Wow this was a definite eye opener for me! Thank you especially for the weight difference. I was going to make a melamine enclosure for a shelf but with seeing the weight difference I am going plywood instead. Even with substrate and a lot of extras the plywood enclosure will probably still be lighter!
A tip when cutting Melamine. If you put masking tape over cut line it will stop it from chipping. What do you use for the glass tracks? Can you do a pros and cons for Glass vs Plexiglass?
Can you coat it with polyurethane to ensure water won’t seep through? I’ve had water seep through the plastic coating of a melanine board before and now I’m hesitant to use the pieces I have to make an enclosure. It’s for a ball python so I need to need it fairly humid.
My company has a cabinet shop and we use that to build all of our cabinets. About your chipping that you're having you usually have that side of the board against the wall or facing to where you won't see. On times that you have that whole entire piece of board exposed you usually put a face (wood grain) on that side. It's not your saw or your blade causing the chipping
Hey talking serpents, I’m looking to purchase one of your DIY enclosures, but do you have a tutorial on how to put the vitamin lighting fixture in one of the enclosures?
I do not have a video, but that is a fantastic idea!! My d.i.y. reptile enclosure kits come with very comprehensible instructions showing how to install the heating/ lighting kit. So far I haven't gotten any of my customers to ask me how to install them, so the instructions must be thorough enough. 😁
We are located in North Texas, but we can ship our reptile enclosures anywhere. Check out our website talkingserpents.com We have many different sizes and variations.
Glad you're enjoying your 4'x2'x2' pvc reptile enclosure. Alos I definitely agree, I wouldn't sit on the pvc either. They're not as strong as the wood.
Hey bro big fan of channel and first time ball python owner about 2 1/2 months in. Question after you stain and put polyurethane on your enclosures how long do wait b4 you put a 🐍 in? Great video c u in da next one ✌
Welcome!!! One the exterior has been stained and sealed properly. I would wait a few days at least. You certainly don't want any fumes on the interior of the reptile enclosure. Personally I let my stain cure for 5-7 days.
@@Reaper_Metal I don't see the message 🤷♂️ I usually try and avoid Facebook like the plague haha! If you have a Instagram account send me a message on there, or you can email me at talkingserpents@gmail.com
In plywood I'm using marine sealant and flex seal on top... Just to be sure, I'm melamine I would use silicone for the corners and maybe flex seal too in case the melamine film breaks
dont use painters tape still does a crap job, do scoring cuts, look up some videos on it, you normally cut through about 2-5mm then go back and do another full depth cut. comes out perfect every time
I don't know why anybody would want a melamine enclosure when there's better options out there, I get that it's cheaper but if you're building a custom enclosure or having one built for why not spend a little more? Have you considered making any pvc enclosures? I know in the past that you said that you prefer the look of the wood over pvc but considering that pvc is a pretty popular material for building enclosures I thought maybe you would have reconsidered. I understand that it can be hard to find a good price on pvc unless you're gonna buy in bulk. Just curious, I'm sure you would get a lot of requests if you made a DIY enclosure out of pvc.
I agree. I have a comparison on my website that I send my local customers that want custom reptile enclosures. Some people just don't want to spend a few extra bucks. Some just need to live and learn. 🤷♂️ I still don't want to build PVC enclosures. I prefer and stick to my craft.... wood. Also the earth has more than enough plastic to deal with, I don't want to contribute haha! It works put better this way since there aren't too many people building wood enclosures 😎🛠
@@talkingserpents Fair enough I can understand that. I get the whole impact on the environment side to it but considering that reptiles across the world are losing their natural habitats due to deforestation which is having the bigger impact on the planet. Plastic can always be recycled in most cases and unless something changes to preserve these natural habitats once they're gone we're going to lose many species of not only reptiles but many other species as well. Just something to think about since you brought up the environment. Anyways keep up the good work and as always looking forward to seeing your next video. How about an update on your collection.
