Custom Dig Boxes

[cubsfanhaynes]

I wouldn't call it custom normally but I suppose it is custom because I'm building it.

I found blueprints online for a toy box and was struck with an idea. I scaled it down, and purchased the wood, hinges and screws today.

I also purchased a 1-15lb cat door, which I already know they'll use (I attached it to their current dig box (the empty FN182 case) and they use the cat flap just fine.

Anyway, I purchased one 4' x 8' sheet of wood at Lowe's which ran me $30, four hinges @ $6, and a box of screws @ $5 and the cat flap @ $15 (which I'll get a model number from if anyone is interested in copying)

So, I had the guy at Lowe's cut my boards, from the 4'x8 board you get:

2 ea 2'x4' boards (floor and lid)
2 ea 1'x3' 10.5" boards (long sides)
2 ea 1' 6"x2" boards (short sides and handle allowance)

This will build a box with 8 cu. ft. Of space for them to dig in.

I will cut a 6.5"x6.5" hole in one of the long boards for the cat flap to be installed, and of course hinges on the lid so the box can be inspected for toys and scat.

The only thing I haven't decided on is what to fill it with. I plan about half filled with either the bio-d peanuts or the fluffy paper stuff they use in the cages at Petco. Any thoughts?

Also, once the project is complete I'll post pictures for all

[cubsfanhaynes]

I forgot! I was a science geek in high school so I, of course, built one to scale before I committed This is what the finished project will resemble. There will be handles in the high sides, and a cat flap in the final project.

Attachments:

[Heather]

That looks good, you will have to do some photos of you wee ones using it
ciao

[Sherry]

Looks like it will be a ton of fun for them! As for what to fill it with? Whatever strikes your imagination!

[cubsfanhaynes]

Well it's done, some of the boards weren't cut right and the wood I went with didn't agree with screws well, but it's nice looking I think. Need to add the handles on the sides and the lid and I'll post pictures for everybody.

[Deleted]

Yay! Can't wait!

[corrij]

It looks good. Wood filler is cheap and will fix the few small problems.

I'm glad we are a handy pair. Bought a few harnesses for our gang and Babydoll is too small to fit in her's so I had to modify it slightly. I'm seriously considering making a few when I buy my sewing machine.

[cubsfanhaynes]

Alrighty, here are the promised pictures!

[Deleted]

Wow that looks awesome!!!!

I want one <3

[Deleted]

But I doubt my crew would use a doggie door flap

[cubsfanhaynes]

The way we taught ours to use it was I opened the lid of the box, put them in and they had to solve the door to get out. Which they did really fast.

[cubsfanhaynes]

You could also do it without the flap, just raise the hole up so you can fill more. Probably about three inches higher?

[Sherry]

Oh, wow! That looks fantastic Jackie, it could also likely be made with a hole for a tube as well.

[cubsfanhaynes]

So I need to study blueprints a bit mire, but I can probably put up plans for this simple dig box next weekend?

[Deleted]

That's so awesome. I'm jealous.