Should I rebuild this DIY stand?

[Schulks]

The top is not perfectly level as demonstrated in these pictures. These corners are raised about 1 millimeter from the rest of the stand. I did as much leveling as I could by adding shims under the top board but I don't think I can get it any better. It is level perfectly between the other corners, across the middle, across the other middle, just not between these 2 corners. Will the leveling mat or the weight solve this problem though?

It was my first time building something like this and I believe my pieces were not as perfectly even as should. The bottom of the stand is no better but I was going to wedge a bunch more shims under it to level out.

Edit: this is for an IM nuvo 50 ext

 

[Schulks]

Wait, I could use my power sander to shave down the corners a millimeter. Would that make sense?

 

[bradreef]

You could unscrew the top sheet and use shims and wood glue under the low spots to bring it all level.

 

[Schulks]

That might work with a little more effort. I was overthinking things and thought it would just keep un-leveling it in different areas.

But right now I am learning some useful carpenter things. How to square and adjust my miter saw so it can make better cuts and how to make an extension fence stopping block so I can make much more even cuts. I think I will just rebuild it much better.


It'll only cost $30 in 2x4s and I'll reuse the $40 plywood tops and screws.

Edit: I would need to raise the middle with shims. If I do that it will unlevel it in every other direction and need more shims in the other areas. So option B would be sand down those corners to try and level them with where it is now but that's a hassle and a half too.

 

[Lingwendil]

remove the top, level the frame, reattach the top.

 

[Troylee]

1mm is nothing.. put a leveling mat on it and call it day..

Edit… I see 1/16th not 1mm after looking at the pics again lol.. I would just sand down the outside a little till it’s a tad close and use a leveling mat.

 

[slingfox]

You also need to check level at the place the stand will sit permanently.

 

[SKEETER1978]

what kind of tank? If its the old traditional glass style all the support is on the edges so it would be fine.

 

[Schulks]

what kind of tank?

It is a IM Nuvo 50 EXT.

I rebuilt the stand and did a much better job. Everything is much more square. I figured out my corner clamps are useless and made it really unsquared. When I run the level down it I don't see any gaps nearly as bad this time but the tank still seems to not be laying perfectly flat. I think it is the old leveling mat so I ordered a new one to put on the tank and will see how that looks soon.

 

[SKEETER1978]

Cool glad you got it squared up

 

[Schulks]

Edit… I see 1/16th not 1mm after looking at the pics again lol.. I would just sand down the outside a little till it’s a tad close and use a leveling mat.

Me no measure things often... lol

 

[Uncle99]

Consider a self levelling mat.
Stands fine.

 

[Schulks]

Well the tank is fully touching on the new leveling mat. I guess I sanded too much and the plywood top is <2mm smaller than the tank. Is that Ok with a rimless tank? (IM Nuvo 50 EXT) The glass is 1 cm so 90%~ of it is supported

(actually MM this time..)

 

[braaap]

remove the top, level the frame, reattach the top.

Check your PMs lol