Originally I was going to build a nice wooden cage. I drew up plans (still have them) but I didn't really want to build it because it would be pretty expensive and labor intensive. And I hate using table saws.
Luckily I came across one of those large, metal shelving units in the FREE pile at a garage sale. It came with 7 shelves and is a little over 5 feet tall. I stuffed it in the mini van and brought it home. (PS if you're in the twin cities area and want one of these things, my neighbor has likes 5 of em he is trying to get rid of)
First I ripped off the crappy particle board sides on the shelves. Then I removed all but the top and bottom two shelves. I then took two shelves that were in the best condition, used a drill and tin snips to cut a rat sized hole in them. I used a file and sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges.
I then reattached the new hole-y shelves where I thought they would work best.
I found a stack of old self stick linoleum tiles in the basement. Luckily they are only slightly larger than the shelves, and I left them that way so that they would be snug against the screen. I was really surprised how easy it was to work with. All you do is score the surface in a straight line (I used a swiss army knife and a ruler) and then bend the tile and it breaks right down the line. I was even able to cut out little squares on the edges for the holes.
I then attached the first piece of hardware cloth around the back (found in basement). To minimize cutting the stuff I just wrapped it around the back and sides and secured it tightly with zip ties (also free).
Then I used the leftover pieces of linoleum to create a backsplash - type thing for the bottom. I made sure that the tiles are snug together. In addition the tiles extended past the corner posts so I think it's a pretty good seal.
Tiles are yellow, light gray is screen, dark gray is shelf.
When I was done with that I filled the gap between the shelves and the mesh with more tile so no little ratsies can get stuck in between the shelf and the screen.
In order to make the bottom escape proof I left an extra 3-4 inches of hardware cloth under the bottom shelf. I then cut the corner and folded it around the corner post, securing with zip ties.
So now I'm about 60% done and tomorrow I will make the door, finish the top and update.
Making things is fun!
What do you guys think of it so far? Any suggestions?
Luckily I came across one of those large, metal shelving units in the FREE pile at a garage sale. It came with 7 shelves and is a little over 5 feet tall. I stuffed it in the mini van and brought it home. (PS if you're in the twin cities area and want one of these things, my neighbor has likes 5 of em he is trying to get rid of)
First I ripped off the crappy particle board sides on the shelves. Then I removed all but the top and bottom two shelves. I then took two shelves that were in the best condition, used a drill and tin snips to cut a rat sized hole in them. I used a file and sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges.
I then reattached the new hole-y shelves where I thought they would work best.
I found a stack of old self stick linoleum tiles in the basement. Luckily they are only slightly larger than the shelves, and I left them that way so that they would be snug against the screen. I was really surprised how easy it was to work with. All you do is score the surface in a straight line (I used a swiss army knife and a ruler) and then bend the tile and it breaks right down the line. I was even able to cut out little squares on the edges for the holes.
I then attached the first piece of hardware cloth around the back (found in basement). To minimize cutting the stuff I just wrapped it around the back and sides and secured it tightly with zip ties (also free).
Then I used the leftover pieces of linoleum to create a backsplash - type thing for the bottom. I made sure that the tiles are snug together. In addition the tiles extended past the corner posts so I think it's a pretty good seal.
Tiles are yellow, light gray is screen, dark gray is shelf.
When I was done with that I filled the gap between the shelves and the mesh with more tile so no little ratsies can get stuck in between the shelf and the screen.
In order to make the bottom escape proof I left an extra 3-4 inches of hardware cloth under the bottom shelf. I then cut the corner and folded it around the corner post, securing with zip ties.
So now I'm about 60% done and tomorrow I will make the door, finish the top and update.
Making things is fun!
What do you guys think of it so far? Any suggestions?