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**Jimbob** · 07-13-2008, 04:31 AM

Well, I've read and have been told countless times the importance of temperature control during the fermentation process. Several months back I got my hands on an old freezer and got a temperature controller, unfortunately our two year old twin girls require food on a periodic basis and the bride decided that the freezer would now be used for it's intended purposes. So on to new ideas.

I've been looking for another freezer on craigs list but we are pretty limited on room and I would probably have an appendage cut off (one of the functional ones) if I were to bring home a freezer as we are pretty limited on spare space. So I decided to put those 7 years of college studing mechanical engineering to work and devised quite the plan. I will be converting the right end of this:

into a temperature controlled fermentation chamber. I've dropped the bottom shelf to the as low is it will go and have the perfect amount of space for a 6 gallon carboy with an airlock. I'm wanting to create two chambers so that I can lager as well.

The goal here is to have a temperature controlled fermentation system, save money, and save space. The great thing about it is, I have enough scrap plywood to create the walls and a PC power supply. So I'll need insulation, thermostats, refridgeration parts, and hardware for the doors (maybe some stuff to seal the doors too).

I've been scamming some ideas of for the contoller portion from deathweed's posts and will probably try to use a similar concept with regard to using the thermostat with the PC power supply. I'm intending on building things up tomorrow with the wiring to follow shortly after. I'm going to try and do this on the cheap and try to find as much free stuff as I can.

If any of you have any recommendations please let me know.

BuffaloSabresBrewer · 07-13-2008, 04:39 AM

Sounds like a good idea. Solves the temp problem and saves space and will probably look pretty sweet. Keep us posted.

**FSR402** · 07-13-2008, 02:47 PM

My only advice is "clean up that mess, good god man"...

**Jimbob** · 07-13-2008, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSR402

My only advice is "clean up that mess, good god man"...

Yes Dear

...The bench is actually the only "cluttered" part. We have a bunch of stuff in the garage but for the most part it's pretty straight

chrisp · 07-13-2008, 03:04 PM

Would this work for cooling?

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2008071209103872&catname=&qty=1&item= 1-1302

Nwcw2001 · 07-13-2008, 03:50 PM

I thought GilaMinumBeer had a great idea and I think it would work in your setup. Just put the mini fridge on the left end of your bench.

I think that would work like a charm for you. Insulate it well and you have a 6 foot beverage cooler!

John

**Jimbob** · 07-13-2008, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisp

Would this work for cooling?

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2008071209103872&catname=&qty=1&item= 1-1302

I don't see why it wouldn't that is nice. I'll look at that site in more detail...$20 is a great price.

GilaMinumBeer's set up looks really cool too. I wonder if he is getting the cooling he needs by not removing the parts from the fridge and installing them on the cooler box.

**Jimbob** · 07-13-2008, 05:31 PM

Has anyone ever had much success with a small window ac unit? At least with respect to getting the temps low enough to lager.

**Jimbob** · 07-13-2008, 11:22 PM

ok...now its partly framed in...plywood is a bit warped

more to come this evening...I'll be making a mead and insulating...look for more pics in a bit

**Jimbob** · 07-14-2008, 03:20 AM

Twas the Work/Brew/Drinking Day...(girls = twin 2 yr old daughters)

The girls were waiting to help Daddy brew
But bedtime approached as the crying and wailing grew

I put them to bed with a hawler and shout
Then out to the garage to tap the old spout

The work began with a brew and a knife
I started the burner, often fearing for my life

The water was boiling and I covered in Honey
I knew later on the wife would not "Show me the Money"

So I insulated the fridge and took a drink down
All sweaty and grimy, I felt I wore a crown

The neighbors approach with wonder and glee
What concoction this day would they see

Now I'm all dirty and covered with honey
I'm now off to shower, feeling a bit scummy

So if you wonder should I try these three things
Just ask Ol' Jimbob and see how he sings

....Continued on next post