@@michaelskrip4674 Yes plastic can be recycled, but unfortunately most people do not do so properly. Unfortunately people act as if plastic is biodegradable haha! 75% of deforestation comes from animal agriculture ( live stock) The deforestation is not so much from cutting down trees to make wood for lumber mills.
@@talkingserpents I agree with you that not enough people recycle. Not so sure if 75% of deforestation is due to agriculture but a vast majority of it is. With the human population continuing to grow and expand into these habitats I'm sure that a good portion of that lumber is finding its way to the mill to go towards new construction or housing for the growing population. There needs to be a better solution to both the garbage problem and the deforestation, both are byproducts of mankind. Maybe people shouldn't reproduce anymore that would certainly help the environment.
@@michaelskrip4674 "many people should not reproduce anymore" 😂 Agreed!!! As always I always enjoy your comments. 😁 But on a searious note if you're interested check out the animal agriculture deforestation issue. Most of that deforestation is done by controlled burns, that can grow into massive wildfires.
How long does melamine last? I've had melamine furniture, and the melamine wears down with normal use after a short time. Also, you can't set a wet glass on it without having the particle board warp and bubble. So it seems like a terrible choice for a reptile that's potentially going to pee or spill it's water bowl on it.
Haha! No bracing needed. I design my reptile enclosures to be stacked as high as you want. Any reptile enclosure over 4' wide gets a center support in the front. I have lots of examples of this on my website talkingserpents.com
Sorry if that bothers you. Lol 🤷♂️😂 I've been using it for years, and have hear people say it a few different was, but in all honesty I could care less how I say it.
@@userwatttt I'm not trying to be an "ass" all I spoke about was my point of view. If that bothers you then you might be sensitive, or it could simply be that information can be misinterpreted on the internet v.s. in person.
Wow this was a definite eye opener for me! Thank you especially for the weight difference. I was going to make a melamine enclosure for a shelf but with seeing the weight difference I am going plywood instead. Even with substrate and a lot of extras the plywood enclosure will probably still be lighter!
Love the videos man. I'm about to build my own enclosure. Wasn't sure how till I came across your videos. Thanks man 👍
If u put a strip of painters tape or masking tape where your gonna cut it'll prevent the chipping where u cut.
Exactly what I was thinking the whole time
You can make a zero-clearance insert for your blade that stop the chipping and splintering as well.
What about taping down the cut line, would that work?
@@Mailletdm1982 tape should help, but do both if you can.
A tip when cutting Melamine. If you put masking tape over cut line it will stop it from chipping. What do you use for the glass tracks? Can you do a pros and cons for Glass vs Plexiglass?
Can you coat it with polyurethane to ensure water won’t seep through? I’ve had water seep through the plastic coating of a melanine board before and now I’m hesitant to use the pieces I have to make an enclosure. It’s for a ball python so I need to need it fairly humid.
why doesn't anybody miter the edges?
is melamine water proof or does out have to be sealed and siliconed like wood?
My company has a cabinet shop and we use that to build all of our cabinets. About your chipping that you're having you usually have that side of the board against the wall or facing to where you won't see. On times that you have that whole entire piece of board exposed you usually put a face (wood grain) on that side. It's not your saw or your blade causing the chipping
Hey talking serpents, I’m looking to purchase one of your DIY enclosures, but do you have a tutorial on how to put the vitamin lighting fixture in one of the enclosures?
I do not have a video, but that is a fantastic idea!!
My d.i.y. reptile enclosure kits come with very comprehensible instructions showing how to install the heating/ lighting kit. So far I haven't gotten any of my customers to ask me how to install them, so the instructions must be thorough enough. 😁
In the plywood the grain runs at 90 degrees in each layer that's what gives it its strength
Hey bro where are you located, and what's are your rates to build an enclosure?
We are located in North Texas, but we can ship our reptile enclosures anywhere. Check out our website talkingserpents.com We have many different sizes and variations.
Run a piece of painters tape down the cutting line and it will prevent the splinters.
Why you don’t cut half pieces with skillsaw first
I'm trying to make a bearded dragon enclosure 4x2x2. Will the Birchwood hold up to the Temps needed for beadies?
