Tank stand - too ambitious?

A decent chop saw can go a long ways to help improve cutting angles accurately. Another option is to buy a t-square or straight edge and clamp it in place with a quick clamp and use it as a guide for your circular saw when making your cuts.

feemia, forgive me for saying (but you asked): I think this may indeed be too ambitious a DIY project at your current skill level. This is a major piece of furniture, which will be a big part of the decor of your home. I consider myself a fair-to-middlin' carpenter/woodworker but strictly amateur grade. I would never compare my abilities to those of a professional who has spent years honing his or her knowledge of the craft.

And as it happens there are a great many such professionals out of work at the moment. Ask around your friends or coworkers if any of them have had work done on their houses lately. Maybe check the phone book for "furniture repair & refinishing." You want a specialist in custom construction; if they don't do it they probably know the local people who do. Or call the local Carpenters Union hiring hall, explain what you're looking to have done and ask them to post the job to their members. Once you find somebody you can show them your plans and what you want to do and get an expert opinion.

Hiring a pro is not only much more likely to get you a good quality product but may even save you money over doing it yourself. Wood--particularly high-quality plywood and pieces like 4x4s--is not cheap. One mis-marked line or mis-cut piece and you have ruined that part and have to buy another one. Plus, a professional will know the best places to buy quality materials at the best price.

Woodworking is fun and very rewarding, but it has a learning curve like anything else. If you want to get good at it start with something smaller and use up your quota of mistakes on that. Maybe a nice stand for a 10g? Then when time comes to tackle something like what you're proposing here you will have more confidence in your abilities and your tools and will have a nice looking, secure and functional piece in the end.

/hoping not to have offended. It is a sign of great wisdom to ask a question like this before starting, rather than get halfway done, realize you're over your head and start asking for help at that point. Good luck with your project.

take your time and ask someone if you arent sure no better way to learn then hands on DIY experience, home depot and lowes are helpful just ask them any questions you have.