I'll be using this thread as a journal/build-thread for my stand. I know it's not a Monster stand, but the same initial concepts apply... and we can't have too many build threads here, now can we?
MODELING:
I've put in a little bit of time into the model of my stand. I'm looking to get some feedback on the design. I've never used a modeling program before, so please bear with me.
Preliminary Lumber Used (quantity not figured):
2x4's for construction
1x4's for trim
1/2" oak plywood for sheeting and floor (may actually go 1/4" for sheeting)
1x2's for sheeting support
This first image is the core structure. I'm using 2x4's. The dimensions of the stand are 50"Lx20"Wx37"H. Dimensions of the tank are 48"Lx18"Wx17"H. I'm building with an inch of wiggle room on all sides.
Next we have the plywood "floor" in-place. Not much special here. Going with 1/2" oak plywood. Notice the cutouts. The 2x4 "nailers" will fill these spots.
I decided to add "nailers" to serve as both extra support and to give a flush surface to install the finishing sheeting to. I don't think I need the "nailer" in the back-center support, but it won't hurt any.
Up next is the sheeting. In the model, I ended up going with 1/2", but not on purpose. Just a careless mistake. I'm thinking 1/4" oak plywood will be just fine. I have also opted to NOT put anything on the back side since it will only be seen when the cabinet doors are open. It's hard to see in the screenshot, but the sheeting extends 1" above/below the front cut-out. This was done in mind to give a "lip" or a trim when the cabinet doors are opened.
And finally, I put on the molding/trim. I went with 1x4, complete with the miter cut. I decided to go with both top trim and bottom trim. Top trim extends 1.5" above the top of the tank. I think that's a decent height.
So there are my preliminary models. I'm not fond of the SketchUp wood textures, but oh well. It's a free program. Also, I haven't added the cabinet doors yet. I need to see what is available at my local Home Improvement store before I sketch up a rough draft of them. I do have some questions before I start the actual build, though:
1) I put a "lip" or trim in the front cut-outs. I was thinking that a strip of 1x1 or 1x2 behind it would be ideal to reinforce the 1/4" plywood. I'm also thinking that I may not need the "lip" at all. I realize this may be a hard concept to explain without a screenshot, but if anyone understands what I'm saying, do you have any thoughts about it? Is it needed? Should I reinforce the ply as mentioned above?
2) Is the stand constructed well enough for a 65 gallon tank? I'm not an engineer so I'm not really sure on how it SHOULD be built.
3) Will I be OK going without a plywood top or should I plan to put one in? I plan to use a 1" piece of foam as a cushion.
4) Should I go with 1/2" plywood for the trim or would 1/4" be sufficient? I would think that 1/4" would work due to how the core of the structure is built and not having the need to use the sheeting as extra strength to the stand.
MODELING:
I've put in a little bit of time into the model of my stand. I'm looking to get some feedback on the design. I've never used a modeling program before, so please bear with me.
Preliminary Lumber Used (quantity not figured):
2x4's for construction
1x4's for trim
1/2" oak plywood for sheeting and floor (may actually go 1/4" for sheeting)
1x2's for sheeting support
This first image is the core structure. I'm using 2x4's. The dimensions of the stand are 50"Lx20"Wx37"H. Dimensions of the tank are 48"Lx18"Wx17"H. I'm building with an inch of wiggle room on all sides.
Next we have the plywood "floor" in-place. Not much special here. Going with 1/2" oak plywood. Notice the cutouts. The 2x4 "nailers" will fill these spots.
I decided to add "nailers" to serve as both extra support and to give a flush surface to install the finishing sheeting to. I don't think I need the "nailer" in the back-center support, but it won't hurt any.
Up next is the sheeting. In the model, I ended up going with 1/2", but not on purpose. Just a careless mistake. I'm thinking 1/4" oak plywood will be just fine. I have also opted to NOT put anything on the back side since it will only be seen when the cabinet doors are open. It's hard to see in the screenshot, but the sheeting extends 1" above/below the front cut-out. This was done in mind to give a "lip" or a trim when the cabinet doors are opened.
And finally, I put on the molding/trim. I went with 1x4, complete with the miter cut. I decided to go with both top trim and bottom trim. Top trim extends 1.5" above the top of the tank. I think that's a decent height.
So there are my preliminary models. I'm not fond of the SketchUp wood textures, but oh well. It's a free program. Also, I haven't added the cabinet doors yet. I need to see what is available at my local Home Improvement store before I sketch up a rough draft of them. I do have some questions before I start the actual build, though:
1) I put a "lip" or trim in the front cut-outs. I was thinking that a strip of 1x1 or 1x2 behind it would be ideal to reinforce the 1/4" plywood. I'm also thinking that I may not need the "lip" at all. I realize this may be a hard concept to explain without a screenshot, but if anyone understands what I'm saying, do you have any thoughts about it? Is it needed? Should I reinforce the ply as mentioned above?
2) Is the stand constructed well enough for a 65 gallon tank? I'm not an engineer so I'm not really sure on how it SHOULD be built.
3) Will I be OK going without a plywood top or should I plan to put one in? I plan to use a 1" piece of foam as a cushion.
4) Should I go with 1/2" plywood for the trim or would 1/4" be sufficient? I would think that 1/4" would work due to how the core of the structure is built and not having the need to use the sheeting as extra strength to the stand.
Nothing special about my stand. It's really just a compilation of a few different stand designs I've seen on THIS forum.