My DIY 92 gal Corner Canopy

[thegrog]

Gotten a few questions on how I did this one, so here is some in-process pics and final pic.
This canopy is designed for MHs over a 92 gallon corner tank.
The front curve I simply traced from the tank and cut out of wood. Used that as a template for the top one. Used vertical supports every 10". Screwed and glued all down.
For the face, I used 1/8" pressed hardboard. Has enough flexibility that it went on alright. Glued it to the top and bottom frames with polyurethane construciton adhesive (careful with this stuff.....still trying to get it off my fingers) and small nails to tack it into place.
For the top and sides, I used 1/4" fine sanded plywood and glued and tacked it into place.
For the trim, I used a plastic-wood moulding found at a local home improvement store (begins with Men....) that easily bends to shape. Glued and tacked that down as well and clamped overnight with A LOT of clamps!!
Several coats of Kilz primer and laquer paint and Voila!!
Nothing 5 days of work could not accomplish!!

 

[laxzach]

Nice work! Very impressive!!!

 

[fgcu14]

awsome DIY!

 

[zanoshanox]

project turned out awesome!

 

[rabid frog]

Wow thanks. This kind of gives me and idea to build mine.I am looking to build a canopy next. I have zero wood working skills but I am going to give it a go!!

 

[acrylic51]

Beautiful work.........Your the man.....

 

[thegrog]

Thanks guys.
rabid frog (funny name BTW), what I would recommend is to measure, re-measure and then measure again and agian. Take your time. Use the permium quality wood and materials (saves a lot of headache in the long run not having to deal with bows and knots and stuff). Finally, when dealing with heavy duty construction adhesive.....wear gloves!! I am STILL trying to get the stuff off my fingers after 4 days now!!!

 

[fgcu14]

Originally Posted by TheGrog
The front curve I simply traced from the tank and cut out of wood. Used that as a template for the top one. Used vertical supports every 10". Screwed and glued all down.
did you use a skill saw? I have a bow front I have been looking for a way to build a canopy.

 

[isistius]

that is sweet. i want to build one for my 54 corner. nice pics

 

[thegrog]

Originally Posted by fgcu14
did you use a skill saw? I have a bow front I have been looking for a way to build a canopy.
I used a jig saw with a very fine blade and set the speed as high as it would go.
I found a way to do it better using a router though as the front is a perfect circle diameter. You use a large circle jig. Have the center on a peice of plywood at the apex of the tank and clamp the front board to the plywood and cut away. Would work like a charm and be much smoother than cutting out by hand! Next time!!!

 

[fgcu14]

sweet. I cant wait to get started on my hood!

 

[rabid frog]

Do the local home improvement stores carry good wood for this? I am not familiar with picking up quality wood.

 

[thegrog]

Originally Posted by rabid frog
Do the local home improvement stores carry good wood for this? I am not familiar with picking up quality wood.
Yes they do. Just look for the "premium" quality wood. It is sanded, straight (mostly) and mostly knot free. It costs like 3 times more, but worth it in the long run.

 

[fgcu14]

Did I see another thread with your hood with lighting installed? If that was yours how did you attach the lights to the front half of your hood?

 

[thegrog]

Originally Posted by fgcu14
Did I see another thread with your hood with lighting installed? If that was yours how did you attach the lights to the front half of your hood?
Actually it was just screwed into the top wood section. Easy to do.