DIY Stands Template and Calculator
- Thread starter JohnL
- Start date
David - Miami
Aquanot!
mteem
Yes, but that is diffrent than this thread. One inch will work though.
Yes, but that is diffrent than this thread. One inch will work though.
teacherthomas
New member
A question on wood strengh:
Well I came across this the other day and have a question about it.
I know this DIY stand for a 4 foot standard tank uses 2X4s. I also know that two 1X4s glued together lenght wise are stronger than one 2X4, by about 125~150%.
However, I saw boards the other day in 8 foot lenghts, the wood is 1 3/4" by 3 3/4" (so basically 1/4" biggest than a 2X4) and made up on many pieces of wood glued together and joined with the basically dove tail joints in certain sections.
My question is, is this the same strength as a 2X4, stronger than a 2X4 or weaker than a 2X4? I realize a 2X4 is actually 1.5" By 3.5" so this is 1/4" bigger all around, but approx. the same. Would I be better of using this or 2X4s? In weight and size a 2X4 looks so small.
Well I came across this the other day and have a question about it.
I know this DIY stand for a 4 foot standard tank uses 2X4s. I also know that two 1X4s glued together lenght wise are stronger than one 2X4, by about 125~150%.
However, I saw boards the other day in 8 foot lenghts, the wood is 1 3/4" by 3 3/4" (so basically 1/4" biggest than a 2X4) and made up on many pieces of wood glued together and joined with the basically dove tail joints in certain sections.
My question is, is this the same strength as a 2X4, stronger than a 2X4 or weaker than a 2X4? I realize a 2X4 is actually 1.5" By 3.5" so this is 1/4" bigger all around, but approx. the same. Would I be better of using this or 2X4s? In weight and size a 2X4 looks so small.
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loyalrogue
New member
Does anyone have a link to some professional plans using 3/4" plywood and solid stock like the ones available from the mfgs at the LFS?
Especially any 6' and 8' long stand plans.
Especially any 6' and 8' long stand plans.
moondoggy4
Team RC
Yes PM if you want to see mine since we are neighbors.
teacherthomas
New member
There will be no issues with that. The reason for the wider wood is the fact that there is no center supports used in the design. If a center support is used then you are effectively dividing the stand into two smaller stands. 30" by 30", so there will be no poblems supporting the tank when using 2X6.
I have done the same thing with a 48X26X24" tank stand using 2X4s and a Center support.
Rhodophyta
New member
You can make a stand out of all 3/4" exterior, marine, or billboard plywood. If you can't get two by sixes, the exterior plywood is probably all you'll find.
Two rectangles the height you want the stand to be minus and inch and a half, by the diagonal measurement across the bottom of the tank.
Two rectangles slightly larger than the "footprint" of the tank (60.5 by 32.5).
In the center of the diagonal measurement on the first two rectangles, cut a notch halfway down each board. Invert one and slide it on the other one. Spread them out to match the "footprint" rectangles, and screw and glue the top and bottom boards onto them. Paint and seal. You can cut some plywood triangles for shelves if you want them.
loyalrogue
New member
No need to worry about finding bigger stock.
The design of this stand is extremely overbuilt for simplicity's sake (and the OP's protection.
).I'm currently working on plans for a modified clone of a Perfecto stand.
Structurally the 265g 7' long factory-made stand uses no top rail at all. Just a sheet of 3/4" plywood for the top with a couple of 8" wide 3/4" plywood legs at the corners and in the middle. (no nail strips or any additional corner bracing either)
There are 2 openings in the front, one of them 48" long with essentially nothing supporting it except the plywood top.
Since that is how a professional stand is engineered and built (which they require for the full 5yr warranty) you are very safe using a 2x4 top rail even if you chose not to add a center support.
*edit*
Rhodo beat me to it.
reefermad619
New member
door is attached by c clamps
What type of plywood and what color stain did you use? Looks good. I really like the dark glossy look.
nikesb
New member
ah sorry its actually called a c clip catch
the "c" catches on to the double rollers and holds it pretty snug. I couldnt use hingers and didnt want to do more cutitng so the door completely pulls off. I want to add a handle but i think it looks nice without one
