I'm at work right now but I got the Plywood last night!!! I'm going to start tonight... soooo excited.... will get some photos up on the start of this and as much work as I can get done today
Ready for the Test Build
- Thread starter BigDaddyK
- Start date
Between Kids and second job I didn't get much done 
I did get the back pieces of Ply glued together
Note the inspector in the window
I used 1 1/4" Drywall screws to hold the two pieces together while the glue dries. I had to clamp the pieces together to make sure i had a nice tight fit.
I didn't go crazy with the screws as realistically they are to keep a nice tight seal while the glue dries. There are only 3 rows of screws. Top Bottom and Middle. I did go every 4" to ensure even pressure while the glue sets. I set my Drill to put the screws in gently so none blew threw into where the tank will be epoxied
Thats it for tonight.. I'd like to do more but I can't use power tools too late as my 4yr is a light sleeper and the garage is attached to the house. I'm hoping to make all my cuts tomorrow night then it's just a cordless drill. I think I can get away with that.
I did get the back pieces of Ply glued together
Note the inspector in the window
I used 1 1/4" Drywall screws to hold the two pieces together while the glue dries. I had to clamp the pieces together to make sure i had a nice tight fit.
I didn't go crazy with the screws as realistically they are to keep a nice tight seal while the glue dries. There are only 3 rows of screws. Top Bottom and Middle. I did go every 4" to ensure even pressure while the glue sets. I set my Drill to put the screws in gently so none blew threw into where the tank will be epoxied
Thats it for tonight.. I'd like to do more but I can't use power tools too late as my 4yr is a light sleeper and the garage is attached to the house. I'm hoping to make all my cuts tomorrow night then it's just a cordless drill. I think I can get away with that.
Got a response from the StarPhire guy in the area. He states that he wouldn't use 1/2" glass on this build. The finished open window is going to be approx 26" I'd love some feedback form you all.
Well got a little further tonight. Here's a pic or three
for reference, a shot of the back of the tank against my tv stand. tv is a 42".
Getting ready to put the back up.
I really screwed up in gluing both pieces together before getting them secured to the tank. 1.5" of plywood is much more difficult to bend than 3/4" plywood. It has a slight bow from sitting in the pile and that bow is proving difficult to deal with at this point. Luckily a friend contacted me to see where I'm at and hopefully before end of tonight I'll have a photo of the back and at least one side.
for reference, a shot of the back of the tank against my tv stand. tv is a 42".
Getting ready to put the back up.
I really screwed up in gluing both pieces together before getting them secured to the tank. 1.5" of plywood is much more difficult to bend than 3/4" plywood. It has a slight bow from sitting in the pile and that bow is proving difficult to deal with at this point. Luckily a friend contacted me to see where I'm at and hopefully before end of tonight I'll have a photo of the back and at least one side.
What a task getting that 1 1/2" plywood into place... it was NOT easy. I'm whoooped. Got it into place though I'm happy overall but its not as precise as I usually accept. I broke 2 clamps trying to force things into place. I have to deal with a 1/16" out of square tank. Really not pleased with that but it was clearly not going to get any better. Here's a shot of the back in place.
Hey man best of luck to you. I just finished my 330 and got it filled this past weekend and it was awsome. Now that i know how to do it im sure as hell to go much MUCH bigger haha. good luck
hey on the glass thickness. The height of my glass was 27" and once set in the viewing size is 24 3/4" i went with the 1/2 inch glass and its going just fine. What are you planning on sealing it with?
