Finally started my Fermenting Chamber

[aomagman78]

Well, SWMBO didn't say 'no' so I got my supplies and started building my chamber. I have a big-ol' 3.7cu ft mini fridge to work with, inherited from my brother. It already holds 1 better bottle, but I'd like to get more in the future as well as long-term chill beers.

So the fridge measures 33-1/4" x 22" x 19" (h,l,w) and I got to thinking that's already pretty tall. So I decided why not add a little extra height and make it into a bar. So the structure is 54" long and 42" tall. Plus I'll be adding casters and a countertop. Plan is to have a nice overhanging bar top that SWMBO will tile then put a painted bead board around the sides. I live in AZ so this will be out on the covered porch and make a nice piece of furniture.

Internal dimensions should end up about 18" wide x 28" high x 44", enough for 2 or 3 carboys and other stuffs. Plan on getting an aquarium controller for it.

Picked up a little bit of 1/2" insulation from the Re-store for $1. Going to get a sheet of 1-1/2" from Lowe's as the insulation. The plan is to put 2 slits of the 1/2" on each vertical 2x4 before I put the large pieces of 1-1/2" for the walls. That'll give me ~4" between the outside of the walls and the outer beadboard wall. In which I'll put some R-13 or so batting insulation. That way the only conduction out would be through 2.5" of foamboard and up a 2x4 to the horizontal 2x4". The rest is only convection through batted insulation. Got the usual Great Stuff, silicone caulk, foamboard adhesive, and foil tape as well. When it's all said and done it should be locked down nicely. As it stands right now...it's just a frame.

Here are the initial pics, I'll keep those interested posted. Those are homebrews in the budweiser...but I drink it. I have a party keg of coors in the fridge. Can't wait to refill that with HB too.

Let's see if these work now.

 

[aomagman78]

Well, this thing is fully operational now. I'll post pics tonight. I just need to pick up a little a/c weather stripping for the door. I didn't plan the door out very well, so that got a little hairy, but all good in the end. Controller is on the way, but it doesn't seem to have a problem holding the highest fridge temperature (~45°F) so that's where it is at now. Just need to install bead board on the edges eventually. . . and clean up the war, I mean work zone.
Final dimensions are 30"h x 50"l x 20"w. Only bummer is, after I was all done wife asks "So where are the taps going to go?" Grrr, I thought I was on the hook just for investing in this thing. Little did I know she would've supported a 2-zone with taps!! Live and learn. For now taps will remain inside as TAD's.

Again, pics tonight.

 

[markd87]

Aomagman,

Can you post some pictures of the final product? I am very interested to see how you approached this. I am trying to do a similar project myself and I am stuck on a few design points.

I found a nice deep freeze on craig's list that I want to remove the lid and saw off the front and side walls. I would then build an insulated frame around the back (I am assuming the back of the deep freeze will be the only wall with heat transfer coils and/or wiring). I am shooting for a unit that can store six to eight carboys, and possibly one or two 5 gallon kegs. A little ambitious, but I figure if I'm going to attempt the project I might as well try to get the most out of it. Any advice and or pictures that you think could help my cause would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Mark.

 

[aomagman78]

Pictures as promised.

Not real easy to capture the inside. But it's plenty roomy, as I can easily fit inside. Had my wife trap me in so I could see any light coming through - she enjoyed that.

I hate doing hinges, especially when I have to worry about a good seal. So I went with 4 'turn' locks. I'll have to redo them once the beadboard is on there. But they work very well and get a good 'smoosh' on the insulation at the door.

 

[markd87]

Thanks AoMagMan. The pictures are definitely helpful.