Knotty Pine and Cedar Log Keezer Build

[Hoppopotomus]

In the picture above of the back of the keezer, on both sides of the hinged door is simply a deadspace between the coffin wall and the shelving unit. I created this space, so I cold attach the logs on the front corners of the coffin from behind. There is plywood on either side of the coffin, then the blue side of the acoustical paneling against that (black side out) and then another layer of insulation. On the inside, I lined the coffin with the acoustical paneling, blue side in and then the cavity that is being cooled is lined with the styrofoam, so none of the blue cotton material will be exposed to moving air. Once completed, I may put a piece of the acoustical paneling across the back of the coffin as well (blue side against the plywood door). As it stands right now, I think that the coffin is very well insulated, the fans move a lot of air volume, and it is way quieter than I expected. Thanks again for the material!

MAN, this thing is looking great! I'm glad the stuff helped, but it looks like you may have been fine without it. In the pic above with the hinged door - will you be putting any plywood over the areas to the left and right of the door to seal up that area? Not that it matters at all but the blue side usually goes against the structure and the black side is out. The black fabric is used to keep the cotton particles from becoming airborne. Also, it's usually good to have the product on the wind-swept side of the insulation so the sound doesn't reflect off of the structure (or styrofoam) but again, its not a deal breaker.

This is really a VERY cool project and you're doing an awesome job!

 

[Gridlocked]

Awesome - that's really great to hear!!! You're very welcome!

 

[Hoppopotomus]

Good news! We had a great profit month with my businesses, so it looks like I'll be ordering my kegging equipment this week! :rockin:

On the agenda tomorrow....cut the coffin/shelving top to size, finish sand the entire keezer, and get the cement board installed. If time permints (or my wife for that matter) I may get the first coat of poly on. I'm using a satin Sikkens for the knotty pine and a Semi-gloss polyurethane for the logs to match my bar area. I plan on doing multiple coats, so it will be a several day process. I will then install the tile, grout it, and then do several coats of stone sealer. The remaining "punch list" should keep me busy until my equipment arrives. I'll post some pics of my progress tomorrow. Thanks to all who are following my thread.

Also....if anyone has any strong feelings about where I should order my kegging equipment from OR if you know who has the best price for a QUALITY set up......please let me know ASAP!!!!

 

[kmat123]

Good news! We had a great profit month with my businesses, so it looks like I'll be ordering my kegging equipment this week! :rockin:

On the agenda tomorrow....cut the coffin/shelving top to size, finish sand the entire keezer, and get the cement board installed. If time permints (or my wife for that matter) I may get the first coat of poly on. I'm using a satin Sikkens for the knotty pine and a Semi-gloss polyurethane for the logs to match my bar area. I plan on doing multiple coats, so it will be a several day process. I will then install the tile, grout it, and then do several coats of stone sealer. The remaining "punch list" should keep me busy until my equipment arrives. I'll post some pics of my progress tomorrow. Thanks to all who are following my thread.

Also....if anyone has any strong feelings about where I should order my kegging equipment from OR if you know who has the best price for a QUALITY set up......please let me know ASAP!!!!

Kegconnection

 

[tomije87]

Kegconnection

+1. Great service, great product, great prices. Tough to beat when it comes to entire kits.

 

[starrfish]

+2 got components there... great stuff on time

 

[muse435]

Looks great so far

 

[Hoppopotomus]

Thanks for the feedback guys........KegConnections it is! I spoke with them today and they were able to answer all of my questions and put together a kit that meets my needs. I will be going with 3 taps (Perlick 525ss, of course), but it will actually be a 4 keg system. I'm upgrading to 4 kegs and a dual regulator with a 3 port manifold for one regulator and a completely independent regulator for carbing a keg in waiting OR to carb lets say an Amarillo Wheat at a different volume. I'm really excited and for everything, they kept me under $500. I love their $7.95 flat rate shipping. I cross compared kegcowboy and kegglebrewing and the prices were slightly better with kegconnections and the shipping really tips the scales. Placing my order as soon as they open tomorrow. Thanks again guys.

 

[Hoppopotomus]

Oh, one more thing. I have been researching the hell out out of Temperature Controllers. I'm really leaning towards one Controller for two applications (2 thermocouples)....one for the freezer/compressor control and one for the coffin/Inductor fan control. I can only find a couple of controllers that fit this application, but the are on ebay and ship from China or Japan. Never hear of the manufacturers, so I'm very skeptical.

I really want to ensure that my keezer is as efficient as possible and that the beer lines in the coffin remain as close to freezer temp. as possible.

I need everyones opinion on this...

Based on my coffin design with the creation of a highly insulated coffin, with a built in air channeling system for the beer lines and shanks, and with Inductor fans to control cold air flow.......do you honestly think that I need to control the fans indepently?

Here are my options:

One controller: Thermocouple in the freezer and the compressor and inductor fans kick on at the same time.

Dual controller or two seperate controllers: Thermocouples in both the freezer and the coffin, so that there is strict temperature control of both cavities.

