Plywood stand design review

[TimeTwister]

What program are you using to do your drawing work?

Sketchup, it is free for the basic version. https://app.sketchup.com/app?hl=en

I would watch a few beginner videos on how to use it just to get the basics.

 

[StephenGlidden]

I have built all my stands from a 120 to a 180 to a 300 and now a 425 gallon, I always do a 2x4 frame with a plywood skin on the outside and then finish it off with pine or oak trim boards depending on the look.
Also built one for a 40 gallon inovative marine and a 150 sca tank

 

[jsker]

Sketchup, it is free for the basic version. https://app.sketchup.com/app?hl=en

I would watch a few beginner videos on how to use it just to get the basics.

I have some things I need to do today, I will try to cad what I want to advise. It will easier

 

[TimeTwister]

I have built all my stands from a 120 to a 180 to a 300 and now a 425 gallon, I always do a 2x4 frame with a plywood skin on the outside and then finish it off with pine or oak trim boards depending on the look.
Also built one for a 40 gallon inovative marine and a 150 sca tank

Stephen, I also planned out a more traditional 2x4 and 2x6 frame concept in case I couldn't settle on a plywood design that I was confident I could build with the tools I have and would be reliable. From previous experience I just know stands like this weigh a ton and are beyond overkill.

 

[StephenGlidden]

Stephen, I also planned out a more traditional 2x4 and 2x6 frame concept in case I couldn't settle on a plywood design that I was confident I could build with the tools I have and would be reliable. From previous experience I just know stands like this weigh a ton and are beyond overkill.

The stands I end up building are so overly heavy it’s not even funny
But I do construction for a living and in my mind it pays to over build sometimes, I just hope I never have to move my stands haha.

 

[vetteguy53081]

If I ONLY HAD ACCESS TO THIS STUFF !!!! I HAD TO BUY MY ENTIRE SURROUND. everyone CALLS IT FURNITURE. I WOULD LOVE TO MODIFY THE CANOPY

 

[Devaji]

OP did you end up building this? updates?

 

[TimeTwister]

OP did you end up building this? updates?

Ended up going with the typical 2x4 and 2x6 construction. Without a decent quality table saw I didn't trust my ability to rip all the plywood pieces needed to get a solid construction. The frame is done, just need to skin it now.

 

[don_chuwish]

Stephen, I also planned out a more traditional 2x4 and 2x6 frame concept in case I couldn't settle on a plywood design that I was confident I could build with the tools I have and would be reliable. From previous experience I just know stands like this weigh a ton and are beyond overkill.

That's very similar to the design I went with - but I did single 2x4 posts at the back. You don't even have to use 2x6 cross braces front to back in the top frame - 1 or 2 2x4s would be plenty and give you more headroom inside. They mainly help keep the front and back beams locked in place equidistant from each other. And now I think about it, if putting a 3/4" plywood top on anyway then they may not be needed at all. Just kinda feels right to have at least one. Same in the bottom.

 

[vetteguy53081]

VERY NICE PLANS AND CONSTRUCTION. WISH I WERE A WOOD PERSON !!