DIY T-Slot Stand Guide

[polyppal]

Ok so I’m getting a ton of PMs I can’t possibly reply to about help in designing T-slot stands using affordable t-slot products from zyltech.com I have no affiliation with zyltech (I believe they are actually more of a 3d printing company than T-slot supplier) but have found them to have great pricing when it comes to T-slot products.

Thought id just start a thread with some general info and where people can ask a question that can prove helpful to others. Disclaimer: I ain't responsible for nothin y'all design/build, yada yada yada...

These are the 3030 bars I use/suggest for a majority of tanks:

Aluminum Extrusion - 3030 T Slot - ZYLtech Engineering, LLC

www.zyltech.com

3030 (30mm x 30mm) can support A LOT of weight, especially when braced at intervals. I wouldn’t hesitate to use to for something up to around 200 gallons with braces every 18-24in or so.
For larger tanks, or if you just want something bulkier you could go bigger diameter, but I don’t have experience with the thicker bars, and its likely going to be overkill. Principles should be the same though, adjusting measurements for the larger bar diameter.

I would only use 2020 bar for something like a smaller nano where you really want a low profile. The 2020 bar is much smaller in diameter than 3030.

You will also need plates or brackets to form the joints. The simplest ones to use (without precise machining, which can just be installed by hand) are:


90 Brace/Angle Bracket
https://www.zyltech.com/12x-90-30mm-aluminum-brace-angle-bracket-for-3030-extrusion-black/


Joining Plates
https://www.zyltech.com/3030-90-degree-t-joining-plate-black/


L Type Inside Bracket
https://www.zyltech.com/t-slot-l-type-90-degree-3030-inside-bracket-12-pack/

When designing your stand, you will have to allow for a bracket at each point. The 90 Brace/Angle Brackets are by far the easiest to use, since they can be used at any slot joint without too much confusion or adjustment for bar diameter.


Along with brackets and bars, you will need (for 3030 bar) M5 Hammer Nuts and M5 Bolts. The bolts secure the bracket to the bar with force as you tighten then down. Zyltech offers a nice package that includes 10 1m bars along with some corner brackets and nuts/bolts
https://www.zyltech.com/3030-t-slot-30mm-aluminum-extrusion-kit-10x-1m-angle-brackets-screws-nuts/

It is important to remember you need to purchase brackets/plates specifically for the diameter bar you are using, a 2020 bracket will not work on a 3030 bar. Likewise M3 screws (for 2020) will be too small for 3030 rail - so double check when ordering that all your products are for the designated bar you use

You can also purchase brackets and bars and stuff on other websites like Amazon, they are all pretty universal as long as they are the correct size - I just find that Zyltech generally has good pricing compared to other vendors.

Zyltech also offers a custom cut service that I use - I find they can cut the bar more accurately then I can on my saw. Its $1.50 a cut, you just add the length to each cut you purchase.
https://www.zyltech.com/aluminum-extrusion-custom-cut-service/

When constructing your stand, you will want to do so in metric (MM) since all the bars are measured in metric. You can easily convert IN to MM using google or other conversion websites.

Those are the basics! If you have application-specific questions, post with a drawing and dimensions and I'll weigh in with my input.

Good luck with your build!

 

[Doctorgori]

thank you for the time to write that
how would you attach melamine board?

 

[polyppal]

thank you for the time to write that
how would you attach melamine board?

I would use plates (so no attachment points you have to cut around) and use a thickness that fits within in the slot. I did something similar with acrylic on my DT and it was easy once I put it together and could figure out the size I’d need

 

[RobB'z Reef]

15 series works just fine for tanks upwards of 180 - 220 gallons.

 

[rtparty]

2020 should be plenty for a floating canopy, correct?

 

[polyppal]

15 series works just fine for tanks upwards of 180 - 220 gallons.

What’s 15 series? Unfamiliar w that measurement (metric or imperial?)

 

[polyppal]

2020 should be plenty for a floating canopy, correct?

Yeah, I got a 18g tank on 2020 no issues

 

[rtparty]

What’s 15 series? Unfamiliar w that measurement (metric or imperial?)

