SkyFire's Bow Front Canopy Build

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by SkyFire, Mar 1, 2010.

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  1. SkyFire

    SkyFire Clown Trigger

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    Hello,
    First I'd like to give credit to Jwin & Tripplemom for inspiring this project....thanks guys.

    My dad is an excellent woodworker so together we took the idea and improved upon it to make a nice sturdy canopy for my aquarium.

    It is made from 1/2 inch furniture grade plywood and hardwood braces(mostly scrap pieces) and the bow is skimmed in 1/8 in Plywood.

    Here are some pictures of the beginning steps. . .

    This is the tank and stand (which I hope to replace someday with one I've built...it'll have room for a sump).

    [​IMG]

    The Interior.
    [​IMG]
     
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  3. SkyFire

    SkyFire Clown Trigger

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    Here is a full shot of the start of the frame.

    [​IMG]




    Here is the top. We glued the bracing to the top then will cut down the center of the hardwood, thus both bracing the top thereby keeping it from sagging and giving a secure place to screw the piano hinge into to open the bow portion of the canopy.

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]


    This shows the top and separated bow front sections of the top.

    [​IMG]


    This shows what it'll look like with those pieces on the tank.

    [​IMG]


    A close up of the inside.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Mar 2, 2010
  4. SkyFire

    SkyFire Clown Trigger

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    Here is the bottom bracing for the bow.

    [​IMG]


    And a close up of it.
    [​IMG]



    & another

    [​IMG]
     
  5. SkyFire

    SkyFire Clown Trigger

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    Now it's time to add the bow's skin.

    [​IMG]

    The cross piece you see near the bow is just to support the front sides while under compression from the strap clamps.

    [​IMG]



    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]
     
  6. SkyFire

    SkyFire Clown Trigger

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    Also note the clamps holding the bow to the rest of the canopy are just to keep it square while the glue sets up.


    Here is the canopy nearly done ...as far as building goes that is.

    I plan to add a bit of trim/molding at the top.
    Then I need to epoxy the interior and stain and seal the exterior.


    [​IMG]
     
  7. hydrojeff

    hydrojeff Montipora Capricornis

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    looks good so far
     
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  9. szrazzt

    szrazzt Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Nicely constructed hood. Good work.
     
  10. SkyFire

    SkyFire Clown Trigger

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    Thank you.
     
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  11. WhiskyTango

    WhiskyTango Eyelash Blennie

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  12. Triplemom

    Triplemom Pajama Cardinal

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    Fantastic!!!!!!! It's so nice to see our project helping other people! I love the pictures, too - great documentation. :)