DIY stand question

[exray]

Okay I'm building a stand for my 48x30x20 glass tank. my question is witch is the strongest way

1. the traditional corner way
2. the Kregg Jig corner way

See pic

 

[exray]

traditional Way

traditional Way

These are the traditional ways

 

[RocketEngineer]

As an engineer, the goal is to transfer the weight of the tank into the floor. That being the case, there are a bunch of different ways to do this successfully.

If you have a Kreg kit (I own 2), there is nothing to say you can't use pocket screws to hold the pieces together. It eliminates the need for the screw strip inside the corners. However, I would recommend placing the top frame of the stand on top of the legs so that the weight of the tank goes straight down. You don't want screws carrying weight in shear.

The absolute strongest stand is made from four pieces of plywood screwed along their edges to make a box. Any openings are made by cutting squares out of the middle which leaves a continuous perimeter around that side of the stand. Because they start as solid pieces, they can't wrack. Aside from that, its just a matter of proper techniques and good lumber.

 

[exray]

for the corners I'll call them legs I'm using 4x6 and the top and bottom frame i'm using 2x4 that will be screwed to the 2x6's. I hope you understand.

 

[exray]

for the corners I'll call them legs I'm using 4x6 and the top and bottom frame i'm using 2x4 that will be screwed to the 2x6's. I hope you understand.

So the weight on the corners will be on the 2x6's

 

[Tttony]

You should use 2"-4"s, other wise you will be losing space inside. Are you going to skin it in 3/4" plywood?

 

[RocketEngineer]

So the weight on the corners will be on the 2x6's

You don't need to go with 2X6s for the legs as a single 2X4 on end is immensely strong. I've run the numbers and given how short they are, you could theoretically put a 200g tank on top of a single 2X4 and the wood wouldn't even notice it. With 8 legs (two per corner) just use 2X4s and you will be fine.

 

[exray]

Eventhough the stand will be skinned with 3/4" plywood will the kregg jigs joints be strong enough with the frame connecting to the sides of the 2x6 legs

 

[SGT_York]

The kregg jigs joints will be great for any vertical supports, just don't plan on using the pocket screws to hold the horizontal pieces to the vertical supports. (what rocket engineer is saying about don't place them in shear) so the screws need to be pointed up and down, don't use screws going sideways unless they are not supporting weight. If there is weight pressing against the horizontal screws they will snap.

And ditch the 2x6s.

 

[billdogg]

I have built stands all 3 ways. Any will work if done correctly.

A 3/4" plywood box is simple, but the pieces must be cut square.

The "traditional" method (2x construction with the top frame resting on the legs, is way over built, and unless skinned or adequate corner bracing is used, could twist out of shape. (that would be bad)

Here's the last stand I built, using pocket hole screws and glue - also way overbuilt btw





Choose whatever method you are most comfortable with and have fun!

 

[exray]

This is the best I can do and I want to use the Kregg Jig to attach the center framing to the legs. all made with 2x4

 

[RocketEngineer]

I would still make a two boxes with the legs in between. The way you have it now the screws are what transfers the load from the horizontal boards. I would never trust screws for that kind of load.

 

[exray]

I'm I getting Closer

 

[RocketEngineer]

Remove the green pieces and size to fit.

 

[exray]

This is it