DIY Stand Q's

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FSM

FSM

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MFK Member
Jan 1, 2008
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Georgia
If I was to build a 48'"x18" stand, would making the skeleton/supports out of 2x4s and covering the front and sides with plywood work? It seems like there isn't really anything special that would have to be done. Does it matter what kind of plywood I use, if it is going to be painted black anyway?
 
Should work fine. 4x4's work great if you have the tools to cut them for the legs then 2x4's across the top. Basically you take the 4x4 and you notch out 2 sides at the top of each one so the 2x4's rest flush in the notches and all the weight is on the 4x4 and the only job the screws/nails have is holding them together and not supporting the weight. Then do the same a few inches from the bottoms of the 4x4 to accept additional 2x4 for bracing. If you use the 4x4 you can get much thiner but a much nicer grade of plywood and use a nice finish on it rather than paint. :D
 
You can build the entire stand out of 2x4s without a problem. As far as covering it with plywood. You can use whatever you like. I prefer oak plywood cause when you paint it, the grain of the wood will show through. It looks fantastic. Check out my thread. I built the exact stand you are talking about.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125445
 
Pharaoh;2315800; said:
You can build the entire stand out of 2x4s without a problem. As far as covering it with plywood. You can use whatever you like. I prefer oak plywood cause when you paint it, the grain of the wood will show through. It looks fantastic. Check out my thread. I built the exact stand you are talking about.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125445
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Nice stand! I made a sketchup on the legs I was talking about. whichever way you go all 2x4 or 2x4 and 4x4 dont make it so the nails or screws are supporting the weight of the tank let the wood support it like Pharaoh did on his stand.

Here are the pics of the legs just for the hell of it.
Leg1.jpg

leg2.jpg
 
FSM;2315557; said:
If I was to build a 48'"x18" stand, would making the skeleton/supports out of 2x4s and covering the front and sides with plywood work? It seems like there isn't really anything special that would have to be done. Does it matter what kind of plywood I use, if it is going to be painted black anyway?
Click to expand...

This should be fine. Grade of plywood is more important for staining IMO, if you are going to paint it you don't need the nicer stuff. But even with paint, sometimes you can tell its crappy plywood.
 
For a stain, go with something with a nice grain since it'll show through. If you're doing a paint coat where the grain won't been seen, any grade should be alright.
 
I'm pretty sure the only electric saw I have is a regular circular saw, so the tank you built looks like it would be very simple and easy to make.

thanks
 
FSM;2318583; said:
I'm pretty sure the only electric saw I have is a regular circular saw, so the tank you built looks like it would be very simple and easy to make.

thanks
Click to expand...

The miter saw is all you'll need to cut the legs and framing from 2x4s. A table saw would be helpful to cut the skin, but you may be able to make do with a jig saw if you have a steady hand.
 
Pharaoh, how heavy was that stand?
 
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