DIY Stands Template and Calculator

[Sn8kbyt]

Just got back from the lumber store,and could not find one single straight 2x8.They all had a slight twist just like the ones I used on my stand.If I used some weight on the frame to straighten it out then applied my plywood,would that keep it straight.

I couldn't find any straight 2X8's when I built my stand either. So I bought 2X10's and ran them through a table saw and they were a straight as an arrow with 2 square flat sides.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

Their 2x10 looked the same way,will run to lowes later and see if have anything better.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

I got some new 2x8s and reassembled the top frame and put on the top.Set tank on top and it has a few spots that a piece of paper can barely go under the frame of the tank.Should this be ok.

 

[woodnaquanut]

Their 2x10 looked the same way,will run to lowes later and see if have anything better.

Good luck. Framing lumber is rarely truly straight and there is no guarantee it will stay straight. Shop only for KD (kiln dried). Green will really move as it dries. Even KD is not really as dry as wood used in cabinets so build it fast and put a skin on it before it moves!

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

Thanks John,I found a counter top,it's in really great shape and is heavy though.Its about 1" thick.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

I got counter top cut and the holes for drain and return lines.Have a few small gaps in between the top and frameing,next question is where do you guys get the shims. Thanks

 

[Rsaalman]

I got counter top cut and the holes for drain and return lines.Have a few small gaps in between the top and frameing,next question is where do you guys get the shims. Thanks

Just picked up a entire pack of shims for $2 at lowes

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

Thanks Rsaalman,Looks like a trip to lowes.

 

[Roadki11]

Wow, after looking through here I can't wait to start construction.

 

[sprint_9]

Thought I would post up some pictures of mine, it came out much better than I had thought it would. Currently Im in the process of doing the final coats of varnish.

 

[micielo719]

Looks great Sprint.. I was just going to ask if when making a stand it should be built to the exact width and depth or a 1/2" bigger but I see you made yours exact. I'm going to do the same..

 

[micielo719]

Hey guys, I was wondering if when you normally build a stand do you build it to the exact measurements (Width, Depth) of what your tank measures or do you add 1/2" ?? If someone could chime in tonight that would be great as I would like to start to build it tomorrow. Thank you

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

I added a 1/2" to mine so my tank could slide in.So when tank is in place I have a 1/4" gap on each side.

 

[Rsaalman]

My frame is exactly the same as the tank to carry the load but using 1/4" ply gives me that small gap around the tank from the sides to the molding in putting on the stand

 

[micielo719]

Is Pocket hole drilling it vs usual countersinking the screws a better method of building the tank or is any one of the two methods acceptable??

 

[ZeeSparrow]

My dad helped me build the stand, I did the finishing. Not bad for a couple of inexperienced woodworkers. I'm very happy with the result.

Thanks for the design!

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

Good looking stand

 

[sprint_9]

Looks great Sprint.. I was just going to ask if when making a stand it should be built to the exact width and depth or a 1/2" bigger but I see you made yours exact. I'm going to do the same..

You want a little fudge factor built in for ease of install or any expansion, I was exact to 1/16 too short so I ended up adding and extra sheet of 1/4 inch ply to each side. I then adjusted from there with my 1x4 on the top to get roughly and 1/8 inch on each side.

 

[canesfan44]

Just signed up to say big thanks to Rocket and everyone else who posted their builds.

I haven't worked with wood since high school, but after reading through this thread I decided to give it a crack myself.

Had my doubts about the strength of timber (I don't anymore) and didn't want a centre brace so my stand is REALLY over engineered, but hey, better to be safe then sorry.

Tank is 1500x800x600. Around 190gal I think.

240x45 top frame, 90x45 for the rest, 9mm marine ply panels, finished with 2 coats of waterproof primer & 2 coats of high gloss acrylic paint.

Quite happy with how it turned out in the end.

Very nice stand. I see that I have the same knife set as you :thumbsup:, although some people have strange reactions to it :worried:

 

[Hitch08]

Is Pocket hole drilling it vs usual countersinking the screws a better method of building the tank or is any one of the two methods acceptable??

Take a look at the first page of this thread. I believe that the usual process is to do pocket hole drilling or add the green screw strips. From what I have read, the pocket hole method is stronger.

Course, I did both. :wildone: