Securing Sidewalls for Iguana Habitat

[SteveJ34]

The forum topic says "Everything Else" so .....

Sidestepping from my next arcade bartop ideas for a moment, I've been enlisted to help with the construction of a new habitat for an iguana.

Here's a link to what I am planning to model after:

http://www.lizardcages.fws1.com/iguanaworld.htm

1. I'm planning a structure that is 2' deep x 4' wide x 6' tall (not including the base and top for height)

2. I'm planning to use 5/8 or 3/4 MDF to cut costs and so I can have a complete sheet across the back.

3. I'll do something different on the front, starting with a complete piece with a large window cut that I'll likely fit framed plexi/lexan/glass doors onto

4. I'll construct the top and bottom pretty much using the design outlined.

Now to my question.....

I'd like to come up with a latch/hinge or other hardware idea to attach the 4 walls together so that the final enclosure could be broken back down into its respective primary parts, ie: top, bottom, 4 side walls.

I need something that will provide rigidity and tight fight at all four corners with perhaps three per corner on the inside of the frame, one at top, middle, and bottom.

I could also create a second frame the inside edge of the top and bottom to create more of a "slot" that each wall  fits into.

Any suggestions for a particular latch/hinge or other hardware to secure the sidewalls together (which are obviously right angles) that could be broken down without having to remove screws from the MDF later?

I was thinking perhaps of just looking for just some sort of 90 degree angle hinge with a pin.

Any other ideas?

[DrewKaree]

I don't know what your skills are, but how about something simple, structurally sound, and WAY easy to break down - make each joint a dovetail joint.  If you feel you need extra strenght, after sliding the dovetail joint together, you could drill out holes for dowel pins.

Other than that, I'm thinking gate hardware, and nothing that will look nice, btw.  I'll try to find a pic, but I seriously think the dovetail is the way to go.

[Mameotron]

I would go with this style of hinge.  That way, you just slide the panel up and the hinge is separated.  Easy to install, take apart, & set up again.

http://www.hardwaresource.com/Store_ViewProducts.asp?Cat=472&OrderID=

Another style of hinge is called a loose pin hinge (didn't find any on that website) where the pin fits loosely so you just slide it out and the hinge comes right apart.  I don't know if an Iguana has the smarts or strength to manipulate the pins, though.  I'd still go with the first kind I mentioned.

Found a link for loose pin hinges.
http://www.rejuvenation.com/fixshow7665/templates/selection.phtml?iqg=1b14a804c9dd38e18b8853ea0ceb1a53

[SteveJ34]

Thanks to both for your timely suggestions.

I agree that a dovetail joint would create a simple but secure joint that in turn could be broken down easily but alas not sure of my skillset in complete that successfully across ( 6 foot edges.

Some sort of loose pin butt hinge or slip joint butt hinge would probably suffice in this situation. I think once the top and bottom are in place that will also serve to increase rigidity and sturdiness to the total structure.

My only other concern was sufficient screw holds in MDF but these points will not really be load bearing in anyway. Historically when building cabs and other items with MDF I have always used 1x2 strips at all points where I was fastening with wood screws.

If needed, another thought would be to run a 1x2 strip top to bottom on the outside of all corners.

Thanks again for the suggestions mentioned. I do appreciate the input.