Yes, perfectly.
I got a 4x2x2 pvc was 46lbs . I'm liking your enclosures and there strong . I wouldn't sit on the pvc
Glad you're enjoying your 4'x2'x2' pvc reptile enclosure. Alos I definitely agree, I wouldn't sit on the pvc either. They're not as strong as the wood.
@@talkingserpents your enclosures are nice especially the ones on your home stained with moldings very classy . Videos are very cool 👍
@@tomjones448 Thank you for your kind words and support! I appreciate you!
Does birchwood hold in heat as well as melamine and does? (My house gets Super cold in winter.)
I have found no difference in holding heat between birch wood, and melamine.
@@talkingserpents Really?! That's good to know - thank you! Do you guys ship 4x2x2 birchwood kits, or is that too expensive, cumbersome etc.?
@@MsAdreaL Yes, we ship all kind of sizes and variations on my website talkingserpents.com
Hey bro big fan of channel and first time ball python owner about 2 1/2 months in. Question after you stain and put polyurethane on your enclosures how long do wait b4 you put a 🐍 in? Great video c u in da next one ✌
Welcome!!! One the exterior has been stained and sealed properly. I would wait a few days at least. You certainly don't want any fumes on the interior of the reptile enclosure. Personally I let my stain cure for 5-7 days.
@@talkingserpents thanks bro 👍
love your videos man, I have actually sent you a message inquiring about an arboreal set up, still waiting to hear back!
Really! I'll have to go double check my messages. Is it an Instagram message?
@@talkingserpents it's on Facebook to the profile talking serpents Kyle
@@Reaper_Metal That makes scense. I don't go on Facebook very often.
@@Reaper_Metal I don't see the message 🤷♂️ I usually try and avoid Facebook like the plague haha! If you have a Instagram account send me a message on there, or you can email me at talkingserpents@gmail.com
@@talkingserpents cool I'll send one now
How many sheets of 4x8 birch plywood do you use?
Which one is better for holding humidity?
I went to your DIY Enclosure Kit site. Is that a porcelain light fixture kit? Is that suitable to run a Ceramic Heat Emitter?
How much did it cost to make the whole thing and where to find melimene
Chappell Outdoors depends on how big! Home Depot and Lowe’s has it!
Do u ship
I guess the melamine is better to keep moisture in? That's important with many species.
what are your measurements pls
I need a good snake hook soon.
Do you guys know anyone who does these, in the Bay Area?
How do you handle belly heat for snakes? Is it just layed inside?
Probably a heat mat under whatever your substrate is, hooked up to a thermometer
To fully air out? Thanks
How would I waterproof the interior of one of your wooden kits?
In plywood I'm using marine sealant and flex seal on top... Just to be sure, I'm melamine I would use silicone for the corners and maybe flex seal too in case the melamine film breaks
How much would you charge to build a customer enclosure?!
If you cut sheets frequently, invest in a track saw (Festool or other). Find somebody to borrow one from and try it out-you’ll never go back.
dont use painters tape still does a crap job, do scoring cuts, look up some videos on it, you normally cut through about 2-5mm then go back and do another full depth cut. comes out perfect every time
Blades not fine enough....get a much finer blade and it won't chip
I don't know why anybody would want a melamine enclosure when there's better options out there, I get that it's cheaper but if you're building a custom enclosure or having one built for why not spend a little more? Have you considered making any pvc enclosures? I know in the past that you said that you prefer the look of the wood over pvc but considering that pvc is a pretty popular material for building enclosures I thought maybe you would have reconsidered. I understand that it can be hard to find a good price on pvc unless you're gonna buy in bulk. Just curious, I'm sure you would get a lot of requests if you made a DIY enclosure out of pvc.
