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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 16:27:33 GMT 1
I stated off by cutting a single Y-tong block in half with a regular wood saw. Went through quite nicely. (sounds a bit like cutting polystyrene)
I designed my tunnel/chamber layout with a pencil on one half of the block. I then drilled out the design using some side cutting drill bits (1 pound from B+Q)
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 16:30:02 GMT 1
finished drilling! You can see that in 2 of the chambers i have drilled holes all the way through for entrance/exit tunnels Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 16:31:34 GMT 1
Close up of the tunnels. Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 16:32:11 GMT 1
The drill bits i used. Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 16:36:00 GMT 1
Next i cut a piece of perspex/plexi to the same size as the block. Then i used gaffer tape to attach the perspex to the block. A little tip is to brush the block with a paintbrush to remove loose dust so the tape will stick. Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 16:37:16 GMT 1
That the nest done, now for the foraging area.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 16:46:30 GMT 1
Almost forgot. I put 3 holes in the top of the nest all drilled at different levels (top, middle and bottom) so i can add water to control humidity/moisture. Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 16:49:39 GMT 1
Now back to the foraging area. I used the same drill bit and a chisel to hollow out the other half of the block Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 16:50:36 GMT 1
The chisel Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 16:53:24 GMT 1
I then cut a piece of perspex same size as the block. Then tape it on the inside down 1 side. Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 16:54:22 GMT 1
Then tape the outside to make a hinge. Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 16:56:17 GMT 1
Then tape down the remaining edges nice and tight (we don't want any escapists do we) Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 17:02:43 GMT 1
Thats the hard work done. Now join the 2 parts together with tubing. I used a hot glue gun to attach the tube to the block but i suppose u could use silicone. I also put a piece of short tube in the other nest hole so i can attach the test tube of L. Niger wen they get here (should be here tomorrow ;D ) Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 17:04:20 GMT 1
Heres the finished product. Let me know what you think. Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2010 20:34:57 GMT 1
Very nice work Looks really good, the black tape makes it look better even. I do have a nest in ytong but I did not create those blocks myself, if I get a new colony I will have a go at it also Thanks again for the clear pictures, this will help people a lot! <Exhale+2>
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