Re-aquascaping the tank

[NewSchool04]

I'm looking to re-aquascape the left side of my tank and I'm looking to build two large free standing pillars. I've read about people drilling their rock and using acrylic rods and PVC to secure the rock together and I guess that's how I'm going to go about doing it. Now trying to figure out how to do it right without killing myself or sending a 20" LR pillar through my front sheet of glass.

I was wondering if anyone else has tried this and if you have any ideas for me to make my job a little bit easier! How did you construct the base so it is sturdy enough to handle the rock.

Any help would be . . . helpful!!