Best way to make a stand cheap?

[KLee79]

i agree with most of the people on here- 2x4's would be the cheapest. you could build the frame like pharoahs thread then put a veneer over the frame. Or you could try to just use hardwood like pine. I made a stand with the cheaper pine-1x4's. just be selective on the pieces you buy and you could end up with a nice stand after sanding. heres a pic of the stand. i can try to find building pics if you need em..

 

[hillbilly]

I made this stand for a 125 out of scrap wood that came off shipping crates from Brazil, and the frame from 2"x4"s from Lowes.

 

[Eric A]

Some scrap wood hillbilly.

I think just to be safe 2x3"...

If possible i'd like to see as many building pics as possible.

Thanks.

 

[hillbilly]

Some scrap wood hillbilly.

I think just to be safe 2x3"...

If possible i'd like to see as many building pics as possible.

Thanks.

Yep. The frame was built with 2"x4"s, then shipping crates that used 1"x4"s 83" long were ripped apart, nails pulled out, ripped down to 3" wide on the table saw to insure straight edges, and then cut to size, nailed over the frame, and used as the sides, front, doors, floor, everything. Moulding was added, as was cabinet hardware. Then the whole thing was sanded, stained, and spar urethane was applied to give it shine and water protection. It cost peanuts to build, and of course, some of my spare time. I'm sorry I didn't take building pics, it never crossed my mind at the time, I just wanted to give you an idea what you could do for very little money. I built this thing a year or so ago.

 

[canucksfan1]

i built a stand for my 120 gallon tank and used only 2x4s. Lots of people suggest doubling them up or using 4x4s but 2x4's on end are plenty strong enough to hold it.

 

[Eric A]

Cheers i'll be going 2x3s then.

 

[hybridtheoryd16]

Good luck and post pics when done.

 

[MississippiNative]

Simplest way I've found is to build two rectangles that match the size of the tank (LxW). Then spread those out by the measurement that you want for the height of the stand. Take six more 2x4's all cut at the EXACT same length and attach to the four corners and middle of the two long sides, turned with the wide face facing the front and back. Now cut some luan (doorskin material, available in birch, maple, and oak) for the back and the sides to enclose, cut strips to cover all the 2x4's. Add doors and you end up with a nice looking stand. Dont forget to use wood glue on all joints, its cheap, like $4 a bottle, but it will make your joints stronger than the wood surrounding them, cheap insurance. I'll post drawings of the stand i described when I get home from work if you're interested.

 

[Eric A]

Simplest way I've found is to build two rectangles that match the size of the tank (LxW). Then spread those out by the measurement that you want for the height of the stand. Take six more 2x4's all cut at the EXACT same length and attach to the four corners and middle of the two long sides, turned with the wide face facing the front and back. Now cut some luan (doorskin material, available in birch, maple, and oak) for the back and the sides to enclose, cut strips to cover all the 2x4's. Add doors and you end up with a nice looking stand. Dont forget to use wood glue on all joints, its cheap, like $4 a bottle, but it will make your joints stronger than the wood surrounding them, cheap insurance. I'll post drawings of the stand i described when I get home from work if you're interested.

Yes please. I think I get what you mean, but you don't mention how to secure the two rectangles. I don't think i'd be comfortable using wood glue.

 

[MississippiNative]

Check out this link.

http://www.garf.org/stand.html#STAND

They make stands like I'm talking about, and even include worksheets that you can fill in with your own tank measurements. Check it out.

As for the glue, you use it in addition to screws or nails, supposedly it's strong enough on its own, but I've never trusted it alone, just adds a bit of extra strength. You can dip your wood screws in the glue and it will help to lock them in the wood so they don't back out and make the stand wobbly.