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Professor Yaffle
Junior Member
Joined: 07 Jan 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Bucks
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 Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 1:24 pm Post subject: Sourcing rigid weldmesh |
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Hi guys,
Here is a potentially unusual problem, which I would really really appreciate some help with.
I want to build a giant, but flatpackable rat cage, as nothing on the market completely meets my specifications. I have a vague plan as to how to do this, but it hinges on laying hands on several panels of rigid weldmesh, and just for added complication it really needs to be either plastic or powder-coated (rat urine and galvinised steel not being a happy combination). I've contacted a few companies, but because by their standards it's a small job, they're either not interested at all, or will only offer rolls of wire mesh, which isn't what I'm after.
Any wise ideas of where I could buy something suitable? |
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Hitch
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Jan 2006
Posts: 2429
Location: Somerset
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| Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 7:06 pm Post subject: |
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There are a fair few specialist suppliers of mesh, this is my local one.
http://www.dyersmetalmesh.co.uk/pages/animal_cages.shtml
Generally, weldmesh comes in self colour (copper coated for storage purposes) or galvanised. You could have it powder coated after youve cut the sheets to the size you need.
As for joints, these are probably ideal...? They would allow it to fold, just need a few others to allow it to lock into position.
A big supplier that springs to mind, is FH Brundle, they have a few centres, but unless its trade, theyre not always keen to help. 
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Professor Yaffle
Junior Member
Joined: 07 Jan 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Bucks
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| Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:26 am Post subject: |
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Cheers, Hitch.
The problem with those (and most suppliers as far as I can tell) is the mesh comes as a roll, and for a flatpack cage it needs to be rigid panels. Otherwise, I'd have to use something to hold it in shape, in which case I might as well go back to the old-fashioned wood and chicken wire approach (unless I learn to weld I suppose... actually that may well be the solution).
The animal cages look nice but I suspect they have 1 inch or bigger bar spacing, which is one of the things I'm trying to get away from (small rats can go straight through). |
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Hitch
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Jan 2006
Posts: 2429
Location: Somerset
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| Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 6:04 pm Post subject: |
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What size mesh do you want then?
One that spirings to mind for what you want is 3"x0.5"...?
We buy most our weld mesh in flat panels from brundles.
The very thin mesh comes in rolls normally, but its so easy to flatten out so its not normally a problem to be honest.
Heavier mesh comes in sheets of various sizes, or very large rolls for high quantity users.
You could weld a frame work up, subject to welding skills, but welding mesh panels is hard work
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Professor Yaffle
Junior Member
Joined: 07 Jan 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Bucks
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| Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 12:00 pm Post subject: |
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3" x 0.5" would be perfect. Basically one dimension needs to be less than an inch.
I'm not sure of the gauge usually used in pet cages, but the cage I'd like to build is a pair of 100 x 100 x 50 cm half cubes, that could either stack, or with a bit of juggling, turn into one big 200 x 100 x 50 cm cage - therefore it needs to be pretty sturdy. I was estimating needing 2 sheets of a metre square to form the back, and 12 of 100 x 50 cm to make bottom, tops, sides, and the front, which in the ideal plan is formed from hinged fully opening doors. |
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Hitch
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Jan 2006
Posts: 2429
Location: Somerset
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| Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 9:23 pm Post subject: |
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I think the thinnest guage you get of that size is 2.5mm diameter wire.
So that would be pretty sturdy once clipped together 
I would suggest making it to suit the size of the sheets, saves some cutting?
Mesh comes in stranges sized sheets, but the dyers website should tell you
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