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bigpapa7272 · 08-29-2011, 07:26 AM

Decided I am going to build a keezer. I figure that this will be a fun project, and that I can finally stop screwing around with bottles!

Found a couple lines on chest freezers thanks to craigslist 1 is a 5cf for 40 bucks 1 is a 7cf for 75.

Im leaning towards the 7cf. I want 4 taps on this sucker.
Ive already decided 1 tap will be a dedicated root beer.

Couple ?s

Will a 7cf be big enough for 4 pin lock kegs?

Should I acquire the temp controller now or wait til the collar build is complete? Digital or analog?

Who has the best prices and reasonable ship times to Maryland on parts(faucets shanks etc)?

Hoodweisen · 08-29-2011, 11:28 AM

If your not to picky on exact temps for your beer u dont need to buy a temp controller i keep mine at 30 degrees using this thread :
Guide to set internal chest freezer thermostat

EarthBound · 08-29-2011, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoodweisen

If your not to picky on exact temps for your beer u dont need to buy a temp controller i keep mine at 30 degrees using this thread :
Guide to set internal chest freezer thermostat

30 degrees F?

If so... wow.

**originalben** · 08-29-2011, 01:44 PM

I used KegConnection for my Perlicks/shanks/connections and they had great prices and good turnaround times/communication.
I will be doing a keezer as well in the next week or so- have yet to try the internal freezer control screw adjustment method, but will let you know once I get it how it works out.
From the thread, it seems to work fine, but takes a bit of patience and minute turns to get it 'dialed in'

nittanybevo · 08-29-2011, 02:44 PM

I got the add a tap kits from rebel brewer - (http://www.rebelbrewer.com/shoppingcart/products/Add%252dA%252dTap-Kit.html). Our keezer is outside so we ended up with 4 tap covers too.

We have a pop/soda keg too. If you do a single regulator system, you're going to have to really adjust the manifold and gas pressure carefully. I carb my pop/soda up at around 30 psi for at least 3-4 days, before dialing back to serving pressure. if you serve beer at that, you'll have a fire hose. I've heard about the bayonettes from McMaster but never got around to trying it. Also, you will need twice the length on your rootbeer keg for serving as you do on your beer kegs. Otherwise the pressure builds so bad that it just leaks constantly. We had that problem with picnic taps on a cream soda keg.

We've gone from flat soda to over carbed beer literally overnight because the wrong valves got changed.

bigpapa7272 · 08-29-2011, 06:46 PM

anyone know of any sales on Pin lock kegs? I need a few more.

**kingmatt** · 08-29-2011, 07:01 PM

Check your LHBS too. Most people write them off as too expensive but once you factor in shipping for some of these online places, they are usually pretty competitive.

I just picked up two more ball-lock cornies at my LHBS today for $39.95 a pop and they give you a new set of o-rings with each keg you buy!

bigpapa7272 · 08-29-2011, 08:17 PM

Well found a smoking good deal on faucets and shanks.. Better than rebel brewer. From the beverage factory ebay store. 4 faucets with shanks nuts and nipples 96 bucks shipped!

Saw a steel 7lb CO2 tank from beverage elements for 40 bucks shipped. they also have cut handle ball locks 4 for 74.95 plus ship so its around $120 with ship.

Anyone have thoughts on them before I buy a tank or 2 and a 4 pack of cornys??

So far its coming together waiting on the people with freezers listed to call me back. Especially since I found a potentially freebie!

**Hoppopotomus** · 09-01-2011, 11:12 AM

Hey bigpapa7272....what style of keezer are you going for....collar? coffin?

I recommend at least the 7 cu.ft. freezer with 4 kegs & 4 taps. I also recommend a dual body regulator with a 3-way manifold off of one body, with the other reserved for carbing up a new keg or for styles that require a little higher carbonation level. Most 7 cu.ft. freezers will hold 4 cornys on the floor as well as a 5lb CO2 tank....not sure about the 7lb tank. If it's the same diameter as the 5lb, but just taller....it wouldn't be a problem, but if it's much larger in diameter, it may be tight.

In retro-spect, I love the way my rustic keezer turned out and I get compliments from everyone on it, but I only installed 3 taps, eventhough my 7 cu. ft. GE holds 4 kegs. I figured that I could always have a "keg in waiting", but once a keg carbs up....I want to start pulling pints, so I'm moving around beer lines all of the time. I'm adding a 4th tap, but it's a P.I.T.A., because I knifed a log into a custom trim piece where the taps mount and now I have to start the process over and knife a new trim piece to accomodate 4 taps.

Good luck with your build and keep the thread updated, so we can follow your progress. Cheers.

**Hoppopotomus** · 09-01-2011, 11:16 AM

By the way....what type of faucets and shanks did you get the "smokin' hot deal on"? I strongly recommend the Perlick 525ss forward sealing faucets. I have heard nightmare stories about stuck faucets with cheaper ball valve faucets. IMO the little extra $ for the forward sealing Perlick faucets greatly outweighs having to deal with stuck faucets down the line. My 2 cents.