this post was submitted on 15 Feb 2025
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Urge to hoard power tools
I had a brain wave and went on eBay. I don’t need much in the way of power tools so found a knockoff rotary tool for under $30 and it has a drill bit included. (If I need different sizes later they’re universal right?)I specifically looked for the rotary tool with cutting discs because I also wanted to cut plastic tubs down to make larger more shallow litterboxes that are easier to step into.
The only problem is something so cheap is usb charged. Not sure if battery, probably.
And there’s the risk of either never getting around to it or stressing us both out with noise and/or cutting a finger off. I have cheap safety glasses and ear mufflers but no safety gloves.
I would try the tutorial I saw that used a heat gun or a hairdryer to soften before cutting but my hairdryer would die before warming the plastic much and a heat gun is more expensive. Also the heat gun might be more dangerous and the sharp box cutter could slip.
I have a mini hacksaw but there’s a chance that the plastic would crack. Perhaps I can try it out on the thick rigid seedling-trays-turned-litterboxen first, just so Melbcat doesn’t have to bend her little knees as much. Maybe it could work.
We did this with a bread knife for our old fella. The box was from petstock I think, and we have a mat in front in case litter gets scratched out. It wasn't hard to cut through, and I used a nail file to clean up the edges.
the tray in question
I did something similar when a long departed had a broken leg. Temporary situation though.
We still use ours, even though the old fella has been with God for 3 years. It was handy when the newbies were babies and we've just stayed with it. Its not one they use often though.
That’s a good job. I’ll check Petstock to see if they have big trays
You could try heating up a metal knife and going through the plastic. Oven mitts should give enough insulation.
I don’t have anything that would safely heat the knife is the thing
Alternative option for a large shallow litter box - try one of those cheap variety stores that sell lots of plastic containers. You might get lucky and find something in the shape you need. Another option, would a large size pot plant tray do the job? Bunnings sells them separately to the pots.
That’s a good idea, that’s what I was shooting for when I bought the seedling trays. I’m not seeing anything the right size or shape yet but might try to go in person and look
I've used an under-bed storage tub, the sides were about 12cm high but the width & depth were about the same as the standard 60L tubs you see. I think from Bunnings.
Easy for cats to step in and out of and big enough for them to properly move around. It held about 7kg of litter.
I’ve got one but would like the sides lower for arthritic knees
Just a thought, could you use fruit boxes? Easier to cut down.
Trying to look at what type you mean
They need to withstand scratching/digging and a lot of pee
Wax lined fruit box free from a green grocer. Then you can cut down one of the sides to how you want and what's comfortable for puss. Line it with heavy duty plastic sheeting.
Melting plastic will cause bad fumes if you're sensitive to smells.
Ah ok, she might scratch through the liner but I’ll keep it in mind
I meant make a prototype before you buy or modify something because we all know cats can be picky.
Ahh yeah gotcha