Diy tortise box build

[Pearly]

Thank you guys! Pearly you made my day.haha so how much dirt do I need to add? How many inches? Walls are 18" high

Depending on what you decide for the substrate. I went with bioactive and plants directly in it, so it's fairly deep 4-6 inches but you don't have to have as much. Just remember that your UVB lamp needs to be about 12 inches away from the top of the torts' shell in case you want to sit your lights on the top cover like I do

 

[Knap_123]

Tops cut, now need to run and get some things.

 

[Knap_123]

OK, $30 more into my build. Got some trim and hinges.

 

[Knap_123]

I should of been using wood glue all along. But I was being cheap. I prefer titebond 3 wood glue. It's waterproof, but they were out. But this w.g. is waterproof also. And some wood filler for cracks and nail heads.

 

[Knap_123]

and I just go around doing this. Looks like a bumblebee Started a hole.

 

[Linhdan Nguyen]

Cant wait to see the end result ! Ive been silently following your thread

 

[Knap_123]

Guess I'm done for the day. Got a little more done. Cut out my front for glass and attached some more molding. a piece of the plys facing came off during cutting. I had to work a little magic to fix it. I'll sand it out tomorrow.

 

[Knap_123]

Glued in and covered with glue and saw dust.

 

[Knap_123]

Corner molding glued, nailed, countersunk, and filled.

 

[Valerie0426]

I am enjoying your handiwork, also.

 

[Knap_123]

Thank you valeri

 

[Steve_carter]

Great build. Looking forward to seeing the final product.

 

[Knap_123]

Thank you Steve. Well I'm $10 more dollars in. I think that's $46 total. But I needed some little square dowel. And a humidifier from the thrift store. I'll save that little build for later. Also went back to trash pile looking for wood. Dixie's trying to figure it out. Haha maybe I can use some of this stuff.

 

[Knap_123]

Got a little done with some of the wood. Made a shelf on the bottom. And a little more trim. I

 

[Knap_123]

OK, I'm in another $37. Had to get some more trim and ordered a inkbird humidity controller. It will be another DIY project. So $83 total. Well let's just say $85 and keep it simple. Also , didn't like the odd boards on bottom. So after my brain rested some I figured out how to use nearly all the cypress adirondack chair.had to add another brace and cut all the odd pieces to fit. I like it much better!

 

[Knap_123]

Can't decide were to add my fan? Inside? Outside? Center or corner?

 

[Knap_123]

Added a few more today to supply legs. and I got the back molding on. Had to cut it so the lid will open. and I got all the back lip glued in for my glass.

 

[Knap_123]

Anyone had any experience with behr over? Seals, protects, and waterproofs old wood. I'm thinking forest green. I'm going to do the inside in it.

 

[Knap_123]

Got some supplies and super excited! Getting close to finish. Got a piece of 1/8" glass for $12,peat moss $12, and paint $35. and then I did this!

 

[Knap_123]

I did also find another little useful wood. Made a nice little outside enclosure .