Automatic Litterbox Central

I just completed making a permanent cartridge tray for use with my ScoopFree. It was relatively easy to make usng the information posted in these forums. It's made out of Coroplast, the corrugated waterproof plastic material (used in many roadside ad-signs). I chose Coroplast as it is easy to work with, available locally, cheap, water-tight, and requires no tools, other than a exacto-knife.

The tray is simply one piece of Coroplast which includes the tray as well as a flap......it's pretty much identical to the coardboard retail version. The way that I was able to manipulate the edges and flap (since Coroplast is fairly rigid) is to simply score (vs cut entirely thru) which made the edges form to a nice 90 degree angle yet can stay tight . I adhere the corners using rivets (superglue would work but I wanted it to be very solid since it will be handled often during emptying). Tthe flap is manipulated using the same metal pieces from the retail cardboard version. I superglued them on to ensure they stay since the magnets are strong and pull them off the coroplast if they are only affixed using the little wingtabs only. To ensure the whole thing is 100% watertight, I silicone caulked the corners.

I am using a mixture of FreshStep crystals ($12.50 for an 8lb bag or $1.56 per lb at Target) and Ultra Pearls ($8.00 for a 6lb bag or $1.33 per lb at Kroger Supermarket (which reflects a $2 savings using my Kroger Card) also available at Publix Supermarket). The FreshStep crystals look exactly like what comes with the cartridge. The Ultra Pearls look roughly the same in appearance and size so work fine with the grid. Neither are super cheap but it cuts the cost in half from using the cartridges (from 50 cents per day per cat with the cartridge to 25 cents per day per cat).

I'll update in a few days with my findings. If this works, the tray is simple to make using an exacto knife, a ruler, Coroplast, silicone caulk, a riveter, and the little metal pieces from an existing cardboard catridge. Anyone can do this.

Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/johnfdeluca
Diagram/Illustration: http://picasaweb.google.com/johnfdeluca/ScoopFreeCatLitterboxTray/photo#5013589404339749730

John -- What a wonderful pattern! Thank you for sharing a method for making this container. Much appreciated.

Do you find it strong enough to lift up when it is full of litter so you can empty it without fear of it bending, twisting, folding over etc..?

Chris

The corplast doesnt buckle under the weight of the 4.5 lbs of FreshStep Crystals (plus any waste from the cats).

The "forever" tray -- made of PVC.

Found it on Ebay under Scoop Free cartridge refill.

Works great. Not cheap, but no leaks and it's not flimsy -- and easy to use.

Jack 'n Stans Dad wrote:The "forever" tray -- made of PVC.

Found it on Ebay under Scoop Free cartridge refill.

Works great. Not cheap, but no leaks and it's not flimsy -- and easy to use.

ya ya ya. You found it on ebay because YOU PUT IT THERE! You are the seller and you are spamming this board, which is not allowed. If you want to sell your crap, take it to the classified section.

I'm posting this on all four of the places I screwed up.

In my enthusiasm for this cool item, I did a stupid thing by putting it on here in an inappropriate way. I'm an engineer by background and so sometimes focus on the wrong things -- in this instance the cool tray for the cool SF.

I'm sorry for having done this -- and promise that it won't happen again. I honestly don't know what the heck I was thinking.

texfire wrote:Do you find it strong enough to lift up when it is full of litter so you can empty it without fear of it bending, twisting, folding over etc..?

Chris

Shop Vac comes in handy! I picked up a used one on Craigslilst for $25.

Jack 'n Stans Dad wrote:The "forever" tray -- made of PVC.

Found it on Ebay under Scoop Free cartridge refill.

Works great. Not cheap, but no leaks and it's not flimsy -- and easy to use.



ya ya ya. You found it on ebay because YOU PUT IT THERE! You are the seller and you are spamming this board, which is not allowed. If you want to sell your crap, take it to the classified section.

I sorry, but I for one appreciate knowing about the Forever Tray. You are too hyper sensitive about SPAM in this case. I understand your feelings about SPAM, but I need this information. It is valuable and not very far off topic. Give him a break!

Has anyone made one of these Coroplast trays?

Thanks so much for posting the blue prints. There is just one part I do not understand - how the flap bit with the metal parts works... in the pics it looks like it is closed, but the blue prints make it looks like its open on both ends.

It's a little confusing to me...

I'm excited about this though. The forever trays looks great, but seem way over priced for me - i mean, i know its an idea/craft work/ gap in the marlet thing etc, but i think $30 would be ok with $20 shipping? Am I the only one that thinks that or am i looking at it wrong?

Eh, oh well, I ordered my scoop free yesterday so look forward to tweaking it.

thanks in advance.

My husband has made me two of the coroplast trays for my scoopfree boxes and they work great? Did cover all the edges with heavy packing tape, the clear kind and all the seams as well. He use some kind of pvc glue instead of rivets. I taped anywhere litter might collect and be messy when being emptied and it works great! Jury is still out on whether I need the short fence that is there under the lid one has one and one does not, I haven't noticed a difference. I empty about every three weeks and fill with an entire bag of MIMI crystal because I am cheap and the last scoop Free crystal bag I bought had no fragrance and could not see mixing it if there was debatable benefit.

Question: Where does one buy Coroplast?

I'm thinking Art Supply store or Sign Maker.

I went to Staples and there was nothing there...

Any hints?

My husband ordered our online and got 10 sheets, way too much. I'm thinking a sign place is the answer. My trays have been use for about 3 months and if I have to have new ones I have the sheets to make more.

Ok, well I will take a look about. I'll look up sign makers in the Yellow Pages and probably find something close.

Did you then just make the tray from the blueprint posted on this board?

thanks.