Need help with diy aquarium stand (not experienced with wood)

[Swiftwater]

I wanted to build my own aquarium stand to possibly hold 2 10 gallon tanks or a 20 gallon long, I have never done a project of building and don't know anyone who has, I have a few questions I would like to ask and thank you for answering.

questions

1. How much would it cost to build my idea, please give a a least and max estimate

2. What are the power/ tools, screws, nails, and wood I would need?

3. Is it cheaper to get all the things I need from home depot/lowes or go to a family owned place and get the stuff?

4. What are the chances of me screwing up?

Help!

 

[chesterthehero]

2x4 - $2 each (you will need 2 or 3)
screws - $8 a box
saw - you dont need a powersaw.. a handsaw will work $5
drill - in theory you could just use a screwdriver.. but it would suck.. and everyone should own a drill just because.. $40-$300
level - $10.. another thing everyone should own.. you dont need a 6 foot level.. 2 foot is a great size.. much better than the 8inch pocket levels.. but either would work

you can get everything at HD/lowes.. tools you can even get at harbor freight (they make crap tools.. but for twice a year home use its great)

as for screwing it up... well.. thats on you.. just keep this in mind.. its a tank stand.. which is basicly a box.. boxes are pretty simple..

just make sure its square.. crooked stands = cracked tanks

 

[ghengis]

Measure twice, cut once. Try to do a few mock sketches of your idea, with rough measurements. This will help you get your head around what's needed to be done.

Whilst chester's advice is spot on, you might want to consider hiring some of the tools. I'd highly reccommend a drop-saw/compound mitre saw, as this will make your cuts dead square and dead accurate...

Measure twice, cut once. It might be worthwhile Googling for ideas on DIY tables, as this is essentially what you are making, the principles are the same. You basically want to make two frames that will sit at each end, joined by four (two front, two back) lengths of timber. It's important these frames are dead square before you join them together with the front/back pieces. A neat trick here is to use just one screw at each joining point. Then measure each frame (separately) across diagonally opposite corners, in an "X" fashion. If the frame isn't square, the measurements across each diagonal will be different. Tap the frame gently at one corner with your hammer and measure again. Do this until both diagonals measure the same. Once you have this, drive a second screw into each joint area to hold the frame solid.

Measure twice, cut once. I'm sure you'll be fine.

 

[Liam]

Measure twice, cut once. I'm sure you'll be fine.

if you don't need to save timber - cut on the outside of the lines you've drawn.. then just rasp or file or sand down to the line.

trust me bro... it'll save many headaches if you accidentally cut one two short, by mistake.