OR

One Controller for the freezer itself and the inductor fans running constantly through an "always on" power source.

I guess I just don't know the life expectancy of an in line duct booster - Inductor fan or the energy consumption of two 80 cfm fans runnin non-stop.

Please give me your feedback, because I'm stumped as to what to do, but need to make a decision ASAP

 

[Jota21]

I think your tower will stay cold enough with that insulation and two fans. I would say to stick with a standard controller and let the fans kick on with the compressor. If the fans die, then you can look into something different, but those things are designed to be a permanent part of an HVAC system. I dont think they should die anytime soon.

 

[Hoppopotomus]

Thanks Jota21,

That's what I'm leaning towards as well. Now I just need to find a great deal on a digital temperature controller. I found one on ebay from a company in CA and it's called the ColdFusion X Temperature controller. It's supposed to do everything that a TS Love Controller can do, but it's 1/2 the price. They also have a model that is "supposed to" control up to 2 different environments with one controller. It has tons of terminals on it, but I only see one section labled for a temperature thermocouples. There are similar terminals that are not marked, but I would assume that if it's a dual channel contoller it would need to accept two temperature thermocouples. I'm calling the company today to see if it will work to control both independently. If it's at all questionable....I may just bite the bullet and go with a Dwyer Love controller. Thanks!

I think your tower will stay cold enough with that insulation and two fans. I would say to stick with a standard controller and let the fans kick on with the compressor. If the fans die, then you can look into something different, but those things are designed to be a permanent part of an HVAC system. I dont think they should die anytime soon.

 

[Hoppopotomus]

OK...I did manage to place my order with kegconnection.com yesterday afternoon, but the process was not nearly as smooth as most of you guys experienced. They were exceptionally helpful with coming up with a customized system for me the day prior. :rockin: However, actually initiating the order was an all day affair. I left a couple of messages in the morning for the sales guy and then when I finally got ahold of him in the late morning after several attempts, he wasn't in the office by his computer, so he couldn't place the order. He asked that I call back later after his lunch to place the order. I called several times and then left a message.

I really wanted to get the order in process, so late in the day I called kegconnections directly and spoke with the shipping manager. I asked him if anyone else could initiate the order, since I was already emailed an invoice the day prior and I just wanted to pay for the items. He said that he could not run the transaction, but would be happy to start getting the components around for my system right away. He said that if I could finalize the order, there was a chance that he could get it shipped immediately. I was very pleased with his customer service and he said that either he or the owner would contact the sales guy, so that we could finalize the sale. I finally received a the call right at the end of the day and we reviewed the order and I gave him my CC and address. He said that his computer was still booting, but he would send me an updated invoice for review and a receipt to verify the order within 5-10 minutes. It's 6:00 a.m. the next morning and still no email!

Needless to say, I don't think that my order shipped yesterday and at this point I'm not even sure that the order was placed. Hopefully I receive some sort of correspondence today. I still have faith and if everything in the order comes without a hitch, I won't hold it against them.

Addendum: It's now 5:25 p.m. and still no email for order confirmation? I'm hoping that they have processed the order, but still not sure.

Addendum: Never got an email or verification of the order processing. I called today (2 days after placing the order) and spoke with the warehouse manager Josh. He found in their computer that I had an account opened, but could not find an updated invoice and said that my order was never processed and my CC was not charged. He re-did the entire order, but what a PITA!!! Not sure why they dropped the ball so bad with me, but I should be all set now....at least I hope.

 

[Hoppopotomus]

I only had a little time to do the finish sanding and clean the keezer up today, because I spent 3 hours cleaning up the mess I made in my basement building the damn thing. I am happy to say that my basement is clean and the keezer is ready for clear coating! I have decided to do the finish before cement board and tiling. Hope to have this beast wrapped up next week, because the kegging components are due for arrival late next week.

I finally made a decision on my temperature controller. I decided to go with the Dwyer Love Controller Model TSX-10240, which is one of the few models to have a dual input for 2 temperature probes and dual output to control two seperate devices. I ordered it directly from www.love-controls.com. Price was $70.25 and it comes with one thermocouple (5') and I ordered another thermocouple (10') for $8.00 + $8.00 shipping. Not a bad deal at all since the TS model is $75. I will have the 10' thermocouple going into the freezer (I wanted to go in through the coffin and down the beer line port into the feezer, hence the longer lead) and channel 1 controlling the plug for the feezer compressor. I will have the 5' thermocouple going into the coffin and situated right at the shanks and channel 2 will control the plug for the coffin fans. I should have the controller this weekend.

Here are a few pics from today.

 

[Butcher]

It will probably be a long time before I ever build me a keezer. We are done with car payments and credit card payments and would like to be responsible for a long time! But you have really given me some ideas. I was thinking something like a bar top, about a 9-10" of space and then the board on top of the freezer lid, with the space used for glasses and stuff. I kind of like the way you have done it. Im not a big drinker so I wouldn't be sitting at this thing as if it were a bar anyways. I think basing it off something like you did allows for it to have much more of a decorative purpose which would be important for my wife if it would sit in the dining room.

