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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
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.
yioryos's avatar
yioryos
723 posts
 
The problem with expanded sheet metal the diamond shaped one is that it has sharp edges that are like razors.They punch it on a press and then pull it apart to expand it and that creates sharp edges.
George
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.
someguy OP
19 posts
 
Yes.. I dont want my children cutting themselves.. cant decide which is worse, burnt or cut fingers.

Where might I find these perforated types? Any suggestions of a good place to look, or is it more of a matter of going someplace local and seeing what they have?

Thanks for the help.
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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