DIY Stands Template and Calculator
- Thread starter JohnL
- Start date
Reefer2727
New member
amay121,
It as tough for me also. I ended u building 2 frames because my first was no square enough.
I found it next to impossible to make it perfectly. Mainly because of the wood quality. Perhaps my skills also!
Good luck.
It as tough for me also. I ended u building 2 frames because my first was no square enough.
I found it next to impossible to make it perfectly. Mainly because of the wood quality. Perhaps my skills also!
Good luck.
MVlk
New member
Good wood... also use it quickly before it warps
+ Good tools... use lots of clamps and a square or two. It is nice to have some 90 degree jigs made up.
+ Skill... I lacked myself in this area
+ Luck... I relied on this probably too much
= Square / Level / Straight
Also, remember, it is never going to be perfect...
+ Good tools... use lots of clamps and a square or two. It is nice to have some 90 degree jigs made up.
+ Skill... I lacked myself in this area
+ Luck... I relied on this probably too much
= Square / Level / Straight
Also, remember, it is never going to be perfect...
MVlk
New member
Most local hardware stores will have several grades of wood. There is the hacked up pile usually at the front of the store and then usually one or more better grades. Go for the best grade possible, preferably from a recently opened pallet. From an open pallet, the ones nearer the bottom will usually have the least warping as they have been tightly bound the longest and not had time to begin warping on their own as all will eventually do.
If you do not trust your eye, go shopping later in the evening when there are few customers and look for the lumber manager. They usually have enough knowledge to help you choose.
If you do not trust your eye, go shopping later in the evening when there are few customers and look for the lumber manager. They usually have enough knowledge to help you choose.
Just thought I would share some pics of my stand. I had to change the design a bit as the floor I put it on was fairly unlevel (is that even a word). I went and rented a Laser level from HD and made all the legs different sizes, and I didnt want to have the bottom rail sitting on the floor as the floor was so uneven. So I raised it up 1.5 inches from the floor.
Any thought on why or if this is going to work would be greatly appreciated.
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Any thought on why or if this is going to work would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by a moderator:
Rhodes19
New member
Second time around
Second time around
Well, here is my second attempt at my stand. This one is going to be 36" tall with a taller opening so I can get my 55 g in for a sump/fug.
Front view and yes, its upside down at the moment. It was easier to handle the 2x4 frame vs the 2x8. Plus, I want to put 1/2" plywood on the bottom and seal it so I have some sort of catch basin in case of leaks/spils.
I reinforced the corners by putting 3" screws in at 90 deg. The corners were assembled using pocket screws and glue but the wood is soft pine and the screws striped a little. Better safe than sorry.
The legs are screwed together for added stiffining and support.
Side view. I'll skin the side and back with 1/4" plywood and use Poplar (i think) for the front and side trim.
Next step, paint, attach bottom, and seal.
Second time around
Well, here is my second attempt at my stand. This one is going to be 36" tall with a taller opening so I can get my 55 g in for a sump/fug.
Front view and yes, its upside down at the moment. It was easier to handle the 2x4 frame vs the 2x8. Plus, I want to put 1/2" plywood on the bottom and seal it so I have some sort of catch basin in case of leaks/spils.
I reinforced the corners by putting 3" screws in at 90 deg. The corners were assembled using pocket screws and glue but the wood is soft pine and the screws striped a little. Better safe than sorry.
The legs are screwed together for added stiffining and support.
Side view. I'll skin the side and back with 1/4" plywood and use Poplar (i think) for the front and side trim.
Next step, paint, attach bottom, and seal.
Last edited by a moderator:
I'm thinking of building one stand for two tanks - a 40 breeder and a 20g tall.
Plan is a 72.5x18.5 stand with 2x8s for everything (legs, top & bottom frames) except 2x4s for the screw strips.
What I'm unsure about is wether I'll need a center brace or not - I'm hoping not to have one, or any skin at all. I am worried about deflection - will the tanks be sloping inwards too much?
Plan is a 72.5x18.5 stand with 2x8s for everything (legs, top & bottom frames) except 2x4s for the screw strips.
What I'm unsure about is wether I'll need a center brace or not - I'm hoping not to have one, or any skin at all. I am worried about deflection - will the tanks be sloping inwards too much?
uncleof6
Active member
Let me guess: None? Use a calculator, why should someone else do your homework? There are many, here is one:
http://www.garf.org/tank/buildstand.asp
Jim
There are many, here is one:http://www.garf.org/tank/buildstand.asp
Jim
CoRPS
Big Time Reefer
Just got back with all my lumber. I'm goign to start making my cuts now. I bought #14 3" screws for the 2x4's. That good enough? Also when screwing the pieces together do you drill a hole and then screw it in? Or go right through with just the screw? Sorry for the newb questions I just want to make sure I get ti right the first time.
