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Do-it-Yourself
Pinewood Aquarium Stand
page 2 of 3
Pinewood Aquarium Stand
page 2 of 3
The cuts with the circular saw on the stand sides
are straight enough for these pieces to stand up
on their own without any help.
This view shows how the top pieces of wood are assembled.
This view shows how the top pieces of wood are assembled.
Both sets of legs are attached to the top with
more countersinked screws and carpenters
glue. Countersinking the screws so the screw
head is below the wood surface is particularly
important in this step so the surface where the
aquarium will be placed will be completely flat.
The countersinking method was used throughout
the build process for appearances.
Each set of legs is inset from the underside edge of the top about ½". Positioning the legs under the top as opposed to beside the top of the stand make the most use of the natural strength of the wood. The wood screws and glue are of course necessary, but have very little to do with supporting the weight of the aquarium.
Each set of legs is inset from the underside edge of the top about ½". Positioning the legs under the top as opposed to beside the top of the stand make the most use of the natural strength of the wood. The wood screws and glue are of course necessary, but have very little to do with supporting the weight of the aquarium.
With the almost complete stand placed on it's
side on the saw horses, two 14" cross pieces of
lumber were cut and aligned with the original
13¼" cross pieces near the base of the legs.
With the new cross pieces screwed and glued in place, this completes the square connecting and supporting all four legs of the stand.
With the new cross pieces screwed and glued in place, this completes the square connecting and supporting all four legs of the stand.
Our fully assembled stand has been sanded
and allowed to sit for a day to insure all glue has
dried.
This is also an opportunity to make sure the stand is even by checking that all four legs are touching the floor.
Any slight differences can be corrected either in the shop with saw or sandpaper or just a bit of tightly folded newspaper under a short leg when the stand is in place.
This is also an opportunity to make sure the stand is even by checking that all four legs are touching the floor.
Any slight differences can be corrected either in the shop with saw or sandpaper or just a bit of tightly folded newspaper under a short leg when the stand is in place.
To insure no surface was overlooked, during the
painting stage, the stand was turned upside
down.
In this photo, 150w flood lamps are used to compensate for the otherwise low temperatures in the garage (February). The lamps also make it easier to see all surfaces.
In this photo, 150w flood lamps are used to compensate for the otherwise low temperatures in the garage (February). The lamps also make it easier to see all surfaces.
welcome to
do-it-yourself aquarium and semi-aquatic background designs beyond the traditional
Dramatic AquaScapes
Disclaimer: Exercising reasonable safety precautions
when performing the steps described in this article
are the responsibility of the individuals building the
background. Dramaticaquascapes.com is not
responsible for personal injury or property damage as
a result of following steps outlined in this article.