Aquarium Stands: how to build

Plecosterone

Plecosterone

We don't need no stinking badges!
Jan 25, 2007
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Windsor, Ontario, Canada
home.cogeco.ca
Hello All
I need some some feedback on some plans I have designed for a DIY stand. What I need is a few things answered.
Could you build this stand with the plans supplied?
If not, why?
Is there anything missing in the directions?
Could anything be added?
Could anything come out?
Is it laid out ligically?
It is so hard to edit your own writing.
This is much reading but should give anyone a better understanding about building stands, and the knowledge to build thier own very nice stand.
If you have time available: answers would be appreciated.
Plans are here http://home.cogeco.ca/~plecosterone/Aquarium Stands.htm
 
I have been doing woodworking since I was 6. (soon to be 39). I must say you did a good job with this project. I would probably have went into a little bit of detail on a few things such as "compression strength", etc. However, I think you covered the process pretty well.

A few things I noticed.

The first is that you use "MDF" and "MDO". The "MDO" is primarily on the second page but appears on the first as well.

Under "Notes", there is no mention of "Measure twice. Cut once." I would also advise the reader to avoid using ink markers for layout and measurements as it has a tendency to soak in. Thus, causing a great deal of unnecessary sanding. (Been there, done that. Wasnt fun.)

"If you do make one, buy another sheet and you will enough to make the doors." Insert "have" between "will" and "enough".

While sanding all edges drink beer and get ready to prime and paint your cabinet. If using MDF, might HIGHLY suggest the use of a dust mask. Not sure if I have ever seen finer sawdust.

DeMonZ's Tip: A small piece of scrap wood makes a great dust cover for your beer. You'll need it!

That's all for now. Maybe, when you have the chance, you could build one based off of your instructions. Take pictures along the way and add them into your tutorial. I think it would really liven it up.

Once again, good job.

Regards,
DeMonZ
 
Sorry, should have addressed these in the previous post.

Could you build this stand with the plans supplied? If not, why?
I could. Could someone with little to no experience? Hard to say. Why? Because people are not satisfied with the basics. They have to customize anything and everything. This design is good but doesn't, IMO, lend itself to a great deal of customizing. Yes, it can be done, but the structure of it cant be changed much. This is where I think the person with little or no experience will go wrong.

Is there anything missing in the directions?
Again, for me, not really. For someone with little to no experience, yes. Not saying all, but most need precise step-by-step instructions and detailed plans.

Could anything be added?
Yes. IMO, as I said in the post above, images of actual construction would liven up the article and make it more appealing.

Could anything come out?
There might be something here and there that is unnecessary, but it was so trivial that I cant remember what it might have been. There is always "fat" in any writing.

Is it laid out ligically?
Seemed to be.

Also, I realize that this article is not meant for the fella that just got his first drill and a set of tools this past Christmas. But, you know as well as I do that some guy out there will try to build it using the hack saw he bought to cut off his exhaust, a butter knife and his kids school glue.:eek:
 
Thanks again, I don't know how I forgot the dusk mask. Could be that I have a good dust collection system. Sure is fine dust.

"Could someone with little to no experience? Hard to say. Why? Because people are not satisfied with the basics. They have to customize anything and everything. This design is good but doesn't, IMO, lend itself to a great deal of customizing. Yes, it can be done, but the structure of it cant be changed much. This is where I think the person with little or no experience will go wrong."

Hopefully they will stick to the plans, that is why I laid it out they way it is. Not specific. Everything below the top is based on the top dimensions, no matter what the size it will come out basically the same. If someone needs to chang the plans then they should not even need them in the first place.

"Is there anything missing in the directions?
Again, for me, not really. For someone with little to no experience, yes. Not saying all, but most need precise step-by-step instructions and detailed plans."

"Precise step-by-step instructions and detailed plans" are pretty hard to do with this kind of plan that is so adaptable. If it was for on specific size tank, yes it would be alot easier.

"Also, I realize that this article is not meant for the fella that just got his first drill and a set of tools this past Christmas. But, you know as well as I do that some guy out there will try to build it using the hack saw he bought to cut off his exhaust, a butter knife and his kids school glue."

You and I know it, but if he follows the plans including the tools he just might make one that resembles the plan.
Thanks again.
 
Nice layout. Pretty clear instructions. I don't care for the overhang that supports the top; prefer direct support for the tank to the floor.

I'd never do the particle board or MDO thing. No real holding power for fastners. Let alone water resistance.

I agree that 2x4 construction is not needed for many stands. I use 1x stock, sheathed on the exterior with 3/8" cabinet grade plywood and on the inside with 1/4" plywood.
 
Nice guide, very clear, and informing. Good work!
 
Last edited:
Hi Pleco...

First... Great article. I'm a woodworker myself -though no carpenter! -Just picked up my new table saw today, a nice Delta Hybrid saw... Can't wait to get it together.

It's good to see someone else advocating that 2x4's are overkill for the average tank.

Lastly, What program did yo use for your drawings?
 
wackydan said:
Hi Pleco...

First... Great article. I'm a woodworker myself -though no carpenter! -Just picked up my new table saw today, a nice Delta Hybrid saw... Can't wait to get it together.

It's good to see someone else advocating that 2x4's are overkill for the average tank.

Lastly, What program did yo use for your drawings?
Click to expand...

Believe it or not, I used Photoshop. Just because I can read blueprints and draw them doesn't give me the initiative to learn a HUGE program like AutoCad..although I probably will eventually.
 
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