Cutting the plastic...

HamstersOfHell · 10-26-2011, 07:49 AM

Well I've started making my new bin cage. Thing is, I don't really have anything to cut the plastic...the only thing we have is a jigsaw which is for wood. Anyone have some ideas of what I could use cut it?

AngelAmes · 10-26-2011, 10:43 AM

A jigsaw probably wouldnt work because it may cause the box to crack and split
Have you got a sharp knife? If you heat it up a bit then it makes it easier to put into the plastic. Or a drill to drill holes and then join the holes up using a knife.
Hope I helped

HamstersOfHell · 10-26-2011, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngelAmes

A jigsaw probably wouldnt work because it may cause the box to crack and split
Have you got a sharp knife? If you heat it up a bit then it makes it easier to put into the plastic. Or a drill to drill holes and then join the holes up using a knife.
Hope I helped

I could try that I guess, thanks

lisab · 10-26-2011, 01:42 PM

I use a soldering iron

I tryed drilling before and it cracked the plastic

Missy2280 · 10-27-2011, 07:59 PM

I just made one and used a Creative Versa Tool. Its kind of like a soldering iron but had attachments so you can make nice clean edges. It also had an attachment that you can use to make the screw holes. It goes through the plastic very easy. I got it at Michael's a craft store near me.

Vectis Hamstery · 10-28-2011, 03:35 AM

I use a soldering iron like Lisa. I wasn't allowed to borrow one that's actually used for soldering metal (apparently melting plastic would ruin it!) so I bought a nice cheap one from B&Q. It's done me 13 bin cages so far and is still going strong. I use it to make the smaller holes to attach the mesh too. Just make sure you solder in a well ventilated area away from the hammies and take care where you put the soldering iron down!

lisab · 10-28-2011, 03:43 AM

hehe i borrowed my dads one first, he wasnt very impressed when it did come back with plastic on but he was the one who broke the first box with the drill lol
So i had to buy my own. we have done about 30 bin cages well worth it

I go outside (well the hubby does :P)

AngelAmes · 10-28-2011, 09:30 AM

I found drilling cracks the plastic unless you do it slowly and don't push down at all, you just let the weight of the drill make the hole

The other methods here would work well also

HamstersOfHell · 10-30-2011, 09:18 AM

The bun cage is all sorted out now, I cut the plastic with a hot knife since it was the easiest option for me. Thanks for the advice everyone, I am sure the new hamster will appreciate it