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Old 01-22-2020, 02:42 PM   #1
Corbeens
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Default Bin cage mesh/knife

Hello! Can anyone suggest some mesh and a craft knife that could be used for cutting a samla lid and meshing it? And is a mesh window on the front of the cage necessary? I'm not sure how this whole thing is gonna go using a craft knife, and I think my dwarf would prefer more bedding anyways as he loves burrowing!
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Old 01-22-2020, 03:07 PM   #2
Ria P
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Default Re: Bin cage mesh/knife

Yes, you need to mesh the lid and put in a meshed front window for sufficient ventilation and so your dwarf can see out. You can always place the window higher up to allow for deep substrate, it will also increase the floor space. If you are in the Uk go to B&Q, they sell mesh in a roll and as a single sheet. I've converted Samlas before and meshed the lid in two sections rather than one because it is a large area. Easiest way to attach the mesh is by drilling holes and then use cable ties to keep it in place. Attach it from the outside.
Someone else will need to advice you on a craft knife because i use an electric cutting tool.
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Old 01-22-2020, 03:47 PM   #3
Corbeens
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Default Re: Bin cage mesh/knife

Okay! Thank you for all the info that's going to help me a lot lol, how thick is the plastic on the actual bin? I might be there for a while with the knife but it is theoretically possible so i'm going to give it a go

Edit: I've heard that heating the knife helps it to cut? Is that a good idea? I'm not looking to burn anything lol
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Old 01-22-2020, 03:59 PM   #4
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Default Re: Bin cage mesh/knife

Definitely do any plastic work outside, as cutting or heating plastic can produce fumes and harmful particles depending on how you cut it.

A wood burning knife is one idea. I would be cautious with drills as they are more likely to crack plastic though. You might be able to get a wood burning knife with different attachments, some of which could be best for the hole making and others more for cutting etc.

No matter what you use, again, do it outside. Take it slow. This doesn't need to be a rushed process and the more you rush the more likely you are to fail and that costs money as well as time!
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Old 01-22-2020, 04:05 PM   #5
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Default Re: Bin cage mesh/knife

We tend to use a soldering iron which is fairly inexpensive: https://www.amazon.co.uk/GHB-Solderi...=fsclp_pl_dp_5

Soldering irons that have been used to cut plastic become unsuitable for cutting other things though so that's worth bearing in mind and as Amity says, you'll need to do it in a well ventilated area.
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Old 01-22-2020, 04:28 PM   #6
Ria P
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Default Re: Bin cage mesh/knife

I've never cracked the plastic by drilling holes and usually do three meshed front windows and the lid, sometimes back air vents as well. Just let the drill do its job and don't force it down. The plastic of the Samla is a bit thinner than the really useful box so a little easier to cut. There are tutorials on youtube and some advise to heat a knife over a candle.
If you can borrow an electric cutting tool like a Dremel, it would make life a lot easier. I'd ask around.
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Old 01-23-2020, 12:18 AM   #7
Vierville
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Default Re: Bin cage mesh/knife

I'm reading this thread with interest as I really want to try making a bin cage at some stage. Thank you everybody for the tips!
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Old 01-23-2020, 01:08 AM   #8
Ria P
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Default Re: Bin cage mesh/knife

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vierville View Post
I'm reading this thread with interest as I really want to try making a bin cage at some stage. Thank you everybody for the tips!
They are good fun to make. If still available from leftover Christmas stock, you could get a long Christmas tree box and convert it into a playpen. I've just watched Percy running around in his for the last half an hour. He spent ages running on the flying saucer. He hasn't got one of those in his cage, only an upright wheel so it gives him more variety.

Looking forward to see your bin cage.
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Old 01-23-2020, 11:54 AM   #9
Corbeens
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Default Re: Bin cage mesh/knife

Hi everyone! Would this work? It looks like it has a sharpish looking attachment that i could use for the windows and such
https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/pyrogra...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

My nearest hobbycraft is also close to b&q so I could pick up mesh at the same time!
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Old 01-24-2020, 02:19 PM   #10
Corbeens
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Default Re: Bin cage mesh/knife

Does anyone have any figures of how much meshing a samla lid would be? Or any rolls that I can buy online as I won't have the actual lid until the 5th of feb so i'd like to have everything ready in advance so I can start making it asap.

Also is just meshing the lid acceptable? It will be on my desk so it can come off for airing during the day and i could add windows at a later date, but it would be much easier if I can do the lid first before risking breaking the box.
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