I agree. I have a comparison on my website that I send my local customers that want custom reptile enclosures. Some people just don't want to spend a few extra bucks. Some just need to live and learn. 🤷♂️ I still don't want to build PVC enclosures. I prefer and stick to my craft.... wood. Also the earth has more than enough plastic to deal with, I don't want to contribute haha! It works put better this way since there aren't too many people building wood enclosures 😎🛠
@@talkingserpents Fair enough I can understand that. I get the whole impact on the environment side to it but considering that reptiles across the world are losing their natural habitats due to deforestation which is having the bigger impact on the planet. Plastic can always be recycled in most cases and unless something changes to preserve these natural habitats once they're gone we're going to lose many species of not only reptiles but many other species as well. Just something to think about since you brought up the environment. Anyways keep up the good work and as always looking forward to seeing your next video. How about an update on your collection.
@@michaelskrip4674 Yes plastic can be recycled, but unfortunately most people do not do so properly. Unfortunately people act as if plastic is biodegradable haha! 75% of deforestation comes from animal agriculture ( live stock) The deforestation is not so much from cutting down trees to make wood for lumber mills.
@@talkingserpents I agree with you that not enough people recycle. Not so sure if 75% of deforestation is due to agriculture but a vast majority of it is. With the human population continuing to grow and expand into these habitats I'm sure that a good portion of that lumber is finding its way to the mill to go towards new construction or housing for the growing population. There needs to be a better solution to both the garbage problem and the deforestation, both are byproducts of mankind. Maybe people shouldn't reproduce anymore that would certainly help the environment.
@@michaelskrip4674 "many people should not reproduce anymore" 😂 Agreed!!! As always I always enjoy your comments. 😁 But on a searious note if you're interested check out the animal agriculture deforestation issue. Most of that deforestation is done by controlled burns, that can grow into massive wildfires.
How long does melamine last? I've had melamine furniture, and the melamine wears down with normal use after a short time. Also, you can't set a wet glass on it without having the particle board warp and bubble. So it seems like a terrible choice for a reptile that's potentially going to pee or spill it's water bowl on it.
What area do you live?
We're located in the north Texas area, Weatherford, Texas to be exact.
How much for an eight footer?
I have an 8ft long d.i.y. reptile enclosure kit on my website talkingserpents.com
Wtf you go straight into each board no braceing ? have I been over building my cages with 2x4
Haha! No bracing needed. I design my reptile enclosures to be stacked as high as you want. Any reptile enclosure over 4' wide gets a center support in the front. I have lots of examples of this on my website talkingserpents.com
@@talkingserpents Can melamine enclosures stack on top of each other? Or is it too much weight.
@@chubchubs7684 if the reptile enclosure is built properly, they can be stacked as high as you need them.
@@talkingserpents That’s what I figured. Thanks
I'm interested in an enclosure and have some questions. Do you have a facebook?
I do have a facebook, but I don't go on there very much. You can message me on Instagram as well as send me an email at talkingserpents@gmail.com
@@talkingserpents awesome I'll send you an email. Thank you
A bit late but that's not the proper blade to use. A hollow face blade would have been the ideal choice. The one you are using is cross-cut for wood.
we call it chip board. (uk)
Hahahaha! That sounds like a VERY appropriate name!
Thanks for sharing.
@@talkingserpents No problem, great channel, awesome job with the Vivs :)
@@C4rL72 Thanks for the support! 😁👍
CR85? Man. Snakes, and dirtbikes. If you like guns too, we may be new BFF’s.
Well then it sounds like we're new best friends haha! Yes that is my wifes Cr85. 😁
melamine, not melanine lol
you spelled deserves wrong bud lol
Haha! 🤣
Stop saying melamine wrong lol
Sorry if that bothers you. Lol 🤷♂️😂
I've been using it for years, and have hear people say it a few different was, but in all honesty I could care less how I say it.
Nice.. no need to be an ass about it. Most people would like to improve themselves.
@@userwatttt I'm not trying to be an "ass" all I spoke about was my point of view. If that bothers you then you might be sensitive, or it could simply be that information can be misinterpreted on the internet v.s. in person.
talking serpents just trying to help someone saying the wrong word is all.
@@talkingserpents It's probably because melamine is wood but melanin is a pigment in people's skin
Stop saying melaneen
Never! 😂
The guy who bought this melamine enclosure 🧍🏽♂️