DIY - Cracked my frame board, scrap it?

[whammack]

Also if you are going to paint it make sure you get inside, outside and even the wood that will be on the floor. Saltwater is hard on wood. As long as you paint everything you will be fine.

 

[NancyFish]

Gusset are never a bad idea. If you are painting it that is considered sealing it. So no need for laquer ( i love the look of wood so I automatically think of leaving the wood look ) the glue and paint will be fine. Hardwood will almost always crack if not pre drilled. Softwood would have had a better chance but it's softwood lol.

The wood is beautiful and my first time with milled s4 sides, so it’s tempting but it’s going into a room that’s all painted wood so I feel like it wouldn’t fits thanks for your advice though.

Also if pocket screws are potentially cracking this board, should I “predrill” into the pocket hole?

 

[whammack]

No, the pocket hole drill bit cuts deep enough to keep the pressure from cracking the wood. Also the screw have a drilling design.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Wood is 1x6 (so 3/4”) hickory .. everything is screwed and glued. I held a leg up so you can see where the four legs will be.

The sides and legs will also be attached to 1/2” plywood. Top will have 3/4” marine plywood. Bottom frame is same but only two middles, and has 1/2” plywood on both sides.

top frame is 38x19 holding a 36” tank 65g. Bottom frame is 38x22. The back will have overhang for plumbing

It cracked from screws but I decided to attach legs another way so that will only be glued going forward — unless it’s not safe.

Place a wood shim as pictured blow to make up the geometry of the wood

 

[Reefering1]

Place a wood shim as pictured blow to make up the geometry of the wood

???

 

[NancyFish]

This was the build so far, dry fit is perfect, the sloppy prime bottom will get another plywood sheet and the top ply will sit on the open frame that is shorter for plumbing. decided I’m going to use my leftover marine ply for additional front legs that act as the face frame for the cabinets they’ll run from the ground to the top platform. And I positioned the crack so it’s cornered with that but the plywood top would sit on it and not the legs. I’m going to keep reassessing as this build goes .

 

[vetteguy53081]

???

Yes- the wood shim is thin and will make up the missing wood which I assume is the concern?
It on my behalf can be used as is

 

[whammack]

Looks good! Good job.

 

[NancyFish]

Looks good! Good job.

Thanks guys! This thing is heavy. I’ve dragged it out all week since it’s so cold for painting

My top platform 3/4” marine plywood bowed up maybe 1-2 mm on the edges. I’m trying to weigh it down.

Should I scrap it for a new piece or do you think the weight of the tank plus being screwed in should settle everything (tank is rimmed).

 

[Red_Beard]

With a framed tank, it should settle.

 

[whammack]

With a framed tank, it should settle.

I agree

 

[NancyFish]

With a framed tank, it should settle.

I agree

Thanks guys, I’m hopeful for it but with seams I wasn’t sure if it would be risky.

 

[Red_Beard]

i built my top out of 2x6s, didn't have a planer and some of them were at least an 8th out. i covered mine in self leveling epoxy after leveling the stand, now it is dead flat. 75 gallon framed tank has sat on it 6 years and it is still as pretty as the day it cured. if you don't hate the aesthetic, marine grade epoxy will make it dead flat.

 

[NancyFish]

i built my top out of 2x6s, didn't have a planer and some of them were at least an 8th out. i covered mine in self leveling epoxy after leveling the stand, now it is dead flat. 75 gallon framed tank has sat on it 6 years and it is still as pretty as the day it cured. if you don't hate the aesthetic, marine grade epoxy will make it dead flat.

I didn’t realize it self levels, that’s cool. I love the feel of epoxy once cured. looked up one and it says voc free. Does it stink during application? We used some tiny epoxy on a joint and made the mistake of doing it in house — had to open every window it smelled so bad.. couldn’t imagine doing a whole top if they’re all like that (too cold to do most of this outside right now unfortunately).

 

[Red_Beard]

Ya, a bit. It isnt like the expoxy glue stink by any means though. It does make a good mess though, do it over plastic in the garage preferably. Also watch a few youtubes on doing it, there is definitely a technique to it, and use a torch to fix any bubbles. Also if you dont dam the edges, they will sink ever so slightly on just the last little bit. This will look nice if the tank doesnt sit flush to the edge, but if it does, dam it and sand/buff it perfect on that last little edge. I used pro marine epoxy, but i think they have since changed names. Is good stuff though and uv resistant.

 

[NancyFish]

Ya, a bit. It isnt like the expoxy glue stink by any means though. It does make a good mess though, do it over plastic in the garage preferably. Also watch a few youtubes on doing it, there is definitely a technique to it, and use a torch to fix any bubbles. Also if you dont dam the edges, they will sink ever so slightly on just the last little bit. This will look nice if the tank doesnt sit flush to the edge, but if it does, dam it and sand/buff it perfect on that last little edge. I used pro marine epoxy, but i think they have since changed names. Is good stuff though and uv resistant.

I’ll have to look into it, originally I was going to fiber cloth resin the inside to reinforce our legs, but don’t want the garage to stink for like a week and seep in the house.

This is where I’m at, it feels strong but all my littler mishaps like the crack and stuff not being 109% flush irks me and makes me question if I should keep reinforcing stuff somehow