Keezer Build Questions

[boehmn]

I'm getting prepped to do a keezer build (ala Jester and countless others) from a new Frigidaire 8.8 cu ft from Lowes. I've never done woodworking of any type, so I have a few questions that I haven't particularly seen answered (though I absolutely may have just missed them):

1) Hardwood vs. Softwood - which one for a keezer do people prefer, and why?

2) What tools do I absolutely need to do this? I've got a decent circular saw, I know I'll need to get some clamps, and I have the drills, etc. I see lots of people use a router to dig out a spot for the drip tray... if it's just that one spot, should I just try to find someone to borrow from, or does Lowes/Home Depot offer a rental?

3) I haven't seen much discussion as to how people attach the tiles/granite to their builds. Just glue? Or black magic?

That's all I can think of for now. Thanks for any help!

 

[BlueZooBrewing]

I personnally used hard for the collar/new lid(original lid was trashed), and soft for the exterior and finishing touches. Whatever you prefer can be made to work. Different kinds of woods will affect how they stain, paint, or insulate.

Are you planning on making it with a coffin box or putting the taps right on the collar? If you're going with a coffin box, you can tile around the drip tray and depending on the tiles, potentially not need to recess the drip tray so the router wouldn't be necessary. Since I rebuilt my lid from scratch, I just planned the space for the drip tray right into the lid. If you really want to route it out, I'd recommend borrowing or renting (lots of HD's carry them for rental) especially if you don't see yourself using it in the future. Of course if you need an excuse to justify to SWMBO why you NEED a router don't let me get in your way...

Tiling is pretty easy. You can get a basic kit at Home Depot with the spacers, cement blade and sponge with directions on basic tiling or you can probably figure it out pretty easily online and then just get the needed tools. DIYNetwork.com, Thisoldhouse.com, and HomeDepot.com all have tutorials and how-tos on tile installing that can familiarize you with the process.

 

[purplehaze]

boehmn,

1) Soft wood is usually cheaper, lighter, easier to cut and work with. Hardwood is more durable.

2) I would say a pocket hole jig will save you a lot of time in assembly ($40 at Lowes) especially if you are going with a coffin. You could get away with a circular saw but a miter saw it what you need.

3) Thinset is what most people use but I found a couple of products that are basically press and stick glue sheets. The one I used was called Bondera from Lowes. HD has something similar and cheaper but it would not work with the small tile I used. Installation is quicker, cleaner and no drying time. You can also grout the tile immediately.

Good luck and don't forget to post pics.

 

[2BeerSpeer]

I'm about to build one as well, could composite decking be used?

 

[BlueZooBrewing]

2) I would say a pocket hole jig will save you a lot of time in assembly ($40 at Lowes) especially if you are going with a coffin. You could get away with a circular saw but a miter saw it what you need.

+1. A miter saw will definitely give you a much better product. Borrow or rent one and it will be well worth any cost. Can also usually find one pretty cheap on craigslist and it will most likely come in handy for other projects. I think I paid about 40 for a sliding compound miter saw back when i was doing a flooring project and Ive more than gotten my moneys worth for it, as well as having loaned it to a few family/friends who have used it on projects.

 

[boehmn]

Thanks for the responses! I checked out craigslist and there's definitely some cheap miter saws out there. I'll pick on up for sure.

As far as stain goes, a friend told me that sometimes softwoods don't take to dark stains well. Anyone have that experience? I was thinking about using softwood (for cost), but need to go dark to match our current furniture.

 

[bbentley40]

I think most of your questions have been answered, but I will throw my .02 in. I 100% agree with Blue on the miter saw. IMO it is probably the most important big piece of equipment you could have when trying to do this build. I bought a router for my build. It was a router/table combo for like $100 and it goes a LONG way to helping the looks of my build. And I have used it a number of times since then building Halloween props so I have got my money out of it. To give you one piece of advice on the build.. draw what you want to do in the best possible detail you can (it doesnt have to be pretty, but sketch it out). Then draw it again.. then draw it again. I caught a lot of mistakes in my design by drawing what I wanted to do again and again. And when you start visiting Lowes/HD 2-3 times a day you will be glad you did so much preplanning because it will help you right down exactly what you need on each trip. My SWMBO was so sick of going to Lowes before the project was done.. lol. Good luck.. and take lots of pictures!

 

[rygo796]

I used a miter saw although you can use a hand saw just the same. If you know how to use it properly a hand saw is fine.

You can use screws to hold the collar together, but glue and dowels is a sharper finish.

You need better quality wood if you stain it, poor quality wood should be fine for paint.



Keezer