Custom Aquarium Cabinetry, is how it all began for SugarTree WoodWerks
Looking back, I wonder how all this started. What happened that allowed me to fall into the art of transforming wood into objects with both function and beauty? I do know that once I fell, I fell hard. All I want now, is to follow my passion. To turn my passion into my profession. Into my lifestyle. You are joining me at the beginning of this journey. The very beginning. Let me share what led me into woodworking.
It Started Out Of A Necessity
It started out of a necessity and the saltwater aquarium hobby. Years ago, I purchased a 75 gallon aquarium and stand. It was nothing special, a used one I found on craigslist. I sanded and painted it black. I made it a saltwater aquarium. Several months later, I purchased a circular saw, some lumber from the orange cube, and constructed a canopy. This upgrade to my aquatic furniture turned out well. Provided it was my first woodworking project, it was not half bad.
Several years later, after my saltwater reef aquarium became established, I thought it would be fun to upgrade to a 90 gallon aquarium. This tank size has the same footprint as the 75 gallon, it is just taller. This meant that I would be able to use my old stand. This left the problem what to do with the old 75 tank. I knew I wanted to sell it on craigslist, but thought it needed a stand and canopy. This way someone can purchase it, and just like me, begin the fun adventure of keeping an aquarium.
So I set out to purchase lumber from the orange borg cube and created a clone of the stand in my house. Armed with a miter saw, a drill, screws and some glue, I constructed a satisfactory stand and matching canopy. I believe I painted it black, took pictures and posted it online. I waited a short week, when someone came to purchase the tank and stand. They decided they did not want the tank, but they did want the stand and canopy. I sold that stand and was amazed that someone purchased something I made as a centerpiece of their home. That stand, although somewhat crude, was an adventure. It was difficult, but I succeeded. I knew as the people drove away with their new stand that I was hooked!
Repeating The Fun Again And Again
I repeated this again, constructing the tank and stand. This time I used what I learned from the first time and soon I had another stand and canopy. I again painted this black. I photographed it, posted it, and waited. I received a response, and invited the person to my storage unit. The strangest thing happened, they bought the stand and canopy but not the tank.
So I set out again to create an even better stand and canopy. This time I found someone who had heard of what I was doing, and requested a stand and canopy to go with my tank. Elated to have interest in my work, and to finally sell this tank, I set to work crafting another 75 gallon aquarium stand and canopy. This time I used more advanced joinery, and tried to improve my door skills.
What was created was an Oak stand and canopy stained golden oak. The canopy was actually pine with an oak inlay. It was my first time using the biscuit joiner that I purchased, as well as, the table saw that I recieved for my birthday. These tools had a learning curve, however I was able to create a piece of structurally solid furniture that was visually appealing.
After selling the tank, stand, and canopy, I searched craigslist for used fish tanks. I purchased a 55 gallon aquarium, and a 40 gallon reptile cage. I used my notes and experience from the last few projects and repeated what I learned, striving to push the edge of my abilities. What was created was a custom 55 gallon aquarium also in golden oak. It was very similar in design to the 75 gallon stained stand; however, the client requested a special shelf be incorporated into the design. Also a bit advanced for me, the project was a success.
I was able to quickly use the left over scraps from all the previous projects to create a stand for the "Critter Cage". I made this and painted it black. I posted on craigslist and the day after christmas, an eager person purchased this setup for their new pet mice. Not a pet I would choose, but cool nonetheless!
WIth the money I gained from those two sales, I purchased one more 55 gallon. When planning this project I figured I could just make two stands and canopies and just sell one without the tank. SO I repeated as before, purchasing orange box lumber, chopping, glueing, sanding, staining, posting and selling. What was created were two birch aquarium stands. On was stained black, while the other pair was stained dark walnut. A matching canopy was made with birch inlayed with pine.
I repeated this several times. Working as I do currently, around my full time job's schedule. This adventure of creating functional things out of wood brought me relaxation and happiness. I knew that one day I would love to have my own shop, crafting items from wood, providing things that will bring people happiness for generations to come.
Although I have not achieved the complete goal of a store front and commercial shop, I know that through hard work and your support, this goal will be achieved. I hope you will continue to follow and support SugarTree WoodWerks. Join in the story as it grows and develops organically into a sustainable full time venture.
You can support STWW by visiting our facebook and instagram, following the blog, and browsing our online shop. The future is not certain, but know I will be in the shop practicing to master the art of woodworking, creating various woodcrafts for you!
LJ
