Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Apr 24, 2011 09:19am | #1

   The key question is how you would join the cabinet together.  In addition, how do you plan to construct the doors that will give you access to the storage.  Plywood itself would be quite strong in compression, but it has to be a well joined box to take advantage of that strength.  It's really hard to answer without knowing a lot more about what techniques you are comfortable using, etc. 

   Even if you do hang plywood from a frame, you could make that frame of a hard wood--such as white oak, and use smaller dimensions than the 2x4's.  But, again it is the joinery that is important more than the material. 

1. 
   Westchester | Apr 24, 2011 01:03pm | #2

   Fish Tank

   A  3/4 inch thick home made plywood cabinet is probably 10 times stronger then a stock cabinet that's available at the aquarium store - it can be nailed and glued together.  You can look at a design in the aquarium store to get ideas for cabinets  -  Use exterior grade plywood to guard against delamination from moisture and humidity.  Paint all surfaces well inside + out -  including end grain if it shows.  The glue should also be for exterior use as well as the nails. 

   Just curious - what's in this tank ? 

   SA

1. 
   lealonw | Apr 24, 2011 05:19pm | #3

   I made one with 3/4 plywood sides, hardwood frame, solid maple top holding a 50 gallon tank.  It has held up well with no problems.  Poly finish on all.

   
2. 
   jpatnaude | Apr 25, 2011 04:06pm | #4

   Thanks all for the comments.

   Steve - If I make the case in plywood I will use a combination of dado and rabbet joints reenforced with cleats.  I can find information redily enough on the strength of joints but can't seem to find a reference for plywood on the vertical like I can for hard and soft woods.  It seems to be plenty strong enough but I'd feel more comfortable being able to put a number on it.  The Sagulator can give me an idea of the horizontal load but not vertical.

   Westchester - Good idea on checking the ones at the store.  I suppose I can use that as a lowest common denominator.  And they are African Cichlids.

   LealonW - Thanks for the picture.  Nice job.  That is similar to the style of case construction I was thinking and it will hold less weight than yours. 

   I guess it's safe to say that as long as I can hold the sides together it should hold fine.  Now I just have to figure out if I want to make a built in or stand alone cabinet.