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| Ledge and Rock Building Made Simple Page 1 |
Figure 2) Depending on the weight of the animal (in this case fox) you
may need a slab of wood under top ‘ledge piece”. This fox’s weight was
marginal but for example’s sake I used it. We will cut 3 pieces of wood
to start. One for backdrop – one for bracing ledge to sit on (2 x 2) and
one for support ledge. As you are building your ledge you have to think
two or three steps ahead so you don’t cover up something and have to
tear it apart and start over. I laid the fox on my workbench and figured
out the measurements before I started. I have done a number ( a big
number) of these ledges so I normally get it pretty close on the first try.
If you screw up it is a simple matter to start over from scratch because
your cost is low. Here are the 3 pieces cut and we are ready to get
started.
may need a slab of wood under top ‘ledge piece”. This fox’s weight was
marginal but for example’s sake I used it. We will cut 3 pieces of wood
to start. One for backdrop – one for bracing ledge to sit on (2 x 2) and
one for support ledge. As you are building your ledge you have to think
two or three steps ahead so you don’t cover up something and have to
tear it apart and start over. I laid the fox on my workbench and figured
out the measurements before I started. I have done a number ( a big
number) of these ledges so I normally get it pretty close on the first try.
If you screw up it is a simple matter to start over from scratch because
your cost is low. Here are the 3 pieces cut and we are ready to get
started.
Figure 3) I have screwed the parts together in this picture. The
2x2 support doesn't show well here but it is screws to the
backboard for support. Everything is leveled as it goes together.
2x2 support doesn't show well here but it is screws to the
backboard for support. Everything is leveled as it goes together.
Figures 4 & 5) I have positioned hanging holes so
they will hidden behind ledge material. I prefer to
put corner brackets over the holes. This gives the
hanging screw something to grap on to in case
someone ( or something) graps onto front of
mount. I used to just drill holes but I have found
this way to be better.
they will hidden behind ledge material. I prefer to
put corner brackets over the holes. This gives the
hanging screw something to grap on to in case
someone ( or something) graps onto front of
mount. I used to just drill holes but I have found
this way to be better.
Figure 6) We want the first piece of ledge to hide
our support ledge. Cut the styrofoam slightly
larger than an exact fit. I use a rapala filet knife to
cut the styrofoam. When cutting the styrofoam
close is close enough.
our support ledge. Cut the styrofoam slightly
larger than an exact fit. I use a rapala filet knife to
cut the styrofoam. When cutting the styrofoam
close is close enough.
Figure 7) We have now cut our first piece of
foam. I always scallop and taper the 90 degree
edges to give a rock look. Cut chunks out and
really play with the look of the ‘stone’. You can’
t do anything wrong here. In this picture I have
applied my caulking (glue) and am ready to
attach.
foam. I always scallop and taper the 90 degree
edges to give a rock look. Cut chunks out and
really play with the look of the ‘stone’. You can’
t do anything wrong here. In this picture I have
applied my caulking (glue) and am ready to
attach.
Figure 8) Our first piece of ‘rock’ is now attached. I
also use a 3” dry wall screw to attach to wood. These
screws only give very minimal strength. That is all
that is really needed. The insulation is truly as light
as a feather.
also use a 3” dry wall screw to attach to wood. These
screws only give very minimal strength. That is all
that is really needed. The insulation is truly as light
as a feather.
Introduction
I developed this method to make fast, easy and cheap ledges and
rocks. I sell a lot of mammals on ebay and they sell much quicker
and for higher prices with habitat included. I am sure I have
pirated some ideas but I have never seen any of these ideas in
print or on video. If I have inadvertently taken one of your ideas I’
ll apologize right now.. To me , as I developed this, it was all
unique. Let’s get started……………..
I developed this method to make fast, easy and cheap ledges and
rocks. I sell a lot of mammals on ebay and they sell much quicker
and for higher prices with habitat included. I am sure I have
pirated some ideas but I have never seen any of these ideas in
print or on video. If I have inadvertently taken one of your ideas I’
ll apologize right now.. To me , as I developed this, it was all
unique. Let’s get started……………..
Figure 1) You need:
1. an animal (red fox shown here)
2. ¼ “ plywood – can be junk grade but need to be real wood not
panelling or presswood
3. 2x2 scraps
4. caulking (used for glue)
5. spray paint (orange and black in this example)
6. spray rock (available from wal mart (color is manhattan mist))
7. dry wall screws – 3”
8. 2 part polyurethane foam
9. 2” insulation (get from lumber yard – comes in 2 x 8 sheets)
1. an animal (red fox shown here)
2. ¼ “ plywood – can be junk grade but need to be real wood not
panelling or presswood
3. 2x2 scraps
4. caulking (used for glue)
5. spray paint (orange and black in this example)
6. spray rock (available from wal mart (color is manhattan mist))
7. dry wall screws – 3”
8. 2 part polyurethane foam
9. 2” insulation (get from lumber yard – comes in 2 x 8 sheets)