DIY Controller Board/Cabinet

[Atalien2005]

Last week I upgraded to a little bit bigger tank with a sump from my previous AIO, which allowed me to put all the electronics underneath. I kicked around ideas hoping to find a solution with very limited space under the new tank to do the same thing. I was hoping this CoralVue board and stand would be the answer, but unfortunately the measurements didn’t work out.


Once that option wouldn’t work, I decided to head over to IKEA to buy a cabinet/stand. I found a Brimnes stand that I thought would work perfectly. Only thing I didn’t take into consideration is the back being cardboard…well that’s not going to work. It took a couple of days to find expanded pvc board that was the size I needed and didn’t cost an arm & leg.

After a few days and many trips to Home Depot, I’m starting to like how it’s turning out. I’m sure there is an easier and quicker way to work with expanded pvc because I definitely made this harder than it should’ve been. I also have a bunch of equipment to hook up and wire but right now I’m tired.

 

[Atalien2005]

 

[Fishy_Mcfish]

Damn that looks amazing! I need to do something with al of my electrical bricks and crud under my stand! It’s a fire hazard for sure haha

 

[Soccerguy]

This turned out really good!

 

[shrike]

As someone who's been working with PVC for years that turned out pretty solid. The only thing that helped me a bit more was the use of a table saw and a router table as well as a plung router. That way I was able to use jigs and such to get all my holes and cuts pretty much perfect

 

[Atalien2005]

As someone who's been working with PVC for years that turned out pretty solid. The only thing that helped me a bit more was the use of a table saw and a router table as well as a plung router. That way I was able to use jigs and such to get all my holes and cuts pretty much perfect

Using those tools would’ve made it quicker and easier as well.

 

[shrike]

Using those tools would’ve made it quicker and easier as well.

Yeah but there's a learning curve. I had an especially hard time with the router but if you buy the right equipment for it and do your research you won't have to learn from experience

If you're looking to get perfectly straight square cuts, though technically strictly against policy, Home Depot has panel saws for she would. I know who will and won't cut. Problem is you got to know that they're going to cut it accurately, so occasionally I might just cut it myself on their panel saw. Walk into the store and ask them what their store number is. That's all you'll need to get it started.

 

[Fishy_Mcfish]

Last week I upgraded to a little bit bigger tank with a sump from my previous AIO, which allowed me to put all the electronics underneath. I kicked around ideas hoping to find a solution with very limited space under the new tank to do the same thing. I was hoping this CoralVue board and stand would be the answer, but unfortunately the measurements didn’t work out.
View attachment 87764

Once that option wouldn’t work, I decided to head over to IKEA to buy a cabinet/stand. I found a Brimnes stand that I thought would work perfectly. Only thing I didn’t take into consideration is the back being cardboard…well that’s not going to work. It took a couple of days to find expanded pvc board that was the size I needed and didn’t cost an arm & leg.

After a few days and many trips to Home Depot, I’m starting to like how it’s turning out. I’m sure there is an easier and quicker way to work with expanded pvc because I definitely made this harder than it should’ve been. I also have a bunch of equipment to hook up and wire but right now I’m tired.

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Where did you end up getting your pvc board from?

 

[shrike]

Pm me if you are looking to get this kind of pvc. I can get it at a very heavy discount, same exact product

Where did you end up getting your pvc board from?

 

[enderg60]

That came out really good!

I have one question, whats the apex in there for?

 

[Atalien2005]

Where did you end up getting your pvc board from?

I found some PVC boards on market place for really cheap. 4 sheets (2 still remaining) for $40.

 

[Atalien2005]

That came out really good!

I have one question, whats the apex in there for?

Because I run a trident and it has to have the head unit to function.

 

[Fishy_Mcfish]

I found some PVC boards on market place for really cheap. 4 sheets (2 still remaining) for $40.View attachment 91104

Would you be interested in selling one of them?

 

[shrike]

I found some PVC boards on market place for really cheap. 4 sheets (2 still remaining) for $40.View attachment 91104

Are those half sheets, 48x48?

 

[Atalien2005]

Are those half sheets, 48x48?

Somewhere around those measurements I believe. Did I pay to much or was that about the right price?

 

[shrike]

2 full 4x8 sheets of half inch cellular PVC would probably be a deal for post covid prices. Retail today 2 sheets would be more than 200 getting it retail

 

[Shakey Gizzard]

Awesome design, looks great. better than my hang on I did for my stand

 

[shrike]

If anyone's interested I could post a DIY article on how to make something like this. Depending on what tools you have it can be harder or much easier, but cellular PVC is a very forgiving material to work with. I've done multiple Commission controller boards using it and absolutely hate plywood now. I'm currently open for minor commissions right now too so if anyone's interested in the controller board I'd be happy to do something custom or simply give advice about materials and methods.

 

[Shakey Gizzard]

I'm not sold on the durability of cellular PVC boards as far as door hinges and weight bearing capabilities. By design it is very flexible. Mounting can be an issue if not free standing.

 

[shrike]

I'm not sold on the durability of cellular PVC boards as far as door hinges and weight bearing capabilities. By design it is very flexible. Mounting can be an issue if not free standing.

I bet I could sell you on the durability and strength (no intentions to be rude to clarify). Anecdotally I've had about 250 lb on a stand made of only cellular PVC for close to 2 years now, but that's just my word. Give me 10-20 minutes.