Mig welding tig rods to create mesh

[stef1]

Good morning all,

Last year I made a large rabbit hutch/run using 20mm square tube with considerable wall thickness.
I used horrible 10mm? wire mesh held in with screws for the sides and roof.

Now what I'm wondering is, originally I wanted to buy steel rods to create a basic mesh - nothing fancy its only to keep rabbits in.
Can I and would it be ok to use 1.6 or 2.4mm mild steel tig rods? Each section will probably have 15 vertical and 3 or 4 horizontal.

Thank you

 

[langy]

Wouldn't it be easier to just buy the mesh of the shelf ?

 

[stef1]

Wouldn't it be easier to just buy the mesh of the shelf ?

I had looked into that, couldn't find anything that fitted my needs and budget though

And the mesh that is on there just now isnt the best really

 

[Wozzaaah]

Wouldn't it be easier to just buy the mesh of the shelf ?

Much!!

Mild steel rods will also rust in no time, it would look horrible.

 

[BrokenBiker]

all that tacking together at each intersection would drive me mad...

there are plenty of offerings to be used on a rabbit hutch. I have made a few from wooden frames and depending on the customer, have used reinforcing mesh, chicken wire, the plastic coated wire used on hamster cages, plain old galv mesh. the reinforcing mesh worked well but needed painting

 

[Hitch]

I had looked into that, couldn't find anything that fitted my needs and budget though

And the mesh that is on there just now isnt the best really

Where have you looked?
Weldmesh is generally cheap as chips.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

What about buying a used Heras fencing panel and using the mesh from that.
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=110869741256

 

[wheresmejumper]

chicken wire comes in light and heavy gauge wire,and big and small hole diameter.
im sure one would suit,and be cheap

 

[stef1]

thanks for the suggestions,

I have checked my local suppliers and ebay..

Thats how I ended up with the 10mm stuff as it was the best price and really about all I could secure to the run without the need for extra metal. I think?
Also with the mesh in place, any rust starting around the screws is harder to deal with because I cant get at it so well.
The usual wooden hutches/runs we build only normally last about 5-6 years before they are chewed to bits or rotten. with this I am hoping it will last 10 years or more and after 5 or so I can just unbolt the wooden hutch and replace it so being able to get at the metal is important to me.

The heras type fencing would be ideal, thats what I was hoping to replicate with rods, except with smaller gaps to keep birds and other animals out.

will post some pics up

 

[grandads_shed]

the side out of a shopping trolly plenty round the milecross area in Norwich

 

[stef1]

the side out of a shopping trolly plenty round the milecross area in Norwich

Its a treck to come and nick a trolley though

 

[langy]

Its a treck to come and nick a trolley though

Don't you have trolleys in your area then ???

 

[chunkolini]

Can I have the casters of them.
I made some mesh once for a barbie, it can be done but not worth the effort, getting it square, stopping it melting to bits as you tack it up, blah blah b;ah.
not worth the effort.

 

[outofthefire]

Use weld mesh if you want it to last you'll get it at any builders merchants, I can't see welding rods being cheaper either.

 

[stef1]

I will have another look for mesh again, last time I priced enough of it was going to be about £60.
The rods would cost me £25 for 5kg plus a bit paint.

I might need to leave this until I can find some mesh

Thanks all

 

[Richiew]

Aldi are selling wire mesh at the moment. A number of different types. Some of it plastic coated, other types looked galved. Didn't take too much notice when I was in there as I hadn't read your post at the time but you may find something suitable in your local Aldi.

 

[stef1]

Aldi are selling wire mesh at the moment. A number of different types. Some of it plastic coated, other types looked galved. Didn't take too much notice when I was in there as I hadn't read your post at the time but you may find something suitable in your local Aldi.

It's certainly another place to try, would never have said Aldi would sell that!

Thanks for the heads up

 

[wookie]

If you did go down the route of making your own mesh, why not use stainless rods ? that way it would out live the rabbits

 

[stef1]

If you did go down the route of making your own mesh, why not use stainless rods ? that way it would out live the rabbits

Indeed

What would be the preferred method of welding the stainless to the mild steel then?

I still haven't gone any further with this one yet. I was waiting until the right mesh come up but now that you mention stainless...

 

[the snooper]

Indeed
I was waiting until the right mesh come up but now that you mention stainless...

sit down when you get the cost of the steel