Stand
 

Someone has finally agreed to build me my stand. A quick question though. He wants to glue two 1" pieces of plywood together for the frame posts. He said this will be stronger than using 2X4's. Is this true? I've never seen anything else ever used other than 2X4's or 2X6's.

It's stronger if it stays dry. (Me thinks.)

Plywood? I'm not so sure. I know that fastening two pieces of 1" solid wood will be stronger than a 2x4, but plywood? If your friend is an experienced woodworker then I would trust him, but somehow that rings an odd bell to me.

I suppose it also depends on wood types. I always build stands using solid 2x4 or 2x6 fir. I always thought plywood was kind of a 'happy mix' of different woods (much like the 2x4 you can get at HD and Rona - SPF: spruce? pine? fir?).

Of course, if the tank isn't holding up more than a few hundred pounds, I wouldn't worry. If you need a good fright, look at any prefab stand in a LFS. They're built almost shockingly flimsily, yet how often do you hear about one of those stands collapsing?

As long as it is exterior (Marine) grade plywood, it would be fine. I wouldn't trust the glue holding any other plywood layers together as many will delaminate.

It can be stronger yes because of the lamination and because it will be a true 2X4 size. It will also resist warping more as plywood is more stable. I would use a urethane glue in this situation and then coat it very good to prevent moisture from getting at the plywood.

Steve

I would say it is very strong, not saying it would be stonger than 2X4's. It would be stronger than the particle board ones that you buy in the store that are held together with staples :eek:

stand
 

I need to be sure so if anyone sees any reason why this won't work, I'd love to hear it.

plywood is stronger than any grade of 2X4's hands down. If you have a choice fir ply is stronger the spruce ply and only a little more money. For laminating the plywood together I would recomment in using a 2 part marine glue. As far as plywood delaminating, if properly sealed/painted there shouldn't be any problem.
I have used the marine glue in constructing various projects that I used on/in the water.

geeeman, where in LA do you live? good to see someone from my home town on the board.

Steve

Do you mean Leduc Alberta? I would like to point out that up until 2.5yrs ago I lived in DRUNKEN DUNCAN and spent many weekends partying in Vic.