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Tube cage help

Hello,

I am thinking of getting a Bottlehead paramour, but little children like to touch things that glow. Where can I find a suitable tube cages to fit dimensions of 7.25x11.25x5 inches (height of the tubes from base plate). I was only able to find something by Hammond measuring 10x6x5.2 inches. It looks ok and is just big enough, but Id like to choose from several options instead of only having one to pick from.

I searched google for about an hour. Any suggestions for what other key words I could use? I used "tube, cage, enclosure, wire basket, electronic component, supply, vacuum" in various combinations.

Thanks,
someguy

Showing 6 responses by nsgarch

nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Richingoth, what a cool source! How did you ever find them?! I'll bet they'd do custom sizes too.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Fabricating the welded wire cage (making a custom jig for just that one job) is a cost driver and chrome plating or powder coating could add to the cost. It could probably run as much as $500 depending on complexity, but certainly not more. I'd guess $300 without seeing the job.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
"Expanded metal mesh" or "perforated sheet metal" will help ypu choose a material.

Then talk to a sheet sheet metal shop about making it up for you.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
I think welded wire would be more elegant (see the tubes better) but more expensive. And if kids are the concern, not very good protection and too easy to drop stuff into or onto the tubes.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
I wouldn't recommend expanded for this application. There are a huge variety of perforated types that come prefinished in many different finishes, platings, and anodized colors.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Someguy: If you just want to see what's available, go to Google and search "perforated metal" and look at some of the websites.

Then go to your local sheet metal fabricator and see what kind he might have laying around (your job may not be worth placing a minimum order, so it's good to find a shop that does a lot of perf metal jobs.)
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