Son called, dad I need help

[sleepydoc]

there is a pair of plywood pieces on either side of the corner going from under the top frame to the bottom frame. The cherry face frame isn't load bearing from what I can tell.

I think you will be fine. The corner support will ensure that the plywood does its job properly. Being a 75g and having 8 vertical pieces really spreads the load around.

The other mitigating factor is that there will be a sheet of plywood on the top that will distribute the load and potentially transfer it in to the triangular posts. That said, it would be better to have the load directly over the solid posts, rather than over the plywood frame. Unless the vertical pieces are totally snugged in, you are potentially depending on shear forces to support the tank, as Uncle said.

There don't appear to be gaps between the vertical plywood corner pieces and the horizontal frame pieces, and the top of the frame appears to be totally flush with the pillars, so with the 3/4" plywood top it will probably be OK, but it definitely gives one cause to pause...

 

[jackde]

Thanks for all the posts, good and bad. Didn't think I would stir up a hornets nest. Not being an engineer but having built cabinets for over 20 years I do feel confident in my design. As for designs useing 2x4's, 2x6's and even 4x4's that's also fine. Better safe than sorry.

When I return to this project after the first of the year I'll keep you posted. When it's complete if the tank hits the floor you'll be the first to know.

Thanks again, Jack

 

[sleepydoc]

Yes, People can get pretty fired up about stuff.

The stand looks quite nice and from what I can tell in the pictures, your past cabinetry experience shows. The big differences between an aquarium stand and a traditional cabinet are the sheer weight that it has to support, how it has to support it at specific points and the problems brought on by any bowing or deformation.

Be sure to post pictures when you start working again. As a hobby woodworker, I always like to see other people's work!

 

[uncleof6]

My eyes just ain't as good as they used to be, I withdraw my statements with apologies. I would concur that it should be a single piece of plywood, for the support structure, but other than that, fully functional. I don't have a problem with 1 x's used in construction, just feel a single cutout sheet would be stronger.

 

[vader88]

Should be fine. I have a 6 ft long with no center support.

 

[JaYbIrD1969]

The load bearing integrity of this design is absolutely fine. I would trust it 100% on this size tank. the one thing that would concern me a bit is its shear (racking) strength.

I would be much more comfortable adding even a small shear panel to the back of the cabinet. Say a peice of 3/4" ply thats the length of the stand and about 12" high. Install it to the upper portion of the stand in back. Screw or staple it to the legs and the deck. this would connect three sides of the structure with a panel to prevent racking.

looks really nice! looking forward to seeing done

 

[jackde]

Start of trim work

Start of trim work

Whooooo! what a PITA trying to find cherry moldings. Have 2 local factorys that make hard wood molding but not in cherry. Found a place about an hour away and got about $375 of molding for $35. Heres what we've come up with for the top. Still have to design the bottom.

 

[jackde]

Played with bottom trim last night, this is what I ended up with.

 

[Tigé21v]

Stand looks awesome. Liking all that space in the workshop too.
Why did your son ask you to build it? Is it because he's not allowed in your workshop? lol

 

[jackde]

Stand looks awesome. Liking all that space in the workshop too.
Why did your son ask you to build it? Is it because he's not allowed in your workshop? lol

Between 2 sons and a son in law my shop gets used alot. The oldest doesn't like woodworking much and they all think grandpa has to much time on his hands.

 

[sleepydoc]

If that's the result of having too much time on your hands I couldn't disagree more!

 

[sleepydoc]

Double post

 

[EricShane]

Wow jack, wish you were my dad are you looking to addopt? I need stuf too lol jk

 

[Franklin B.]

Really nice stand. Love the design.

 

[jackde]

Starting Canopy

Starting Canopy

Decided to get back into the shop and start on the canopy. Didn't get very far till I ran out of wood.

Doing front doors for feeding.

Flip up top for working in tank.

 

[jackde]

Finished trim work on canopy.

Now need to build doors for the base cabinet.

 

[zakstrong]

beautiful i dove head first into woodworking. got all the tools benches, but my skills arent quite or nearly as good.

 

[jackde]

beautiful i dove head first into woodworking. got all the tools benches, but my skills arent quite or nearly as good.

Like anything else the skills will come. Although not reef related here are a few of the projects I have done.

http://s1069.photobucket.com/albums/u464/johndemitruk/cabints/

 

[Mrs. Music]

Beautiful stand! Thanks for sharing.

 

[sleepydoc]

Is that maple? How're you planning on finishing it?