Murray’s Build Thread! Table 3.0

[NamedNut]

I’ve mentioned in a few other posts that we moved states, when we moved we were unexpectedly unable to bring our Russian Tort’s (Murray) 8’x4’ table I had made him (photo attached, this was prior to it’s completion/final setup of lights, etc). I panic bought a 3’x2’ table off of Amazon (hindsight being 20/20 I should have bought a giant plastic tub from the local hardware store). I’m embarrassed and ashamed to admit that he was supposed to be in this Amazon table for a maximum of 2 months while we got settled and I built him a new table… well that was 14 months ago… *Insert excuses here*… Well that all changes starting today! I’ve endlessly scrolled the forum and have come up with my inspiration and initial sketch (dimensions are rough and will not be exactly the finished product). Big thank you to @Littleredfootbigredheart for the epic compilation of enclosures!!!

I am openly admitting my wrong doing as I believe that is a big step everyone in this world needs to learn! I am posting a photo of his current Amazon table, feel free to comment about it if you wish, won’t hurt my feelings.

I’m also posting a photo of the 8’x4’ table I built for him originally, this was built entirely of left over materials from jobsites; now I get to buy all the materials and todays $430 trip reminded me how expensive things are!!! More money to be spent before I’m done.

I hope you follow along and please comment any suggestions. I plan to post after each days progress until it is completely setup and he has moved in.

Thank you!

 

[Daffodil]

My tortoise, Agamemnon, is envious!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Oooo so excitingggg! That previous build is damn impressive! Look forward to seeing what you come up with!

 

[NamedNut]

My tortoise, Agamemnon, is envious!

Murray said he’s flattered. Haha

 

[NamedNut]

Oooo so excitingggg! That previous build is damn impressive! Look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Haha thanks. Never step over a trash pile without looking… might be able to build a tortoise table out of the waste material. HAHA

 

[NamedNut]

Was looking at the rubber mat in the photos attached. I was thinking I could cut into a strip the length of the ramp and lay it ribbed side up… then if he goes pee or poo on it I could just pull it and hose it down.

I have time to consider…

 

[Tim Carlisle]

Fun fun. Had my truck loaded up with lumber this morning too. 'Tis a good day for wood. lol

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Was looking at the rubber mat in the photos attached. I was thinking I could cut into a strip the length of the ramp and lay it ribbed side up… then if he goes pee or poo on it I could just pull it and hose it down.

I have time to consider…

Sounds a good idea to me!

 

[NamedNut]

Fun fun. Had my truck loaded up with lumber this morning too. 'Tis a good day for wood. lol

Any day with saw dust is a good day!

Happy projecting Tim!

 

[NamedNut]

And that’s a wrap for today!

Got the front, back and both ends cut to size.

Bonus picture of my daughters new bearded dragon she got today at the reptile show…

 

[NamedNut]

Forgot one!

I made another sketch with construction in mind, these dimensions will be closer to final.

 

[NamedNut]

Today’s progress, complete with mock-up.

 

[NamedNut]

Today; bottom cut - Front, sides and bottom glued and stapled.

Next is to layout, cut, glue and staple the second level and then putting the back on.

 

[NamedNut]

Today’s progress is not as visually pleasing… but I laid out the 2nd level and the ramp location on the back vertical panel of the enclosure. This is part of my figuring out what size opening to cut in the 2nd level. If you zoom in you might be able to see my pencil marks. Ramp is a 20 degree incline.

 

[NamedNut]

Today’s progress - Cut, glued and stapled a ledger for the 2nd level to fasten to. Cut the second level including the opening where the ramp will come through. Glue and stapled the 2nd level to the ledger and outside vertical panels. Clamped the back panel on to see how it’s looking.

Lot more to do… this is the easy part. Haha.

Can’t wait to seal the entire thing, probably going to kill my remaining brain cells. HAHA

Still pondering how I want to wrap the outside to dress it up… few ideas… my wife’s instructions were for it to not look slapped together.

All of the openings on the vertical faces will have glass.

Getting excited for Murray!

P.S. posted my motorcycle for sell last night; going to reinvest the funds into a wood CNC. Been talking about it for a few years now. Woo. I love tools….

 

[dada625]

Does it need to do something for waterproof? I use a fish tank for my redfoot and the humidity is 90%, always have water on the glass. I'm going to make a new enclosure but i haven't decided to use wood or PVC+Aluminum.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Does it need to do something for waterproof? I use a fish tank for my redfoot and the humidity is 90%, always have water on the glass. I'm going to make a new enclosure but i haven't decided to use wood or PVC+Aluminum.

For a redfoot I would suggest PVC. Using wood is too much hassle with waterproofing and anxiety about condensate and leaks later. Melamin board can last for a while, but water always finds its way.

Hydroponic grow tents is another option if your room is relatively warm.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Really coming together now!!

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Does it need to do something for waterproof? I use a fish tank for my redfoot and the humidity is 90%, always have water on the glass. I'm going to make a new enclosure but i haven't decided to use wood or PVC+Aluminum.

This wooden table is good for an adult Russian tortoise like Murray since they have lower humidity needs but I think it would be a great hassle to try to waterproof it for a Redfoot.

 

[NamedNut]

Does it need to do something for waterproof? I use a fish tank for my redfoot and the humidity is 90%, always have water on the glass. I'm going to make a new enclosure but i haven't decided to use wood or PVC+Aluminum.

Alex and Edward both nailed it.

Even though a Russian will have lower humidity, there is still some and inevitably this wood table will have some sort of rot at some point in time and I will build a new one. I will be sealing it entirely inside and out so it should last quite a while. If I wanted it to last “forever” I would build out of PVC panels 100%. But if it lasted forever I wouldn’t get to build another one! LOL