Canopy For Bow Front

[basscyn]

Does anyone have any experience building a canopy? I am pretty hand with woodworking and can probably put something "basic" together myself. But I would like any ideas anyone has.

The bowfront does pose a challenge. The only method I can come up with to "bow" a peice of wood is to make some shallow vetical cuts on the back, like teeth that should enable me to give it a slight bend.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[haninja]

<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here’s a couple of links that helped me designing my 46g bowfront canopy:</span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">http://www.reefland.com/forum/lighting/12503-bow-front-cap-w-mh-lighting.html"><span style="color: #606420;">http://www.reefland.com/forum/lighting/12503-bow-front-cap-w-mh-lighting.html</span></a></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">[IMG]http://www.thecarlislefamily.com/reef/"><span style="color: #606420;">http://www.thecarlislefamily.com/reef/</span></a></span>

<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Also, look at my build thread [IMG]http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5973">here</a>.</span>

<span style="font-family: Verdana;">LorenK made his by constructing the bow with door skin material. </span>

 

[krb]

to get a good radius for the frame. steam the wood and use a jig to form it. then use a thin veneer as a skin

 

[lorenk]

Yeah, if you build a frame that fits the rectangular piece of the tank and let is slip over the edge of the tank by an inch or so, the door skin (or another material called Luan?) will creat a natural arch around the shape of the curved glass. You can use the same doorskin material to cover the sides...then just covere the seams with trim.

The trick is to notch the sides where you want to slide the trim in. put the notches at a slight angle to help with the curve.

I never completed mine. I did a prototype then sold the tank. El-Reefo (or something like that ) has it and can advise if he finished it or not.

 

[basscyn]

haninja;186744 wrote: <span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here’s a couple of links that helped me designing my 46g bowfront canopy:</span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">http://www.reefland.com/forum/lighting/12503-bow-front-cap-w-mh-lighting.html"><span style="color: #606420;">http://www.reefland.com/forum/lighting/12503-bow-front-cap-w-mh-lighting.html</span></a></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">[IMG]http://www.thecarlislefamily.com/reef/"><span style="color: #606420;">http://www.thecarlislefamily.com/reef/</span></a></span>

<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Also, look at my build thread [IMG]http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5973">here</a>.</span>

<span style="font-family: Verdana;">LorenK made his by constructing the bow with door skin material. </span>[/QUOTE]

Wow! Nice job! I have my work cut out for me here. I guess my most immediate challenge is I have a pretty nice T-5 6 bulb hood. I was just thinking about somehow building something that would house it with out taking it apart or installing new lights. Somehow slip this hood...into a canopy.
Hmm...

 

[basscyn]

How are you going to have access to the tank?


I was hoping to enable this front bowed panel to hinge open. but I have not given any serious though to it yet.

Thanks!

 

[freezerrat]

Rockler woodworking carries a bendable MDF. It is cut with kerfs in the back like your original idea. It's just done for you. It comes in 1/4" X 24" X 48" sheets. It should be under $20. MDF is heavy but 1/4 shouldn't be too bad. It can either be painted or you can veneer it with whatever wood you want. Just be sure it is sealed very well or the moisture will turn it to mush. Rockler has a location in Sandy Springs. Woodcraft is another woodworking store that should have something similar. They're in Alpharetta I think. Holcomb Bridge rd just off the 400.

 

[freezerrat]

If you went with this stuff I would glue two of them back to face to hold the bend.