DIY Stands Template and Calculator - Page 9

MVlk · 03/25/2009, 03:00 PM

You have a number of questions at this point and answering them all in the forum is a bit too much typing for me... send me a PM with you # and I'd be happy to talk with you on the phone.

FYI, I was just as nervous before I got going on it.

amay121 · 03/27/2009, 11:54 AM

Ughh... I can't get anything to come up straight. I think I'll just tear things apart and start fresh. How do you guys get everything so straight?

Reefer2727 · 03/27/2009, 12:06 PM

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.

MVlk · 03/27/2009, 12:22 PM

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...

uncleof6 · 03/27/2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by amay121
Ughh... I can't get anything to come up straight. I think I'll just tear things apart and start fresh. How do you guys get everything so straight?

Common problem with using 2 x 4, unless you can rip them down from larger lumber, to get everything straight. Or have a planer, table saw, chop saw............. this thread is about 2 x 4 stands so will go no further.

Regards,

Jim

MVlk · 03/27/2009, 01:43 PM

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.

Nanook · 03/30/2009, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RocketEngineer

I am looking to build a 37"W x 31"D x 36" H stand and was wanting to know if this design would be adequate for a 36x30x31 145g tank? Since the stand is pretty high, I am concerned about it being very stable.

Rhodes19 · 03/30/2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nanook
I am looking to build a 37"W x 31"D x 36" H stand and was wanting to know if this design would be adequate for a 36x30x31 145g tank? Since the stand is pretty high, I am concerned about it being very stable.

I'm thinking it will be ok. At least I hope so. My stand for my 180 g will be 36" tall. I believe I have seen taller stand on this tread and the thread for fancy stands.

loveless · 03/30/2009, 09:02 AM

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.

[IMG]

[/IMG] [IMG]

[/IMG]

Rhodes19 · 03/30/2009, 09:25 AM

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.

MVlk · 03/30/2009, 09:50 AM

Looks good Rhodes19. Have fun with the paint... that is the biggest pain in my opinion.

paenian · 03/30/2009, 11:07 AM

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?

buccard · 03/30/2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MVlk
Looks good Rhodes19. Have fun with the paint... that is the biggest pain in my opinion.

I totally agree-painting is a pain-if you dont take your time and do it well-it can turn a good build ugly

CoRPS · 03/30/2009, 09:30 PM

Picking up the lumber tomorrow. If I want the stand to be roughly 4' tall how many 8' 2x4's should I buy?

uncleof6 · 03/30/2009, 09:42 PM

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

CoRPS · 03/30/2009, 09:55 PM

Jim, I hadn't seen that calculator before! Thanks

uncleof6 · 03/30/2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CoRPS
Jim, I hadn't seen that calculator before! Thanks

Welcome

J

CoRPS · 03/31/2009, 08:57 AM

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.

MVlk · 03/31/2009, 10:24 AM

Pre-drilling is almost always a best practice. I highly recommend for this project as you do not want to compromise the integrity of the wood with a split.

CoRPS · 03/31/2009, 10:27 AM

Yeah I started to pre-drill just incase before I saw your comment. Thanks!

Waiting for the drill to recharge, but so far I've got the base frame done, just two more screws and I'm ready to put on the legs and screw strips.

MVlk · 03/31/2009, 10:30 AM

Good luck with the rest. It is a satisfying little build.

spllbnd2 · 03/31/2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CoRPS
Picking up the lumber tomorrow. If I want the stand to be roughly 4' tall how many 8' 2x4's should I buy?

I know that everytime I make a lumber run I end up going back a second time as I did not do my figures correct.

Cheers and post pics when you have a chance,
Alex

CoRPS · 03/31/2009, 11:07 AM

I bought 10 eight footers just to be safe. I think I'll have some extra for a side project

CoRPS · 03/31/2009, 11:41 AM

HUGE oversight!!

I won't be able to use a 55g fuge

MVlk · 03/31/2009, 01:06 PM

Seems like the fuge/sump size is often an issue. I got lucky in that mine is not going under my tank or I am sure I would have not reailized I had an issue till I had built the darn thing. I made one mistake as it is and not adding a second was lucky.

