Buildup of a 210 gallon Reef

[thrlride]

Here's the front panel. I sure hope two doors isn't too big!

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/thrlride/Salt%20tank/180gallon/IMG_0574.jpg">

 

[rdmpe]

Looking great! Congrats and I'm gonna get one of those little jigs to do pocket screws too.

 

[thrlride]

It was $20 at Lowes. They had a larger one as well that came with some vice grips a jig with two holes and some screws.

That was $50

 

[countertopguy]

In my opinion those two large doors are going to be trouble. You have the space taken up when they are open, working around them etc plus they are way more apt to warp when they are that large. Have you considered two doors in each opening with a fake divider between them. That way when they are closed it looks right and when open you have full access.

Steve

 

[Toddrtrex]

Oh, I understand what you are saying Steve. My 58g stand is like that. Only is 3 feet wide, but has two doors that open with no center divider, but has a fake one attached to the left one. Looks like a divider when closed. I like the look and it allow me to put my sump in there.

 

[thrlride]

I do see what you mean with the warpage. We were going to do the lap joint method and then the back panel. Would that help prevent warping at all?

Can ya tell I'm being lazy. That's the only reason I wanted two.

 

[countertopguy]

I have make frame and panel doors using the router table and door making bits. Even with plywood panels on the inside, when doors get to be large they become less stable.

To increase your odd of having flat stable doors, plane to final thickness and let this wood acclimate preferably in you house, for a few weeks. Then rip to final width and acclimate again. Any warping or bowing will be noticable after the acclimation period and you can cut around or discard these pieces.

It seems like a lot of trouble but it is easier than remaking the doors multiple times. I will say Oak is pretty stable but you should at least let the wood sit for a while after cutting because that is usually when any type of warpage will happen.

Where are you getting you Oak?

Steve

 

[gobygoby]

how about 1 big door......

 

[thrlride]

LOL, one big freaking door would be awesome! I might have to move the kitchen table to open it though. LOL

I got this oak from Lowes. I chose the straightest pieces they had.

 

[thrlride]

I don't have a planner. I don't have a problem making the wood and letting it sit though, it will be a while before I can pull the dough together to get the tank and extra halide.

 

[gobygoby]

LOL, one big freaking door would be awesome! I might have to move the kitchen table to open it though. LOL

I am serious....I did it. and dont think of it as a normal door.....

::with sneaky secret grin::

 

[thrlride]

Did you make the entire front panel removable?

 

[rdmpe]

You could make the one-piece door flip upwards with some sort of hinge that would hold it up there, sort of like a car hood!

 

[thrlride]

I can't really do a whole front door thing as the 3/4" wood is acting as a support as well. I'm fine with two big or four smaller doors.

 

[gobygoby]

Take a wild guess..

 

[thrlride]

That looks nice gobygoby, what size tank is that?

 

[gobygoby]

Thanks! its a 180

 

[countertopguy]

Hey Goby, do you have you sump under your stand?

 

[gobygoby]

Nope, thats in the basement...but all the ballasts are in there.

 

[cabbagehead]

I been following this thread for a while. Glad to see the stand finally being assembled. I have a 135 that I am currently about to add water to. I have two large doors just like thrlride's. Is the issue with the doors warping or the stand itself? This is my stand still under construction. I used 2x4 and 2x6 for the guts and wraped it with
birds eye maple