry for the late reply. You can get it from Menards or Home Depot. The usual places. Shower board is a pressed board with a water proof finish on one side. It is also called tile board. It is white and completely smooth. You can probably find it in the paneling section of the store. People have used it to make inexpensive and light boa cages. I still have one of mine, actually, but I use it only for storage since I built my PVC cages. If you need to keep the cable down, perhaps use aluminium tape.

 

[Landen]

I just set my table saw to a shallow depth and ran a couple blade width grooves 4 inches from the back of my rack. Pushed the heat cable into the groove and heat taped over it. Pretty simple IF you have the tools...

 

[ElapidSVT]

i did mine with a table saw with stacked blades to cut a 1" wide channel about 3/4" deep in the bottom of each shelf.

been using it for more than 15 years with 0 issues.

good luck!
rob

 

[MonteQ's]

Here's a few pics I took when I built a couple last year. If you're anything like me, pics go further than a description...

Sides with slots -- I used pegboard backing, so I set the slots 1/4" further in than on shelves. (backing sits flush with sides)

Shelves -- on the shelves I opened the end of the slot a bit wider to accept the larger head of the heat cable. Used a large drill bit and a dremel.

detail of notches

We built it from the bottom up using an 1/8" piece of hardboard for the spacer
(Tubs are upside down here)

Here's a view of the slots when it's done. I leave a 1/4 inch gap between each piece of pegboard backing to make probe placement easier. Snake the cable through, stretch it as you go. Cover the cable and slots with aluminum tape and you're good to go!

The finished rack

Hope this helps :main_thumbsup:

**I should add to double check the lenght on your heat cable... a 39ft cable was enough for this rack**

 

[neubauer geckos]

@monteQ's:what did you use to male the notches?and by the way,that's a sweet rack! swee

 

[Northstar Herp]

@monteQ's:what did you use to male the notches?and by the way,that's a sweet rack! swee

A router table is the quickest thing, but you can do it on a table saw just fine too with either multiple passes or a dadoe blade. You can do it with a circular saw, but you'll need to clamp a straight edge about 1.5" from where you want the cuts to get a nice pretty line.

I kinda like the idea of padding up on top of the shelf instead of notching it, if you don't have the tools or experience to make the cuts easily.

 

[MonteQ's]

I used a dado blade set...

Wish I had a router... keep putting that purchase off though.

 

[neubauer geckos]

I think I'm gonna do chrome sitars idea.but what I carpet tape,and where do iget it?and do you have any pictures you could share chrome sitar?

 

[neubauer geckos]

i am gonna do chrome sitar's idea.i have all of the measurements and i have the melamine from a past project that i will be using.however,i couldn't find the shower/tile board.what is it used for other than reptile uses?also,i think that i am going to use skinny nails to hold the shower board down.do you think that this will work?also,do i have to use shower/tile board?or could i just use wood that's 3/16 of an inch thick?it won't be getting wet or anything.also, i am going to hold the heat cable down with foil tape that i got from home depot.thanks for the ideas guys!