DIY Pedestal for MAX

[nacl+h2o fish]

Everyone! I am looking for advice & comments from the collective 'Brain Trust'!

on my idea...
I am going to begin setting up a Red Sea MAX soon. I am not thrilled with the quality of materials on the MAX's matching stand and it's cost would pay for my LvRck with change to spare!
So my next post will be a picture of this substantial solid oak 18 1/4" high, 36" square coffee table I have. It sits on 17" square tile and the light coming in from the right is a south facing sliding glass doors, power is left of center and I will install a GFI.
The total height of the MAX on it's stand is ~50"... so I want to 'overbuild' a pedestal for my MAX's footprint of 24" across the front and 19.5" deep. I am thinking of 5/8" plywood supported by "L" butted 12" 2x4's at each corner... so each corner will have two 12" 2x4's at 90 degree angles supporting it. Do I need a support in the dead center of the pedestal? I'm thinking of using 1/4'' ply on the back and sides and then put pair of doors in the front.
I'm thinking "wood & salt water" not a great combo! Suggested protection?
Thanks...

 

[nacl+h2o fish]

attached is my table....

 

[reefkprz]

for water protection you want Spar urethane. (apply this stuff outsdie it smells like you wouldnt believe)

 

[nacl+h2o fish]

Originally Posted by reefkprZ
for water protection you want Spar urethane. (apply this stuff outsdie it smells like you wouldnt believe)
Appreciate the heads up... reefkprZ!
Sometimes you start doing these projects and realize you didn't really think it through! Is Spar poly u best brushed on? I know it's the fave of boat owners!
For the pedestal I was thinking of using 'spray-on' black epoxy paint to match the MAX's frame.
Thanks...

 

[reefkprz]

they have specialized applicators that kind of look like rollers cut in half and have mini bristles on them they are the best, you can brush it on but you will have to sand between coats (wet sanding with a fine grit paper works best then wipe the surface down with mineral oil, then recoat)

 

[nacl+h2o fish]

Originally Posted by reefkprZ
they have specialized applicators that kind of look like rollers cut in half and have mini bristles on them they are the best, you can brush it on but you will have to sand between coats (wet sanding with a fine grit paper works best then wipe the surface down with mineral oil, then recoat)

WOW !!!!
Many thanks for the 'Very Complete' and obviously very experienced advice for the best method to apply SPAR!

Do you recommend like 440 wet/dry paper?
Very much reminds me of my experience as a teenager refinishing a black walnut Winchester model 70 rifle stock with linseed oil! Strip, sand, wet, sand raised grain feathers, apply, wet sand, apply, wet sand, apply, wet sand, apply and finally buff with steel wool !!! Final result.... awesome mirror like grain and depth!

I am continually impressed with the knowledge members share with one another on message boards!
Living in Maine... Do you own a boat?