Portable tap box

[pedimac]

I built a portable igloo cooler kegerator (https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=172047) for when 5 gallons is enough. For large group events, contests, and weddings, I take 2-3 5 gallon kegs to serve. I started by just putting them and a load of ice in a brute trash can (with water spigot drilled into the bottom for water removal) and a tap box made with foam and spare plywood with party taps. After a couple years, the plywood unfortunately (not surprisingly) got moldy.

 

[pedimac]

Decided to build a new tap box and incorporate a design into it. I've dubbed my stuff Dirt Floor Brewing to pay homage to the dirt floor cellar I ferment in. A friend put together a logo with a cave painting of an auroch from Lascaux, France (http://www.mazzaroth.com/ChapterOne/LascauxCave.htm). I'm also an alum of University of Texas, so the longhorn look suited me! The idea was to make it look like a block of granite with the logo painted on it, caveman style.

Bought this cooler from Target (http://www.target.com/p/coleman-16q.../-/A-16663376#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=cooler). I sawed off the handle, used spackling paste to fill in the Coleman symbols all over it, and gave it a light sand. Drilled two holes for taps (a third will be placed when necessary), and gave it a grey priming coat.

 

[pedimac]

Then spray painted a stone textured paint over. Old tap box made a nice sacrificial paint block.

Copied the logo and words onto a stencil, cut the stencil out - time consuming, but actually kinda fun. Took me back to third grade arts and crafts. Used a spray adhesive to hold the stencil down, and painted the logo on with chalkboard paint to give a matte charcoal look.

 

[pedimac]

While it was drying, I cut the lid of my brute to accommodate a drip tray. I made it out of a plastic bin that goes in a fridge to hold ice or veggies and some spare wire mesh I had laying around.

Took a break to check on my hops in the early morning, coming in nicely.

 

[pedimac]

Drilled a couple SS bolts through the cooler bottom and brute lid to hold it in place, put in a bit of pvc for lines to run through, and siliconed everything to make it water tight. The shanks are 2 1/2 inch, perfect for the cooler. I'll have 10 ft of beer line, most of it coiled in the cooler with lots of ice.

Need to get some nice tap handles (or make some chalkboard ones), but this is it. Will be making its maiden voyage for my neighbor's wedding.

 

[kurds_2408]

Dude that thing is awesome. I need to make me one of those.

 

[pedimac]

I do appreciate it!

 

[brick_haus]

Love it!