Covering a Metal Stand

[jrf1175]

Hey all,

Does anyone have any experience, DYI plans, or photos of metal stands/frames covered with wood?

Thanks
JRF

[reefjitsu]

I have used wooden panels to cover the front and sides of a metal stand before. I glued magnets to the panels and was able to attatch them to the metal frame in that way. I also cut a window into the front panel so you could see into the refugium. This was a few years ago, so no pics, but it looked pretty good. If I ever use a metal stand again, I would make some panels for it.

[billyr98]

neat idea for magnets... i never had a metal stand...

[sasquatch]

jrf, if you are trying to fur out the stand get tec screws this is a sheet metal screw with a built in drillbit tip, goes thru wood and into metal, then you can skin the frame with anything you like. Steve

[PhilOlsen]

What I did with my last metal stand was to tack weld 3 hinges to the front and 2 on each side, I then attached pieces of oak I burned a bit to bring out the grain and then varnished and attached to the hinges. You can then open all sides of the cover upwards and completely out of the way and gives very clean lines as there aer no visible seems from the front at all. I left the back open for air and it worked and looked great. All I used as props to hold the panels up was a 1x1 attached with another hinge on th bottom inside of the panels so they folded up when closed.

[jrf1175]

Thanks Phil!

I was thinking something very similar, but using all hinges is a great idea!

Do you have the wood panel flush with the frame and have the frame exposed? This is the look I am going for but an wondering the type of hinge that will allow the door to open without binding against the frame? Do you have any photos?

Thanks
Jayme

[Cougra]

One thing to take into consideration with a metal stand is that it will eventually be exposed to salt water, which is very corrosive. Any marks you make on the finish of the stand is an area that will be highly susceptible to saltwater corrosion, rust and weakness. If you do end up drilling the stand you will need to make sure that the holes you make are well sealed to prevent exposing it to saltwater.

Another thing to consider is that any holes you drill into the metal will weaken it at that point and will void any sort of warranty that stand may carry. Using magnets or simply building a wood frame around the tank may be a better option.

[jrf1175]

Thanks, I think I have solved a few of the problems you have mentioned.

I will have having the stand finished with an extra coat or rust-proofing as well as the finishing coat for aesthetics.

Since this is all custom work I will be in constant contact with the builders and ensure nothing I do will void the warranty.

Thanks for the help.

[TDEVIL]

Jayme, you will need some euro style hinges to make that work, they sell them @ lowes/homedepot w/ all the other hinges and they are around $6 for 2 (i just bought some)
they will look like the ones in the link, a few different options
the product # on mine is HC11SFC-NP-C

http://shopproducts.howstuffworks.co...cabinet_hinges

i also agree w/ Michelle, since you are planning on having the metal stand exposed (will look good) then i would use a few coats of paint (if painting) and use 3-4 coats of clearcoat just to make sure the stand is protected. having it powdercoated would look even better and be a bit stronger

Jay

[TDEVIL]

Originally Posted by jrf1175

Thanks, I think I have solved a few of the problems you have mentioned.

I will have having the stand finished with an extra coat or rust-proofing as well as the finishing coat for aesthetics.

I received another post in a different forum that suggested having the hinges welded to the frame during construction. Since this is all custom work I will be in constant contact with the builders and ensure nothing I do will void the warranty.

Thanks for the help.

you posted before i got done posting, lol

having the hinges welded would be a good idea and then the welds can be painted to protect them

if you nee a pic of how the hinges look, LMK

Jay

[jrf1175]

Thanks for the link TDevil...

Powder coating is interesting and will look into it. Not sure what costs associated with that would. be.

[jrf1175]

Cougra - I was referring to the post above by PhilOlsen re: welding hinges...too many forums to keep straight in my head I edited my reply but TDevil manged to quote me before.

Thanks for the advice.
Jayme

[BrothaWolf]

I had a metal stand on my 125... came free with the tank . I was low on cash at the time so I glued velcro on the stand and used a large black table cloth as a "tank skirt" looked real good for the $ it cost and left me with easy access

[Cougra]

LOL Jayme, no problem, just wanted to through my two cents in there about the stand rusting as I had a problem with my first stand rusting and I didn't even do any sort of modifications. As long as you were aware of the possibility then that's all that matters to me! I can't wait to see final pictures of it.

[jrf1175]

The wheels are turning! I just want to get my hands on it so I can get to work!

I have started a thread under "Reef Chronicles" here...

90 gallons in 90 days.....??

There will be lots of updates and photos once I get rolling.

Cheers!