First Keezer Build

[Chia]

I scored this chest freezer off craigslist this morning. the guy plugged it in after i called him and it was running when i got there. I am going to move it into the bar and work on the thermo control tonight or tomorrow. hope to get it working with out buying a controller.

Plan is:
build a 10 inch collar so i can fit 4 kegs (the shelf above the compressor is 16 inches, 26 should be enough room i think for a keg....
paint it with chalk board paint
try and make the thermostat work by hacking it and changing set screw

I want to stain the collar so that i have a two tone, and want to pull the taps through the collar. any advice would be great!
Thanks, Chia

 

[tjmustard]

Yeah we use 2x6s to make our riser and found that we should have used 2x8 or 2x10s instead.

I have also heard of people drilling through the freezer by using milk or some kind of glue/paste to find the coils. Then drilling between the coils. But I would rather drill through the wood riser and have a higher tap handle.

Good luck and happy drinking.

Edit. The chaulk board paint works but it took 3 or more coats for me to get a good even layer.

 

[Chia]

have tried moving the set screw on the thermo, but no matter which way my water freezes. going to pick up a controller. did pick up the wood today, will post picks when i have the collar on. one question i do have is wondering what is the best way to mount the collar to the freezer without hitting any coils. are there coils at top of the freezer? thought i might do like Quaffer did in this post
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/converting-frigidaire-7-2-cu-ft-chest-freezer-162225/
thanks for any ideas.

 

[Hang Glider]

Wood should sit on the same part the lid would sit on - Silicone caulk to glue/seal - use no screws into the cooling box if you can help it.

remember, wood is a poor insulator - a 2 x 10 is okay, but line the inside with foam.

 

[Changeduser123]

Wood should sit on the same part the lid would sit on - Silicone caulk to glue/seal - use no screws into the cooling box if you can help it.

remember, wood is a poor insulator - a 2 x 10 is okay, but line the inside with foam.

You can also have a double hinges design.

 

[Chia]

cut the wood collar out and put it together. have insulation to liquid nail on to the wood. think i will calk the wood on, then liquid nail the insulation/styrofoam on the wood. will post a few picks tomorrow.

 

[dime1622]

When calculating your internal heights, don't forget that a nominal 2x10 is actually only 9 1/4" wide.

 

[Chia]

i forgot all about the 3/4 inch loss till i had the board purchased and cut.... it should still fit, if not i will make another collar. I am doing all of this in steps. last night/this morning i put the collar together. it is ugly as sin, but my woodworking skill and knowledge is poor and i only have a handful of wood working tools. cut the styrofoam with a razor blade...that was not fun. (any advice on that issue would be great) it looks like @$$ but I will see how it all fits, and post a pic or two before i attach anything.

 

[Chia]

So i ran out and checked my pinlock kegs and with the gas and beer hoses they are a touch over 24 inches tall. my collar is 26 and a hair. with the top of the freezer sitting in at about an inch, i should have 1/2 inch at least to play with. here are two pics. one with the insulation sticking out as i was checking it, and one sitting on top the freezer.