Stand material question

[rjrgroup]

Hey guys and gals...been awhile.

I would appreciate opinions on what type material to fabricate for my future build, it's a 93 cube. My options are composite, stainless, epoxy coated steel, wood...any thing you can dream up. What are some pros and cons of some materials?
The composite stand would be made of fiber/honeycomb core panels. It would be very time consuming but it is my forte. Additionally, it would be 100% impervious to saltwater. The stainless would be extremely easy and cheap but require maintaining a sealant constantly to protect it. Epoxy coated steel would be slightly cheaper and mostly non-corrosive. Wood, well, as much as I admire the natural look and ease of construction, this tank is going to be very high-tech! Wood just seems to low-tech for a fully automated system. I am not going to give away the details yet. I'm just fishing for thoughts...

Thank you,
Randy

 

[dakota9]

Going for the techie look? Go Stainless........

 

[grouper therapy]

aluminum laminate.

 

[rjrgroup]

It is an option but what are the benefits? I can get the bonded panels fairly easily, probably 1"-1 1/2", aluminum honeycomb core with .060 skin. Aluminum is very corrosive too. I can neutralize it but that requires maintenance or anodize it.

grouper therapy;718485 wrote: aluminum laminate.

 

[grouper therapy]

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=40699">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=40699</a>
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Plywood structure with this type laminate. google [B]chemetal[/B] applies and mills very much like any plastic laminate.

 

[rjrgroup]

Yeah, that was what my 72 bow-front was like that I just sold. I liked the ease of maintenance and the look. Definitely an option!

 

[grouper therapy]

The fiberglass sounds interesting . Will you use epoxy or gel coat as a barrier?

 

[wbrown]

Carbon Fiber!
Don't know if I'd want to fool with it around High voltage lighting, but the stand would look techish if made from angles and channels with some flush doors.
It is conductive however, FWIW.

 

[rjrgroup]

No glass, carbon epoxy with a nomex honeycomb core. I would make flat core panels, trim them and router the core back around the edging and adhere the panels together. I owned a composite shop building aircraft and racecars so composites would be a logical choice but it's crazy expensive for the materials and would have 150-ish labor hours. When I say expensive, several grand kind of expensive!!! Plus I don't really care for the look so much, it's like if you worked at McDonald's, you would want to eat there. I do however appreciate the fact that it would completely impervious to the salt. Any thoughts about stainless or steel?

 

[wbrown]

I can't say if there is a composite of stainless that would be better to use than another, but a polished and glass beaded frost would resemble the SS panels you see in the Apple stores, if that's what you are looking for.
Powder coated steel with a composite paneling could look sharp too.
There's always a laminate of solid plastic over a core, like reinforced Corian.
You planning on vacuum bagging and laying up your own or buying pre-made?

 

[grouper therapy]

rjrgroup;718513 wrote: No glass, carbon epoxy with a nomex honeycomb core. I would make flat core panels, trim them and router the core back around the edging and adhere the panels together. I owned a composite shop building aircraft and racecars so composites would be a logical choice but it's crazy expensive for the materials and would have 150-ish labor hours. When I say expensive, several grand kind of expensive!!! Plus I don't really care for the look so much, it's like if you worked at McDonald's, you would want to eat there. I do however appreciate the fact that it would completely impervious to the salt. Any thoughts about stainless or steel?

Sounds interesting. I would love to learn more about composites. I guess stainless will require maintenance as well.

 

[rjrgroup]

I would laminate my I own if I choose the composite route. I would probably make a platen vacuum table versus vacuum bagging. I like the frosted glass idea, maybe a combination of steel and glass. Hmm...

wbrown;718523 wrote: I can't say if there is a composite of stainless that would be better to use than another, but a polished and glass beaded frost would resemble the SS panels you see in the Apple stores, if that's what you are looking for.
Powder coated steel with a composite paneling could look sharp too.
There's always a laminate of solid plastic over a core, like reinforced Corian.
You planning on vacuum bagging and laying up your own or buying pre-made?

 

[rdnelson]

Interesting thread. I don't have anything to contribute but I want to see this develope.

 

[johniii]

If you have some welding skills you could make the whole thing out of stainless put mirror finish on the front. Then clearcoat to keep it from corroding. Hmmmm now I want to build one.

Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk

 

[rjrgroup]

So far, after some fabrication discussions. I'm leaning towards S.S. I'm getting together some material next week. It's looking like I'm going to construct it from 4" angle for the frame and 2" I beam for the top. The bottom will be a 1/2" composite shelf supported by 2" angle and S.S. leveling feet. :yes:
Oh and a custom sump via Fishscales is being built.
I'm still trying to decide whether to make it a eye level or look down set-up...

 

[rdnelson]

If you need a good source for SS products, last summer we built a new SS manufactureing plant up in Ellijay. FM Stainless aka No Rust. I can put you in touch with the owner if you like. Great guy. They could also fabricate anything you didn't have the equipment for. PM me if you are interested.

 

[KrisDeitz]

rjrgroup;721679 wrote: So far, after some fabrication discussions. I'm leaning towards S.S. I'm getting together some material next week. It's looking like I'm going to construct it from 4" angle for the frame and 2" I beam for the top. The bottom will be a 1/2" composite shelf supported by 2" angle and S.S. leveling feet. :yes:
Oh and a custom sump via Fishscales is being built.
I'm still trying to decide whether to make it a eye level or look down set-up...

Your able to talk to Chris?


If you are there are some Angry Customers that need to talk to him