Advice For Building A New Stand/cabinet

[attibones]

As it turns out, I like building things, and I am in need on a new cabinet for my 55 gallon. It needs to hold about 650 pounds. I have a few questions though:

Are there any good places where I can quickly and accurately (and easily?) draw up a plan for the cabinet? Or are there any places which offer up free plans for downloading?

What would be the sturdiest wood for my purposes? About how much should I get?

If any of you have done anything like this before, do you remember how much it cost you? Are there any ways to save some money?

Any sort of tips would be excellent. I've never done this sort of thing before, but my dad promised he would come visit in April and maybe help me out. I have all the necessary tools except a saw, but I can borrow one of those, me thinks.

 

[DrRob]

There are quite a few DIY stand builds spread though this section, have a seach.
 
I've built a very cheap stand, but it was temporary and didn't need to look much. I know someone else with a 3 foot by 3 foot tank that he stands on pallets with a cloth over them.
 
The really nice thing about having a DIY stand is that you can match it to whatever you want and make it to fit exactly what you need it to, be it sumps, filters or anything else.
 
Personally I use simple smooth planed pine for the structure, mainly because it's cheap and readily available. Depending on budget and requirements roofing metal braces can be great for the corners.
 
The main thing to remember is that, although it's easy to put in enough structure to hold the weight up it has to be able to withstand knocks that will try to push it out of line, so bracing is key.

 

[attibones]

I've looked at a couple of the other threads, but I have a hard time applying them to my specific needs, like measurements and such. However, I have picked up a few ideas I'd like to use.

My budget is pretty tight, but I know I can swing for some pine. I'm not concerned about it looking fantastic, just supporting my tank and providing me with ample storage, as I do have plenty of equipment for my tanks.

I know google has a program for drawing up blue prints. I was going to have a go at that, see what I can't conjure up.

What sort of bracing should I be considering? I was thinking about doubling the sides of the stand with extra wood, or, if budget allows, reinforcing the sides with metal. My dad usually has some spare copper lying about. Would this be a good reinforcement? It might not be strong enough, considering he builds copper bottle trees.

 

[sputnick]

google sketch up is what your talking about i think and its a decent free program for 3D drafting. also you can download the EDUCATIONAL version of AutoCAD for free. or a simple pencil and ruler work pretty well too 

 
as far as bracing goes, T shape is strong, but another thing you need to keep in mind is the joints. your stand is only as strong as your joint. If you need help on picking out what kind of joints or need any other wood working help, i know quite a bit. I'm the best woodworker in my high school. I've taken all the classes and have first hand experience at building cabinets and many other things. So if you need help don't be afraid to ask! (same with the drafting aspect, took all the AutoCAD classes as I'm going to college for mechanical engineering. i also have a little experience with google sketch up)


Thinking about this, this is what i would do as it would save money and be exceptionaly strong. First buy some 2"x4"s then build your basic frame using wood screws. Then cut your pine boards and glue them to make panels and doors. As well as any shelves. Then once they are dry, and cut to size you can screw them into place over your 2"x4"s from the back side. This way you wont see any screw holes from the outside.

 

[attibones]

I've drawn up a rough diagram, and I found a pretty good template I like on sketch up. I went to my local home improvement warehouse, wandered about for a long time until I finally found some lumber (all the way across the warehouse), and had a peek there. I showed my draft to a guy who suggested building a plywood base, reinforced with pine studs. If I get a chance, I'll post an image of my sketch. I'll definitely take you up on your offer for assistance.

What sort of saw should I use to cut the pine? I only have a small hacksaw, but my sister bent it when she was trying to cut some plastic or something. I'm sure it would still work, of course.

 

[sputnick]

i wouldn't waist my time with plywood but thats your choice. as for a saw your gonna need more than a hacksaw. idealy you would have an electrical chop saw but you will get by just fine with one of these. http/www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/hand-tools/saws-cutting-tools/fatmax-9pt-15-sharp-tooth-saw/p-1797097-c-9123.htm a coarse tooth will do. the finer the teeth or the greater number of teeth per inch on the saw is generaly for metal or plastic. The 9pt refers to 9 teeth per inch. 

 

[bullit]

Without reading the whole thread go on youtube and search how to make a aquarium stand. The blokes called joey. I did a similar build to his but when i cladded it my mdf came flush with the tank, youll know what i mean when you see it. Ive just built mine for a 5x2x2 and cost about £65, thats for hood aswell, swinging doors etc. You could just clad it with magnets or clips, then just tkae the whole panel off when wanted to in. cheers

 

[dgwebster]

I dont think I have ever met a tuber who liked the sound of their own voice that much before. Some vids are not detailed enough, his, too much on the details we dont want to bother with.