Ok, this is FAR from proportionate, but am I getting this right (please forgive my "paint" skills or lack there of).
Stand questions
- Thread starter Lady G
- Start date
Not even close. The 4x is right in the corner. Everything is 2 x 4 for the actual shelves for the tanks. There would be no crossmember at all on the bottom. The 4 x 4 will act as a leg.In the top view what you are seeing for the 4 x 4 is just the remaining wood. The rest of the 4x is under the 2x4 supporting it. The top of the 4 x 4 that is showing is even with the top of the 2x4. I hope this makes sense.
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Here's a photo of a half lap joint. Since you are using 4 x 4 stock however you don't need to cut the 2 x 4. You only notch out the 4 x. It does need to be tight fitting so you don't lose strength. I made a ton of these with a circ saw for my bench. You set it for the depth of the 2x and just keep making parralell cuts. Then knock out the slivers with a hammer and use a chisel to smooth the bottom out. Each one takes about 5 minutes to complete so you've got 45 minutes of work. (Giving you a little time to drink water) The only cut you need to make really straight is the top of the channel and the bottom. The rest you are just making it easy to remove the wood. When this is done right I doubt there is a joint that is stronger.
Ok, I think I get it! I was wondering if you meant that on my way home from picking the kids up from school and wanted to ask when I got home, just got the chance to get back on.
So...I am cutting a 2" deep x 4" wide "slot" in the 4 x 4's, and NOT cutting the 2 x 4 at all?
So...I am cutting a 2" deep x 4" wide "slot" in the 4 x 4's, and NOT cutting the 2 x 4 at all?
...yes, well at least I did have for the most part. I went to FishandTips.com: do it yourself aquarium stands and put in my tank (55g) dimensions, it tells you how many of each thing you will need and gives a basic stand. I was going to go off of that, but make my own changes a bit for the shelf that the other tanks will be on, and the height. I really like the things Graphic has suggested though and will be going more on the lines of what they said.
You shouldn't have to cut the 2 x at all. But you do want a nice snug fit. Snug enough that you can tap it in place with a light hit of a mallet.
You could also cut the 2 x 4 and make it a half lap but since you're using 4x4 for the corners I feel the extra work unwarranted.
What I do when making the joint is to get all the cuts for the bottom of the channel even on all four posts. Then cut the joint so it's tight. Then fine tune it on the top part of the channel so it's snug.
As for the height. Do what you feel comfortable with. The tank I am putting in the wall will be at the height of the fireplace and TV so it all lines up. I just haven't decided if I want the tops to line up or the bottom.
Plans...I don't need no stinking plans...I got AC!
erv:Ok, well hoping to get to the hardware store today and start things...wondering if my neighbor has a ban saw, if not well my Step-Dad does so I can just throw the boards in the back and run over there for a quick cut! For now, just pondering the dimensions.
Oh...I know what I wanted to add, as for staining it, is it better to wait till it is all done...or do it before putting it together??
Thank you so much Graphic!!!
