Building metal stand opinion needed on materials

[dedfish]

I know there are a couple metal workers out there. I'm planning on building a 48"L x 24"W x 35"H stand and would like your opinions on materials. I was planning on using 1 1/2 x 14ga square tubing. Does anyone think this is insufficient? or have a better recommendation?

Thanks,
Jason

 

[willray]

Most materials would be sufficient if supported properly.IMO what you've selected would be fine.Is cost a factor? Angle iron would be a lot cheaper.

 

[mchud]

Like willray said angle iron would save you a fair amount of money. Very easy to work with and purchase, even home depot stocks it. good luck

 

[dedfish]

I'd like to over build it a bit. Right now I'll only have a 70g tank (36x18x25) but would like to use this for years into the future. Plus I've worked a bit with angle already but I haven't worked with tube yet. And yes I'm gonna practice a ton before I actually weld up the stand. If for any reason I don't feel confident I'll seek professional (or just more knowledgeable) help. Thanks!

 

[fsc46]

I would say the angle iron is over building it but the square tubing could end up looking better.

 

[dedfish]

Well the metal has been ordered and I should have it by the end of the week. Best part is they are cutting everything to the sizes I need. Very excited to start this project.

 

[TurboVinny]

take lots of pics of the build for us

 

[Cheetos]

What welder are you using for this project?

 

[dedfish]

I have a Hobart 187 mig.

 

[stingythingy45]

A tip for you,Jason.
I'm not sure how long you've been welding.
I have a little over 15 yrs. using stick,mig and tig.
Do yourself a big favor and tack everything together first.
Check for square often as the weld will pull the tubing toward the heat.
Tack one side.........then the other adjacent side.
Don't skimp on clamping.If you can find a way.......clamp it.
Good luck!

 

[Cheetos]

I have a Hobart 187 mig.

Not my choice of welders but it should do the job for you! Go slow and practice first....alot!

 

[dedfish]

I picked up my steel yesterday. This is gonna be one beefy stand.

 

[dedfish]

I welded up the bottom part of the frame today. It came out great. I have plenty of room to improve but none of the welds scare me at all. Everything came out really square, but I know the hard part will be the uprights in the frame and not the top and bottom parts. I wanted to get more accomplished today but I spent most of my time practicing the welds than doing the ones I did on the frame. Time well spent and I should be able to get right at it tomorrow.

 

[uprr]

good luck!

love to see the finished stand. Do you have anyone near you that does powder coating? it would be a great way to finish off your handy work!

 

[dedfish]

I haven't quite decided on how to finish it. I'd love to powder coat it but I'm not sure how expensive that would be. If anyone knows anyone and has a good connection let me know.

 

[Cheetos]

These guys do an awesome job!
http://www.museumsusa.org/vendors/info/1270179

 

[dedfish]

Thanks, I'll give them a call and see what they say.

Made some more progress today but didn't finish it. I got the top part of the frame finished. Here is a picture of it kinda put together. I still need to weld the uprights to the top and bottom frame pieces.


click for slightly bigger image

 

[Cheetos]

Looking good!

 

[willray]

It looks good!Powder coating can be a bit pricey.You have already ground it so the hard part is done.Give it a primer coating and painted whatever you like with a high quality paint.I would think about adding a few small gussets for (no)lateral movement.

 

[dedfish]

Gussets... yea I have loads of premade gussets that I bought off ebay that I was using to practice with. I'm gonna use them in the corners. They are just flat 14ga small triangle pieces (about 4x9) but they should suffice.