I think I need some help

[mpoletti]

Ok. I need some help. This is where my progress is on my new stand.

For the rest of my build to date, it is here
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1298138

I had originally thought I was going to be able to use my cousins shop and finishing tools, but they are out on a jobsite for the next two weeks.
Is there anyone out there that might have access to a woodshop or some tools that I may use to finish my build?
The tank will be ready in the next 7-10 days and I will be driving down the weekend of March 1st to pick it up. I was hoping to have at least the stand finished by then.

Thank You and please pm me if you can help me out. Comments welcome as well.

 

[Reefugee]

Mark,

I don't have a tablesaw. However, if you know the dimension of the wood that you need cut, there's a lumber place in Davis that will cut wood to your dimension. I believe they guarantee accuracy of 1/16 or better. In reality, I have always gotten a perfect cut (bettwe than 1/32"). They are really inexpensive as well.

If you get the wood cu, I have the rest of tools that you would need. I have a mitersaw that is Mark (Bored4long) is borrowing. If he is done, you're welcome to borrow it. I also have routers (plus bits), nail guns, air compressor, pocket screw jig. If you want to borrow any of those tools, let me know.

Minh

 

[mpoletti]

There lies my other dilemna; I drive a jeep. I can use my Dad's truck to pick up the wood next Saturday from Hughes in Rancho. I think I decided on Red Oak.

I am deciding on the door size today. I found this design, but they do not sell to the public, so I am trying to have Kieth help me build my doors.
http://www.decore.com/doors_details...rod_doorstype=Craftsman&DoorSort=&DoorFilter=

Sometimes I feel like I bit off more than I can chew

 

[fishnerd]

Mark

what tools do you need? I have a table saw and a miter saw and some misc stuff...LMK I will be home the next few days

Bryan

 

[mpoletti]

Thanks Bryan,

I have a mitre saw for my trim. I guess all I would really need is a table saw, finish nail gun,compressor, and a jigsaw. If worse came to worse, I'd go buy a jig saw though.

Thank you to you and Minh. I am starting to feel a little less stressed out.

 

[Reefugee]

I have the nail gun, jigsaw, and compressor. You're welcome to borrow all three of those items. Just let me know if you want to borrow them. I noticed that you didn't list a router.


Regadring doors, I have head some good stuff about these guys: http://www.advantagecabinetdoors.com/ . I have never ordered from them.

I have ordered from these guys: http://cabinetdoorsandhardware.com/ . They were one of the cheapest places. Only thing is that you cannot order custom size doors. And if you order doors that are drilled for euro hinges, they will drill both the left and right side. But you can't beat their prices.


Minh

 

[mpoletti]

Thanks Minh. I did not list a router as I really don't know how to use them.

I have looked into http://cabinetdoorsandhardware.com/, but my wife did not really like the look of the doors. The other ones match our furniture styles a lot closer as well. I am looking for a darker glossy stain along the lines of expresso or such.

When you cut out the front panel for the door opening, what tool did you use?

 

[Reefugee]

I had cut strips out and nailed them in. I did this to save some money. But looking back, I would have just used a solid piece of laminated ply and cut out the holes for the door. The way I did it, it did not provide any shear support. As a result, I had to put in reinforced corner brackets. And the cost differences wouldn't have been that much.

If I were to cut a hole in the center for the door, I would probably use a plunge router for clean cutlines. You can use a jigsaw as well, but make sure you get a decent jig saw. I have two jig saws - a Black & Decker and Bosch. The BW jigsaw were one of those $25-30 ones. The Bosch jigsaw as around $150. Let me just say that I don't use the B&W anymore. Regardless of what tools you use, I would use a piece of wood as a straigght guide. Just measure and clamp the straight guide down to the wood. You can try freehanding a straight cut, but it won't be as nice as one that you use a straight guide. Once the hole is cut, I would use a sander to smooth out the opening. (I have a random orbital sander that is just awesome!) If you can't tell, I have become a tool snob.

Like I said - you're welcome to borrow any of my tools. I can do any woodworking for a few more weeks until I am fully recovered from my eye surgery.

 

[Reefugee]

Oh one more thing. Are you going to stain your own stand? The problem I have found with staining is that color matching can often be very difficult. There's a lumber store in Davis that will open up multiple cans of stains so that you can test stain a piece of wood to try to color match what you have. But if you do have them do a stain test for you, just be polite and purchase the stain from them. It's the same place that will cut wood for you.

 

[rockwyld]

mark- I've got every tool in the world and if you want to bring the stand over next Sat or Sun, we should be able to finish it in a full day including making the doors. I've got HD and Lowes minutes from my house for wood unless you want something exotic. Let me know if you need help. Lance will pm you my pnone number..

 

[mpoletti]

I understand the importance of good tools. I have used dewalt for close to 15 years now as I used to wear a tool belt for close to ten years.

I already have a sander and I love the trick of using a wood guide for strighter cuts. What is the name of that place in Davis? Maybe I will make a trip out there next week.

I am planning on using a complete sheet and cutting the door openings out for strength and more support. I had thought about using a router to do this, but I am more comfortable with a jigsaw and sander.

 

[Reefugee]

Mark - the name of the place is Hibbert Lumber. The place that will cut the wood for you is called The Door Stop (which is actually part of Hibbert Lumber). The Door Stop specializes in making doors. You might want to ask them if they make cabinet doors.

 

[tfp]

my comment is...don't rush the process . take your time and do it just the way you want. heck, my 300g sat shrink-wrapped and empty for over a year :lol:.

 

[mpoletti]

Yep When I started the planning, I had a schedule and kind of worked out what I needed to get done by a certain date. The sad thing is with the nice weather approaching, it might be longer than I originally planned to get the new tank up and running.