Nesting box repair

[qmehling]

This came from the wife’s parents farm, she’s pretty adamant about using it. I can build a wooden box to contain the bottom I’m not sure how to repair the divider bottoms. Would I be better off scrapping it and just buy or build a new one from wood??

 

[R2elk]

This came from the wife’s parents farm, she’s pretty adamant about using it. I can build a wooden box to contain the bottom I’m not sure how to repair the divider bottoms. Would I be better off scrapping it and just buy or build a new one from wood??

If your wife is dead set on using it, you already know the answer. I would use Naval Jelly to clean up the rust. After that I would use RustOleum Rusty Metal Primer before painting it with the color of your choice.

To repair the bottom I would build a 1"x ? frame to fit around the outside of the base. I would add more 1"x? as cross members at each divider.

 

[qmehling]

If your wife is dead set on using it, you already know the answer. I would use Naval Jelly to clean up the rust. After that I would use RustOleum Rusty Metal Primer before painting it with the color of your choice.

To repair the bottom I would build a 1"x ? frame to fit around the outside of the base. I would add more 1"x? as cross members at each divider.

The dividers are my big concern, they are rusty and sharp. I can cut most them away and I’d have to put something in it’s place. I thought using some thin .08 - .10 ABS plastic sheeting for the dividers. I work for a plastic thermoformer so I have access to that.

 

[R2elk]

The dividers are my big concern, they are rusty and sharp. I can cut most them away and I’d have to put something in it’s place. I thought using some thin .08 - .10 ABS plastic sheeting for the dividers. I work for a plastic thermoformer so I have access to that.

You can do that or just use 1/2" wood in their place.

 

[Alaskan]

Or skip the dividers and call it a community nest box.

 

[Shezadandy]

Scrap it. I love re-purposing things and do it whenever possible, but if the item is unsafe it's not worth the risk.

 

[aart]

Man, that sharp rusty metal is not good, would be hard to fix it.
First thought is to cut off the bottom row and put wooden bottom on the remaining top row.

 

[qmehling]

Slight update and improvement

 

[aart]

Nice Job!!
Bet she's thrilled!

 

[cmom]

Looks like new.