Circular saw for stand building.

[Track Rat]

I'm planning out a new build for a 40 gallon breeder and I'd like to make a stand for it. The problem I have is I don't have much for woodworking tools and purchasing a table saw and miter saw really isn't cost effective for me. I do have a circular saw and I'm wanting to know if I can build a complete stand using it. I think if I were to measure accurately and clamp down a straight edge as a guide that I could make cuts accurate enough for a level stand.

I'm not looking at making fancy joints or anything I really just need to accurately cut 2x4's, 1x4s, and plywood panels.

 

[degibson84]

if using a straight edge you should be fine. thats how i did mine just make sure you clamp it down in the right spot and measure the gaurd on the saw before you put the straight edge in the right spot

 

[sfsuphysics]

You can build probably just about anything with a circular saw that you can a table saw, it just might take a little more time to setup each cut.

Most of your cuts are going to be in the short direction of your 2x4s, so as long as you have a speed square or similar tool to draw straight lines, you should be able to get through a 2x4 without too much problem.

For longer cuts, you'll want to make a guide unless you're have a VERY steady hand and can push the saw exactly down a line. A good straight piece of wood, or LDF molding and some clamps could make a good long guide to cut a straight line (don't forget to account for the distance from the blade guard to blade when you clamp it down though Here's a very quick read on some fancier guides. http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/reviews/4283497

As my grandfather used to say, cut the damn thing three times and it's still too small!

 

[79chopperdr]

+1 on speed square. On lumber other than plywood you can clamp it in place and use it as a guide. Also consider cruising CL for tools. I picked up a sweet table saw for $80

 

[Track Rat]

Thanks for the replies, looks like the stand project is a go. I was quoted $200 for a pine stand and we all know what those look like. I should be able to build something much nicer for less money.

 

[souperman]

I clamped pieces like legs that were all the same length together. A straight edge clamped across the pieces let me cut several pieces of wood the same length and straight. Setup may take some time but you can have good results.

 

[Apotack]

Check the local tool rental places, I'm sure you can rent what you need

 

[n2585722]

What is wrong with pine. It can be stained to look very good.

 

[ca1ore]

Would have thought you could pick up a chop saw relatively inexpensively. No need for a table saw, circular saw will cut panels just fine, but be sure if you are cutting 2x4s for legs that the cut is square.

 

[ynot65]

If you know the sizes of your plywood cuts just have Home Depot make the cuts for you they do charge a cut fee but it's only like 50 cents ea. They say it's not for precision cuts but that is just a disclaimer so they're not liable for your building. You will only need rips and crosscuts. Good luck

 

[slief]

I've built a few stands with canopies before ranging from a 240 to a 480. All were made out of 3/4" OAK veneer and were made with only a circular saw, jig saw and a hand saw miter box. The miter box was used for cutting the oak moulding.

For the front of the stand, I used the jig saw to cut out the door openings. A circular saw could have been used as well. Those pieces I cut out were later used for the doors themselves. I just took some 1x2" oak and made a frame for the doors that overlaid the edges of the cuts. This hid any imperfect cut lines and also provided a clean stop for the doors. In hind site, I think I did use a router to bevel the edges of the oak trim but you could always pick up some beveled 1x2" oak pieces from a hardwood source or even some nice mouldings.

In the end, the stands and canopies turned out great and were very cost effective and sturdy. For a tank your size, no 2x4 support should be needed as 3/4 oak veneer plywood is very strong.

These are some old pictures from 1992 I think and are the only ones I have of the stands but the pictures themselves are cherished memories which should be no surprise given their nature.. Enjoy and maybe it will give you some ideas for your stand.
This one you can see the stand an canopy.

I know this picture is nuts.. It's amazing what some liquid courage on a drunken birthday will do. I'm posting it so you can get an idea of how the doors were built as this is the only picture I have with the doors open. It was a very simple build and was completed in one day including stain and brushed on clear coat.

 

[Track Rat]

I'm most impressed with those pants :lolspin:

 

[ToddBell]

If it hasn't been said yet make sure to get a good blade meant to cut the types of wood you will be using.

 

[Track Rat]

If it hasn't been said yet make sure to get a good blade meant to cut the types of wood you will be using.

I'm going to get a new saw for this project, the one I was planning on using belongs to my dad and I would rather invest in a nice one for myself. Here is the one I will purchase http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-15-Amp-7-1-4-in-Circular-Saw-R32021/100618252?N=c2dc. I will also get a 60 tooth blade for cutting the panels and trim.

Thanks for the advice so far.

 

[Track Rat]

What is wrong with pine. It can be stained to look very good.

Nothing is wrong with pine. I was refereing to the mass produced AGA stands. They get the job done, but they aren't much to look at and are over priced.

 

[fishgate]

I am going to go the other route. With just a hand-held circular (skill) saw, and limited woodworking experience, you are going to have a real, REAL hard time building that stand. Give yourself a fighting chance and get at least a mitre saw. You can get them for under $100. The problem with the skill saw is you are going to have a hard time getting the cuts square. If that wasn't bad enough, you are going to have an impossible time trimming them down by 1/8" at a time when you find that they are not all the same length. This is a bad idea and you are going to regret it.

 

[fanandy8]

I've built many aquarium stands with 2x4 and 2x6 using only a circular saw. I've never owned a table saw or power mitre saw and have built many things including a deck around a 28 foot round pool. Just make sure you measure right, use a speed square to draw your cut line and take your time cutting. If you're going to skin the stand with plywood, you can clamp a straight edge to get the straight cut you need.

 

[good_reefer]

not to be smart .. but if you have to ask then I question the skill level..

 

[rovster]

I used a circular saw and a miter saw. I even used the circular saw for some long mitered cuts. Yes, a table saw would have been nice, but if youre careful, and take your time, it can be done.

 

[peppie]

I have used this left handed saw for years. It is very user friendly, It allows you to see the line you are cutting much better, than a typical right handed saw. It is light, no need for a wrench to change the blade.
I am a carpenter by trade, I have used many types of circular saws in the past 20 years. This saw rates at the top.

Yes you can build a stand with a skill saw. Take your time and practice a bit.


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