I started this build with my cousin about a week ago and we are making our way slowly but surely. We've learned a ton and made a ton of mistakes along the way. The build started with a brand new GE 5cf freezer and will be built for 2 taps, since we were not interested in doing a collar. It's crazy how quickly the costs add up, mainly because of the wood. The frame is made of 2x4, the sides are 1/4" oak plywood, the trim is oak 1x4, and the coffin box is made of oak 1x12 (hooly expensive). We still have plenty of work to do but the hard parts are hopefully behind us.
Things we learned:
-Be sure that the placement of the freezer inside the frame will allow the plywood top to open without hitting the back part of the frame. We had to add height under our freezer and move it backwards slightly.
-If using chipboard (I wouldn't again), be sure to use a washer on the under side of the bolt head and inside the freezer. We were flush mounting the bolts but went too far into the wood and they pulled right through when tightening. Easy fix was to add the washers and then we just notched the cement board for the bolts before adding the tile.
-If using an LED strip under the taps, be sure to account for an additional overhang in your coffin so the strip can be covered.
Seeking Input On:
How is everyone aligning the holes in the freezer lid to the holes in the plywood? We were able to do this with some measuring and some luck, but it seems like there has to be a better way.
Thanks to everyone before me for posting their builds! I learned a tremendous amount and utilized ideas from a bunch of different builds.
Things we learned:
-Be sure that the placement of the freezer inside the frame will allow the plywood top to open without hitting the back part of the frame. We had to add height under our freezer and move it backwards slightly.
-If using chipboard (I wouldn't again), be sure to use a washer on the under side of the bolt head and inside the freezer. We were flush mounting the bolts but went too far into the wood and they pulled right through when tightening. Easy fix was to add the washers and then we just notched the cement board for the bolts before adding the tile.
-If using an LED strip under the taps, be sure to account for an additional overhang in your coffin so the strip can be covered.
Seeking Input On:
How is everyone aligning the holes in the freezer lid to the holes in the plywood? We were able to do this with some measuring and some luck, but it seems like there has to be a better way.
Thanks to everyone before me for posting their builds! I learned a tremendous amount and utilized ideas from a bunch of different builds.