Looking for ideas on installing a cast iron "farm" sink

[ChuckinVa]

We are starting to remodel the kitchen in our 100 year old home and we bought an old porcelain enameled cast iron sink. It weighs probably close to 200 LBS and I need to build a frame to support it . The sink is two sinks with the drain boards on both sides and is about 4 foot wide. We plan on letting the drain board edges rest ( not supported by ) a maple counter top on either side. to the right will be a dish washer, to the left cabinets. We are thinking that under the sink would be left open except for a curtain in front. Has any one done this and if so what did you build the frame to support the sink out if? I know wood is one possibility but I'm thinking it will be pretty massive. I have thought about steel but that would require I find someone to fabricate it for me as I have no welding experience. I'm looking for other ideas and would love to hear what others may have done or how they would do this.
Thanks,
CHUCK

[Redoverfarm]

Chuck I would probably just build a frame out of 2X4's.  Just a skeleton box that would support all four sides.  The ends could be made long enough to be hidden by the faceframe of the cabinets.  You could incorporate a middle support lengthwise as long as it does not block the drains.  The appron would hide the front support.  With wood it could be fitted whereas a fabricated one out of steel would have to be exact.  Is that for your house or the other one?  Maybe the other half had better stock up on plastic ware as breakable dishes will not last long.

[ChuckinVa]

John,
This is for the house at Gladstone. This particular sink doesn't have the apron across the front. It just turns down. I agree that wood would be easier to fabricate but I was thinking steel would be stronger and I would have a smaller foot print. It takes two good men and a boy to lift it. I'm not sure 2 X 4 would do it. Probably will require 2 X 6 . If I were to use wood, what would be the strongest way to build it so that I don't have to worry about it shifting from side to side or front to back? Does that make sense? 
CHUCK

[Don_P]

For strength bear in mind that granite countertops and soapstone sinks are regularly installed on stock factory cabinets built of 1x2's and plywood. Building a rigid box and setting in a bed of silicone should be able to support it. Can you take a shot of it upside down?

[ChuckinVa]

Don, that is a good point.I could build the frame and then use plywood for the back and sides. I should be back down at the house later this week and can get a picture of the underside.

[ChuckinVa]

"Maybe the other half had better stock up on plastic ware as breakable dishes will not last long."  Debbie's response. "we're having a dishwasher aren't we "

[ChuckinVa]

First time posting pics.

This is the bossed tab on the bottom of the sink. there are 4 of these. Two on each end.



Front of sink


Bottom of sink

[ChuckinVa]

The solution...






Plan on putting a skirt board across the front.