Hey all,
I watched everyone else building fermentation chambers and was envious. I finally got up enough courage to build myself one. Here is my attempt. I don't have a lot of experience working with power tools or building things so any advice on what I could have done better are welcome.
I took the guts of an old mini fridge I had. I only wanted to make it big enough to hold two carboys to ensure that I could get the temp down to freezing.
Day 1:
Build Frame
Day 2:
Add sides and mount fridge guts
Day 3:
Finish enclosure and calk the crap out of it
Day 4:
Insulate
I probably should have insulated it before I put up all the sides and added the top. It was a pain cutting the insulation to fit through the small door opening. I added an AC cooling fan to try to keep frost from forming on the cooling coils.
Day 5:
Install ebay stc-1000 temperature controller and mount door. I hooked up the compressor to the cooling part of the controller. Couldn't decide on a heating source at the moment, but ended up going with the old light bulb in a paint can heater. I also threw an electrical outlet on the back of the cabinet just that is hooked up to the controller just in case I need it in the future.
I'm having issues with the door staying shut. I need to come up with a solution for this still...Any help would really be appreciated. Right now a case of water bottles is pressed up against the door to keep it shut :cross:
I was able to get it down to 32F but because of the door, once the compressor went off the temp began to climb back up pretty fast.
In Action:
Hooray!
I watched everyone else building fermentation chambers and was envious. I finally got up enough courage to build myself one. Here is my attempt. I don't have a lot of experience working with power tools or building things so any advice on what I could have done better are welcome.
I took the guts of an old mini fridge I had. I only wanted to make it big enough to hold two carboys to ensure that I could get the temp down to freezing.
Day 1:
Build Frame
Day 2:
Add sides and mount fridge guts
Day 3:
Finish enclosure and calk the crap out of it
Day 4:
Insulate
I probably should have insulated it before I put up all the sides and added the top. It was a pain cutting the insulation to fit through the small door opening. I added an AC cooling fan to try to keep frost from forming on the cooling coils.
Day 5:
Install ebay stc-1000 temperature controller and mount door. I hooked up the compressor to the cooling part of the controller. Couldn't decide on a heating source at the moment, but ended up going with the old light bulb in a paint can heater. I also threw an electrical outlet on the back of the cabinet just that is hooked up to the controller just in case I need it in the future.
I'm having issues with the door staying shut. I need to come up with a solution for this still...Any help would really be appreciated. Right now a case of water bottles is pressed up against the door to keep it shut :cross:
I was able to get it down to 32F but because of the door, once the compressor went off the temp began to climb back up pretty fast.
In Action:
Hooray!