Opinions; can I safely remove this brace in my stand?

[sinful]

Me and my father built this stand a couple years ago. It's 36" x 18" and at that time I wasn't thinking to much about access to the sump. My biggest gripe is the brace in the dead middle which makes working in the sump a pita. We built this stand like a tank and in my opinion I don't think removing it will have any effect, but before I do, just wanted to get you guys input. We used half lap joints?

Tank that will sit on top of it is 57g 36 x 18 x 20. 1/2" glass. Single brace in middle is the one I would like to remove. Thoughts?

 

[ClownMan727]

I would remove it. It's only a 3ft run. If you are worried you could sister another 2x4 behind the top one.

 

[albano]

I would remove it. It's only a 3ft run. If you are worried you could sister another 2x4 behind the top one.

I'd add the extra 2x4 since the top one has been 'notched'

 

[MrHarvard]

I'd add the extra 2x4 since the top one has been 'notched'

I agree^^^^^^

 

[snake1]

Add one 2x4 across the top and one 2x4 down each side under the top brace to support the top board and then screw it all together...is what I would do

 

[zeminabr]

I have a 6 ft run with no center brace on my stand for a full opening of over 5' when I open both doors. But I agree that an additional 2x4 should be used since you notched the current one. Knowing its strength now would be difficult, and I wouldn't chance it. I used 2x8s along my 6' spans in the construction of my stand.

 

[sinful]

To easy, that's what I'll do then just for safe measure. I also picked up a cheap raised panel bit set and tried my hand at some raised panel cabinet doors using the router table. Used 1 x6 stock from lowes

 

[Snookster]

To easy, that's what I'll do then just for safe measure. I also picked up a cheap raised panel bit set and tried my hand at some raised panel cabinet doors using the router table. Used 1 x6 stock from lowes

nice

 

[snake1]

To easy, that's what I'll do then just for safe measure. I also picked up a cheap raised panel bit set and tried my hand at some raised panel cabinet doors using the router table. Used 1 x6 stock from lowes

Those look really good....

 

[sinful]

Thanks guys, not to bad for my first go With cheap bits and crappy lumber.