15 series is 1.5" x 1.5" from what I've found. Which is super close to 40 series

 

[polyppal]

15 series is 1.5" x 1.5" from what I've found. Which is super close to 40 series

Oh ok, I’ve only ever dealt with metric sizing but makes sense

 

[rtparty]

Oh ok, I’ve only ever dealt with metric sizing but makes sense

Yeah, I don't get it to be honest. 20, 25, 30, 40, etc are all metric. Everything is metric until you get to the 10 and 15 series. All the sudden those are fractional/standard and are inches.

 

[rtparty]

Just designed and ordered my first purchase from ZYLTech. Floating canopy with black 2020 extrusion. It was half the cost of 80/20.net

I will say 80/20 had some other options that were nice but the differnce was $173 vs $340. Not a tough choice. Now I just hope and pray I thought it all out LOL. Thankfully, Amazon has odds and ends if Home Depot doesn't.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

Super helpful! Thanks for sharing!

@Peace River check this out!

 

[powers2001]

Following. I'm looking to do something like this and have considered 8020 brand but they give little help to get started.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Ok so I’m getting a ton of PMs I can’t possibly reply to about help in designing T-slot stands using affordable t-slot products from zyltech.com I have no affiliation with zyltech (I believe they are actually more of a 3d printing company than T-slot supplier) but have found them to have great pricing when it comes to T-slot products.

Thought id just start a thread with some general info and where people can ask a question that can prove helpful to others. Disclaimer: I ain't responsible for nothin y'all design/build, yada yada yada...

These are the 3030 bars I use/suggest for a majority of tanks:

Aluminum Extrusion - 3030 T Slot - ZYLtech Engineering, LLC

www.zyltech.com

3030 (30mm x 30mm) can support A LOT of weight, especially when braced at intervals. I wouldn’t hesitate to use to for something up to around 200 gallons with braces every 18-24in or so.
For larger tanks, or if you just want something bulkier you could go bigger diameter, but I don’t have experience with the thicker bars, and its likely going to be overkill. Principles should be the same though, adjusting measurements for the larger bar diameter.

I would only use 2020 bar for something like a smaller nano where you really want a low profile. The 2020 bar is much smaller in diameter than 3030.

You will also need plates or brackets to form the joints. The simplest ones to use (without precise machining, which can just be installed by hand) are:


90 Brace/Angle Bracket
https://www.zyltech.com/12x-90-30mm-aluminum-brace-angle-bracket-for-3030-extrusion-black/


Joining Plates
https://www.zyltech.com/3030-90-degree-t-joining-plate-black/


L Type Inside Bracket
https://www.zyltech.com/t-slot-l-type-90-degree-3030-inside-bracket-12-pack/

When designing your stand, you will have to allow for a bracket at each point. The 90 Brace/Angle Brackets are by far the easiest to use, since they can be used at any slot joint without too much confusion or adjustment for bar diameter.


Along with brackets and bars, you will need (for 3030 bar) M5 Hammer Nuts and M5 Bolts. The bolts secure the bracket to the bar with force as you tighten then down. Zyltech offers a nice package that includes 10 1m bars along with some corner brackets and nuts/bolts
https://www.zyltech.com/3030-t-slot-30mm-aluminum-extrusion-kit-10x-1m-angle-brackets-screws-nuts/

It is important to remember you need to purchase brackets/plates specifically for the diameter bar you are using, a 2020 bracket will not work on a 3030 bar. Likewise M3 screws (for 2020) will be too small for 3030 rail - so double check when ordering that all your products are for the designated bar you use

You can also purchase brackets and bars and stuff on other websites like Amazon, they are all pretty universal as long as they are the correct size - I just find that Zyltech generally has good pricing compared to other vendors.

Zyltech also offers a custom cut service that I use - I find they can cut the bar more accurately then I can on my saw. Its $1.50 a cut, you just add the length to each cut you purchase.
https://www.zyltech.com/aluminum-extrusion-custom-cut-service/

When constructing your stand, you will want to do so in metric (MM) since all the bars are measured in metric. You can easily convert IN to MM using google or other conversion websites.

Those are the basics! If you have application-specific questions, post with a drawing and dimensions and I'll weigh in with my input.

Good luck with your build!

