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I am ... very happy with your plans, the organization that you have put into it and I am extremely happy with the response I have gotten from you when I have encountered a problem.
It sure does save money. At the same time it allows me and others like me to experience making the cage for our animal (animals) that we care so much about. I think that when someone takes the time to sit down and make something like this for their animal it really shows how much they care for them and respect them.

With your plans you can also alter the cage to each and everyone's specifications, or needs. I think what you are doing is wonderful and I want to thank you again.

Sincerely
Robert Hansford

 


"This is going to make an 11 year old and his lizard Rex very happy".

 

Spent $108.00 at Lowes, another $65.00 at Home Depot buying things that Lowes didn't have..... Spending time with my son in a hardware store.... PRICELESS!"

 


"Overall, the best thing I have found from the cage designs... is that:
They work!!!!

They allow you to view and touch your Iguana from all sides, This is a must!

Once you have the material list you don't go back to the hardware store.

Just follow the instructions and it comes out perfect.

Your maintenance will be much easier.

Your iguana will thank you

Once again, you will have built something cool. "

Regards and best to all our Green Iguana friends, Lance and Joey Portwood Glidden, Texas ".

 


"Very well thought-out designs"

 

 

Formaldehyde and out-gassing from particle board and MDF and building reptile cages

Question

I need more information on formaldehyde outgassing from particle board and mdf! I've built beautiful, high-end reptile cages but I don't want to sell gas-chambers. Please help.

Answer

Formaldehyde out-gassing was a major concern a few years ago and as a result there was a major shift in the industry to remove formaldehyde based adhesives from the production of compressed timber products or greatly reduce the emission level of formaldehyde.

Most new composite (MDF, particle board etc.) materials have either eliminated formaldehyde using non-urea based glues or have reduced the emissions by manfacturing LFE, ie Low Formaldehe Emission, particle board or MDF and are now at the level of natural timber so out-gassing shouldn't be a major concern. Also, be aware that formaldehyde is produced naturally in the body so in very low levels is not considered a health risk.

Cutting and sanding the mdf and boards is far more dangerous due to the particulate matter, dust and release of other materials. It is far more important to wear a mask in the building process as this is where dangerous materials can enter your respiratory system.

You can also buy products like bio-board and hemp based particle boards. While these are more expensive, they do meet fairly stringent guidelines on emissions.

Coating the MDF with either paints or surface coatings will greatly reduce any out-gassing if the MDF or particle board has used formaldehyde based adhesives. Even with the older MDF products, the out-gassing reduced significantly (25%) within about 1 month of manufacture and 50% within 12 months. Regarding the building of snake and other reptile cages with MDF, I think you will find that out-gassing is not an issue these days with LFE compressed timber products being the manufactured by the majority of compressed timber sheet manufacturers.

If you are concerned, I would speak to the manufacturer and determine for yourself if it has been made with formaldehyde based adhesives or not, and if so, what emission levels there are, ie they LFE, so that you are satisified that the reptile cages you are making will meet the highest health requirements. Perhaps even put it on a sticker on the side stating this.

 

Mark Chapple is the Author of "How to build enclosures for reptiles"
Find out how to build these terrestrial and arboreal cages for snakes and lizards. Full color pictures, detailed diagrams and easy to follow, step-by-step instructions.
http://www.reptile-cage-plans.com

 

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