Here is my finished stand in place:

03/25/2009, 03:00 PM	#201
MVlk Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mount Juliet, TN Posts: 1,440	You have a number of questions at this point and answering them all in the forum is a bit too much typing for me... send me a PM with you # and I'd be happy to talk with you on the phone. FYI, I was just as nervous before I got going on it. __________________ Michael Visit my homepage for my build thread. Hey.. it's just my opinion... I could be wrong... Current Tank Info: None

03/27/2009, 12:22 PM	#204
MVlk Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mount Juliet, TN Posts: 1,440	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... __________________ Michael Visit my homepage for my build thread. Hey.. it's just my opinion... I could be wrong... Current Tank Info: None

03/27/2009, 01:43 PM	#206
MVlk Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mount Juliet, TN Posts: 1,440	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. __________________ Michael Visit my homepage for my build thread. Hey.. it's just my opinion... I could be wrong... Current Tank Info: None

03/30/2009, 09:02 AM	#209
loveless Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta Canada Posts: 16	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. [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] Last edited by Misled; 04/12/2018 at 06:52 PM.

03/30/2009, 09:25 AM	#210
Rhodes19 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 971	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 Misled; 04/12/2018 at 06:53 PM.

03/27/2009, 11:54 AM	#202
amay121 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: WV Posts: 182	Ughh... I can't get anything to come up straight. I think I'll just tear things apart and start fresh. How do you guys get everything so straight?

03/27/2009, 12:06 PM	#203
Reefer2727 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 995	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.

03/30/2009, 09:50 AM	#211
MVlk Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mount Juliet, TN Posts: 1,440	Looks good Rhodes19. Have fun with the paint... that is the biggest pain in my opinion. __________________ Michael Visit my homepage for my build thread. Hey.. it's just my opinion... I could be wrong... Current Tank Info: None

03/30/2009, 11:07 AM	#212
paenian Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vienna, VA Posts: 1	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? __________________ maybe I'm the one Current Tank Info: full of goops.

03/30/2009, 09:30 PM	#214
CoRPS Big Time Reefer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: P-RINE Posts: 2,887	Picking up the lumber tomorrow. If I want the stand to be roughly 4' tall how many 8' 2x4's should I buy?

03/30/2009, 09:42 PM	#215
uncleof6 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: AWOL Posts: 12,013	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 __________________ "Things should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." (oft attributed to Einstein; most likely paraphrasing by Roger Sessions; compactly articulates the principle of Occam's Razor) Current Tank Info: 325 6' wide Reef

03/30/2009, 09:55 PM	#216
CoRPS Big Time Reefer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: P-RINE Posts: 2,887	Jim, I hadn't seen that calculator before! Thanks

03/31/2009, 08:57 AM	#218
CoRPS Big Time Reefer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: P-RINE Posts: 2,887	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.

03/31/2009, 10:24 AM	#219
MVlk Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mount Juliet, TN Posts: 1,440	Pre-drilling is almost always a best practice. I highly recommend for this project as you do not want to compromise the integrity of the wood with a split. __________________ Michael Visit my homepage for my build thread. Hey.. it's just my opinion... I could be wrong... Current Tank Info: None

03/31/2009, 10:27 AM	#220
CoRPS Big Time Reefer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: P-RINE Posts: 2,887	Yeah I started to pre-drill just incase before I saw your comment. Thanks! Waiting for the drill to recharge, but so far I've got the base frame done, just two more screws and I'm ready to put on the legs and screw strips.

03/31/2009, 10:30 AM	#221
MVlk Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mount Juliet, TN Posts: 1,440	Good luck with the rest. It is a satisfying little build. __________________ Michael Visit my homepage for my build thread. Hey.. it's just my opinion... I could be wrong... Current Tank Info: None

03/31/2009, 11:07 AM	#223
CoRPS Big Time Reefer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: P-RINE Posts: 2,887	I bought 10 eight footers just to be safe. I think I'll have some extra for a side project

03/31/2009, 11:41 AM	#224
CoRPS Big Time Reefer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: P-RINE Posts: 2,887	HUGE oversight!! I won't be able to use a 55g fuge

03/31/2009, 01:06 PM	#225
MVlk Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mount Juliet, TN Posts: 1,440	Seems like the fuge/sump size is often an issue. I got lucky in that mine is not going under my tank or I am sure I would have not reailized I had an issue till I had built the darn thing. I made one mistake as it is and not adding a second was lucky. Here is my finished stand in place: __________________ Michael Visit my homepage for my build thread. Hey.. it's just my opinion... I could be wrong... Current Tank Info: None