Thanks for this! What's the largest tank you've used this for, and what was the basic design (where were any braces located)?

 

[polyppal]

Thanks for this! What's the largest tank you've used this for, and what was the basic design (where were any braces located)?

The largest Ive gone so far is my 68g, but 3030 by weight could hold much more.

I dont have any plan drawings around, maybe I can put a sample one together in the next few days for illustration

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

The largest Ive gone so far is my 68g, but 3030 by weight could hold much more.

I dont have any plan drawings around, maybe I can put a sample one together in the next few days for illustration

Wondering what a 5 or 6 foot stand would need re: vertical bracing.

 

[Sean Clark]

Ok so I’m getting a ton of PMs I can’t possibly reply to about help in designing T-slot stands using affordable t-slot products from zyltech.com I have no affiliation with zyltech (I believe they are actually more of a 3d printing company than T-slot supplier) but have found them to have great pricing when it comes to T-slot products.

Thought id just start a thread with some general info and where people can ask a question that can prove helpful to others. Disclaimer: I ain't responsible for nothin y'all design/build, yada yada yada...

These are the 3030 bars I use/suggest for a majority of tanks:

Aluminum Extrusion - 3030 T Slot - ZYLtech Engineering, LLC

www.zyltech.com

3030 (30mm x 30mm) can support A LOT of weight, especially when braced at intervals. I wouldn’t hesitate to use to for something up to around 200 gallons with braces every 18-24in or so.
For larger tanks, or if you just want something bulkier you could go bigger diameter, but I don’t have experience with the thicker bars, and its likely going to be overkill. Principles should be the same though, adjusting measurements for the larger bar diameter.

I would only use 2020 bar for something like a smaller nano where you really want a low profile. The 2020 bar is much smaller in diameter than 3030.

You will also need plates or brackets to form the joints. The simplest ones to use (without precise machining, which can just be installed by hand) are:


90 Brace/Angle Bracket
https://www.zyltech.com/12x-90-30mm-aluminum-brace-angle-bracket-for-3030-extrusion-black/


Joining Plates
https://www.zyltech.com/3030-90-degree-t-joining-plate-black/


L Type Inside Bracket
https://www.zyltech.com/t-slot-l-type-90-degree-3030-inside-bracket-12-pack/

When designing your stand, you will have to allow for a bracket at each point. The 90 Brace/Angle Brackets are by far the easiest to use, since they can be used at any slot joint without too much confusion or adjustment for bar diameter.


Along with brackets and bars, you will need (for 3030 bar) M5 Hammer Nuts and M5 Bolts. The bolts secure the bracket to the bar with force as you tighten then down. Zyltech offers a nice package that includes 10 1m bars along with some corner brackets and nuts/bolts
https://www.zyltech.com/3030-t-slot-30mm-aluminum-extrusion-kit-10x-1m-angle-brackets-screws-nuts/

It is important to remember you need to purchase brackets/plates specifically for the diameter bar you are using, a 2020 bracket will not work on a 3030 bar. Likewise M3 screws (for 2020) will be too small for 3030 rail - so double check when ordering that all your products are for the designated bar you use

You can also purchase brackets and bars and stuff on other websites like Amazon, they are all pretty universal as long as they are the correct size - I just find that Zyltech generally has good pricing compared to other vendors.

Zyltech also offers a custom cut service that I use - I find they can cut the bar more accurately then I can on my saw. Its $1.50 a cut, you just add the length to each cut you purchase.
https://www.zyltech.com/aluminum-extrusion-custom-cut-service/

When constructing your stand, you will want to do so in metric (MM) since all the bars are measured in metric. You can easily convert IN to MM using google or other conversion websites.

Those are the basics! If you have application-specific questions, post with a drawing and dimensions and I'll weigh in with my input.

Good luck with your build!

Did you make your own gif for the title post? Well done. Great breakdown of 80/20 and t slot profiles.

 

[polyppal]

Did you make your own gif for the title post?

yeah ez! https://ezgif.com

 

[Sean Clark]

 

[polyppal]

so I'm actually doing a retrofit on my current stand with some new pieces, since its HORRIBLE for maitenance. I will document it for a start-to-finish T slot build next week when the materials arrive.