09-29-2009, 11:07 AM
If you want lightweight, moisture-free and strong, there are two choices:
1. Commercial-grade metal studs.
Advantages:
1. Easily cut, and easy to work with
2. Joined with screws.
3. Already slotted for wiring.
4. Light-weight.
5. Strong and sturdy.
6. No warping or twisting.
7. Totally moisture-proof.
2. PVC pipe:
Advantages:
1. Easily cut and worked.
2. Joined with adhesives.
3. Provides it's own wiring conduit.
4. Light-weight.
5. Strong and sturdy.
6. No warping or twisting.
7. Totally moisture-proof.
The primary disadvantages are that some folks seem hesitant to try different materials like these, especially commercial-grade metal studs, and in the case of PVC piping, complain that it can be "wobbly", although that is generally due to using too-small pipe rather than the structural element itself. I make large snake cages - 2x4x8' - for pythons and boa constrictors which grow up to 12 feet in length out of the stuff all the time, and they work beautifully. People also make sturdy and good looking lawn and garden furniture out of it., and since it is hollow, there is a great savings in weight. Assembly is extremely easy since all of the corners, joints and so forth are over-the-counter items. All you need is a hacksaw and some PVC cement. You can even add castors, and a router or a drill will give you easy wiring access anywhere you wish, depending on whether you want a simple hole or a slot. If you have a space problem, a PVC frame can be constructed that will extend outwards without the need for any rails or hardware, just one diameter nested inside another.
And in case of a short, the PVC is a much better bet that a wooden frame, too.
Just my thoughts.
1. Commercial-grade metal studs.
Advantages:
1. Easily cut, and easy to work with
2. Joined with screws.
3. Already slotted for wiring.
4. Light-weight.
5. Strong and sturdy.
6. No warping or twisting.
7. Totally moisture-proof.
2. PVC pipe:
Advantages:
1. Easily cut and worked.
2. Joined with adhesives.
3. Provides it's own wiring conduit.
4. Light-weight.
5. Strong and sturdy.
6. No warping or twisting.
7. Totally moisture-proof.
The primary disadvantages are that some folks seem hesitant to try different materials like these, especially commercial-grade metal studs, and in the case of PVC piping, complain that it can be "wobbly", although that is generally due to using too-small pipe rather than the structural element itself. I make large snake cages - 2x4x8' - for pythons and boa constrictors which grow up to 12 feet in length out of the stuff all the time, and they work beautifully. People also make sturdy and good looking lawn and garden furniture out of it., and since it is hollow, there is a great savings in weight. Assembly is extremely easy since all of the corners, joints and so forth are over-the-counter items. All you need is a hacksaw and some PVC cement. You can even add castors, and a router or a drill will give you easy wiring access anywhere you wish, depending on whether you want a simple hole or a slot. If you have a space problem, a PVC frame can be constructed that will extend outwards without the need for any rails or hardware, just one diameter nested inside another.
And in case of a short, the PVC is a much better bet that a wooden frame, too.
Just my thoughts.