Keezer advice

[dkeeling]

I’m planning on turning this monster into a Keezer, but I could use suggestions on whether I should go with the collar design or get more complicated and create a tap tower. I’d prefer the tap tower, but I don’t really have the tools and I’m not the most skilled woodworker. That makes the keezer an easier option. A question I have is what is the purpose of the weird ridges are in front of the hinges in the first picture? Also, they are a bit elevated, so if I mount a collar over them, should I cut notches and use sealant there?

 

[Golddiggie]

IMO, even a short collar will be a benefit. Go with either 2x4 or 2x6 for the structure and skin it with some nice hardwood. I went with 2x8 for the structure of mine when I put it together. I also don't have much for woodworking tools, or experience, but I got it done. I did get help putting the collar onto the freezer when it was time. Simply remove the hinges from the back of the freezer body and secure it to the collar. I also used some adhesive backed neoprene insulation (1-1/2" thick IIRC) between the lid and wood and the collar and the freezer body to make for a better fit.

Benefit of the collar is how it's easier to drill through for your gas lines. I have both a CO2 bottle (20#) and nitro mix bottle (60 cubic) sitting outside the keezer. Means more room for kegs and such. Plus easier to monitor the gas pressures and levels that way (don't need to open the keezer to check). I used bulkheads to bridge the inside and outside of the keezer, so that I can easily change the lines if I wish. Not to mention the passthrough holes are also smaller.

 

[day_trippr]

The bolt pattern for the hinges will likely dictate the minimum collar height.
Anyway, an alternative to a classic fixed collar is to build a replacement lid...

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/my-k3-14-8cf-keezer-build.689790/
Cheers!