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View Full Version : 96" L x 30" W x 30" H Stainless Steel Stand-tips, critques & IDEAS NEEDED

KidFrost
10/17/2011, 11:29 AM
This will be my first stand Ive built, I am upgrading my tank from a 75g to a 300g and in the process, being it will weight so much, Ive decided to build my own stand.

At first I was thinking the traditional 4x4 wood construction and some nice cabinet doors and be done with it...

Well after consulting a few friends the project went off the deep end and I have committed to building one from 2"x2"x1/4" wall Stainless Steel tubing.

If you are wondering how I went from wood to steel so quickly, My father actually owns a "steel construction" company where I can get materials for cost and labor for a fair price.

Also instead of "Mild"/ Carbon steel and painting or powder coating it I went with Stainless Steel b.c. In my design I want to show the steel. Its not quite a comtemporary look but simular.

Heres a look at the simple box design.


2x2 construction, mitered corners on the top and bottom, 2"x1/4" thick gussets, 48 ish of them

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/stand3d2.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/stand3d1.jpg

Break down of parts ..
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/standpaint.png

The panels will be held in with magnets in each corner. Using the gussets for a mounting point for the magnets.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/stand3dglass.jpg


However I plan to use tinted glass for the panels, dark enough you cant see under the stand. It will be completely TIG welded and the welds will be left untouched afterwards to leave the bluish discoloration. I also plan to slightly polish the faces of the stand.

What I am trying to create all in all..
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/stand3dwtank-1.jpg

I have 2 creative voids left to fill.

I am in need of some suggestions as to a design to put on or creative element to do with the panels. As I stated before I plan to use simple DARK tinted glass and as for now I like the idea, but that is very plain. Ihave been mulling some sort of dim lighting inside the stand to create a slight glow through the tinted glass.. but... idk.... any IDEAS?

Also should I put some sort of top on the stand? Something that will match the panels in general, but IDK. I was thinking a piece of THICK flagstone but that is quite heavy and dosent quite jive with the stainless steel contemporary look...or just a sheet of stainless steel but thats quite plain and not worth the cost to me... again .. IDEAS?

Tips, critiques, and ideas welcome.

Thanks for looking. I will try to update the thread throughout the build process..

-KidFost
redhanded77
10/17/2011, 02:17 PM
Im a metal fabricator, and I think you can get away with using alot less of the gussets. The gussets will quickly add up in the labor cost because of the extra welding. Just as long as the person who is welding does a good job, there shouldn't be any worries about strength. 1/4" is pretty hefty too.

Looks good to me! Stainless will eventually rust no matter what, so if you like the look of bare metal, you should look into putting a clear coat on the stand. Thats what we do for customers, and they love it. Oh yeah, make sure the welder makes the welds nice and pretty, unless you are planning on having the welds grinded flush.
KidFrost
10/18/2011, 06:18 AM
Im a metal fabricator, and I think you can get away with using alot less of the gussets. The gussets will quickly add up in the labor cost because of the extra welding. Just as long as the person who is welding does a good job, there shouldn't be any worries about strength. 1/4" is pretty hefty too.

Looks good to me! Stainless will eventually rust no matter what, so if you like the look of bare metal, you should look into putting a clear coat on the stand. Thats what we do for customers, and they love it. Oh yeah, make sure the welder makes the welds nice and pretty, unless you are planning on having the welds grinded flush.

Yes I know I went overkill on the gussets, I just figured why not. I will probably end up with a few less.

As for the stainless rusting.... Im not so sure on that one... I believe it will corrode but I have never personally seen it rust.

Yes I talked to our resident "TIG Master" he said on that 1/4" pipe he can make me some nice welds. I plan on leaving them untouched, leaving the bluish discoloration.

Thanks for the insight tho..

-KidFrost
redhanded77
10/18/2011, 10:35 AM
trust me on the stainless showing some rust eventually. I do alot of marine work, and depending on how what grade stainless you go, will determine how fast the corrosion shows.

Ive seen some marine projects show rust/corrosions (whichever term you like) within a year with the lower grade stainless. For example, look at some kitchen knives and pocket knives. The cheaper ones show its ugly side sooner or later.
notclear
10/18/2011, 11:06 AM
A small area on my stainless steel stand really rusts.
harlequinacro
10/18/2011, 11:30 AM
+1 saltwater will corode stainless steel fairly quick
KidFrost
10/24/2011, 06:29 PM
For starters I found some 1/4"x3" SS Flat stock to use as gussets instead of ordering new 1/4"x2"

cut it into mangable pieces ..

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/2011-10-17_16-15-02_816.jpg

a quick jib and...
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/2011-10-17_16-38-35_491.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/2011-10-17_16-40-02_557.jpg

Tubing arrived today, I ordered cut pieces b/c it was cheaper than ordering full lengths and having a bunch of extra.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/2011-10-24_15-37-09_394.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/2011-10-24_15-37-21_260.jpg

Mitered the edges that needed to be.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/2011-10-24_16-13-32_565.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/2011-10-24_16-13-39_283.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/2011-10-24_16-18-38_941.jpg

Some tac welds to get started
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/2011-10-24_16-57-10_964.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/b16egcp/2011-10-24_16-58-01_592.jpg

So far Ive got the two frames tac'd we are going to piece meal it after work a few days here and there..

Ill try to keep the thread updated.

BTW I am going to consider a clear coat.. Ill do some asking and looking around.

redhanded- By any chance do you have any pics of your work?

Also guys .... what should I make my panels out of?

Was thinking over the weekend wood would be nice... Black walnut.. purple heart... IDK

Thanks

-KidFrost