Aluminum aquarium stand

[new_orleans_guy]

Thanks, will post more pictures after welding and cleaned up.

 

[new_orleans_guy]

I am glad to be finally making some progress on it.

 

[new_orleans_guy]

 

[new_orleans_guy]

 

[new_orleans_guy]

Welded and grinded, now i am trying to decide whether or not to paint it or just leave it raw aluminum. Aquarium has been ordered.

 

[reeftanker17]

Welded and grinded, now i am trying to decide whether or not to paint it or just leave it raw aluminum. Aquarium has been ordered.

I think it's pretty dang cool.... seeing as I have a wood stand..... any way to like buff it up and make the whole thing shine?...... I'd keep it the same ... just my opinion

 

[new_orleans_guy]

I still plan to wrap it in wood to finish it out. But i could Polish.

 

[ethridge78]

Very nice

 

[new_orleans_guy]

Thank you

 

[new_orleans_guy]

 

[new_orleans_guy]

Starting the wood exterior of stand now.

 

[reefwiser]

How are you going to attach the wood?

 

[new_orleans_guy]

Will screw wood to aluminum from inside.

 

[Piranhapat]

Very nice. How much lighter is it?

 

[new_orleans_guy]

Compared to steel? I am not sure. I built it with aluminum because it doesn't rust a doest better in saltwater environment.

 

[Engloid]

I wouldnt bother polishing it. Its going to corrode from the saltwater. Even without the water, oxidation would require you polish it every few months to keep it shiny. I would have it powdercoated. That will help it to stay looking good. Also.....did you put bevels on the joints? Aluminum tube seems bad about cracking if you dont bevel, and then grind the weld flush.

 

[new_orleans_guy]

Thanks for the input all the proper steps were done in building the aluminum structure for stand. I do metal fabrication work for a living. All aluminum is marine grade alloy . I am considering having it powder coated, but even without that the stand will easily out live me without being painted.

 

[Engloid]

It will last, yes...but if appearance is important to you, polishing is high maintenance. Thats why I never polish aluminum. Too much work to keep it up.

 

[new_orleans_guy]

The finish on the aluminum from the mill holds up well . Once grinded or etched in any other way oxidation will develop faster.

 

[Engloid]

Is it anodized?