 

[starrfish]

Im not a big drinker so I wouldn't be sitting at this thing as if it were a bar anyways.

LOL that's what my buddy said when he built his bar in PA. After it was built his wife told me he sat at that bar more than the lazyboy!

"build it and you will sit." (in a field of dreams whisper)

 

[Hoppopotomus]

Glad my build could give you some ideas. Your plan sounds really cool with the incorporation of a bar top. Your a smart man thinking ahead about how your wife feels about the project. This "hobby" can be quite expensive if you let it get that way, especially when you get into coffin/keezer builds, fermentation chambers, all grain brewing rigs, etc., etc. Kudos on your elimination of debt, sounds like you guys have found Dave Ramsey, or the like. Your doing it the smart way by taking your time and being responsible financially. It would be silly to rack up a bunch of debt, simply to be able to dispense beer at home. My wife and I have no debt except our mortgage, so it really does increase the amount of freedom and extra spending cash for our hobbies. Your on the right track....good luck with your build if and when you start it.

It will probably be a long time before I ever build me a keezer. We are done with car payments and credit card payments and would like to be responsible for a long time! But you have really given me some ideas. I was thinking something like a bar top, about a 9-10" of space and then the board on top of the freezer lid, with the space used for glasses and stuff. I kind of like the way you have done it. Im not a big drinker so I wouldn't be sitting at this thing as if it were a bar anyways. I think basing it off something like you did allows for it to have much more of a decorative purpose which would be important for my wife if it would sit in the dining room.

 

[Hoppopotomus]

Thats some funny sh*t Starrfish. I can see myself spending plenty of time at the taps of this thing. My wife and kids may never see me again once the bar AND keezer are done!

LOL that's what my buddy said when he built his bar in PA. After it was built his wife told me he sat at that bar more than the lazyboy!

"build it and you will sit." (in a field of dreams whisper)

 

[Hoppopotomus]

When I got home from work last night my LOVE temperature controller and extra temperature probe had arrived from Dwyer! :rockin: I went with the TSX-10240, because it is the only refrigeration controller that accepts two temperature probe inputs and has dual power outputs to control two seperate cooling devices. I'll be using one probe in the coffin to control the temp. via the Inductor fans and of course, one in the freezer to control the compressor. Now I just need to figure out how to wire this thing.

I would like to cut a rough opening in the knotty pine siding in the lower cabinet portion of the keezer and mount it on the front for easy access. Does anyone know if his has to be housed inside of a handy box of some sort? I guess I'm wondering if the back side can be open to air or does the back side have to be protected by a receptacle box like a standard plug or switch. Any feed back would be great.

PS....my kegging equipment order was finally processed and will be arriving on Thursday from kegconnection.com.

 

[GusWatab]

UNBELIEVABLE!!! This thing look sick Hoppo...

I have learned quite a bit regarding the coffin and temp controllers. I have been trying to think of a way to cool my lines from my beer fridge in the storage room up to the taps at the bar. I just posted my set-up under "Show us your kegerator" yesterday. Take a look and let me know what you think...I think if I knocked out a square in the drywall and built some sort of a box/coffin around the shanks, and then used some flexible tubing or something to circulate air just like you have in your coffin, that could work great. It's a real bummer when you have to dump out a mug of foam just to get your lines cool enough for a good pour...I am really thinking about this now.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated. And once again BEAUTIFUL JOB ON THE KEEZER!!!

 

[Jaysus]

that is totally super awesome!

 

[Hoppopotomus]

Thanks guys! GusWatab....I'll try to take a peak at your thread tomorrow and let you know if I have any suggestions.

Not a ton of progress today, spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out the Love Controller. Still haven't hammered it out all of the way. I bought the TSX-10240, which is a dual input/dual output unit. Haven't found any wiring diagrams of this one and this type of electrical work isn't exactly my forte. I have a neighbor that is an electrical engineer, so I'll pick his brain unless anyone on HBT is familiar with this unit.

I installed safety straps on the keezer lid today, because if the top opens too far, it will either rip the hinges off or tip the whole unit backwards when empty. I got it balanced pretty well, so it should work out. I also got the RO cut for the Love Control, 3 outlets wired (one wired to a switch for the lights, one for Love Contol channel 1 on for the freezer compressor, and one for Love Control channel 2 on for the Inductor fans). Still just need to figure out the wiring configuration for the temp. controller. Wanted to get more done, but not enough hours in the day lately.

 

[Jester369]

Looking fantastic, Hopp!

I just might steal your safety strap idea

 

[Hoppopotomus]

Please do...it seems to be working really well. I just used some extra ratchet straps that I had laying around, cut to size, and then burned on the ends to prevent fraying. I used oversized washers and course thread wood screws to anchor them securely. I'm certain that they are not going anywhere. I may have to do some adjusting once I apply the cement board and tile, as it may change the center of gravity when opened.

Thanks for the compliment....it means a lot coming from you!

Now if I can figure out this damn Love Controller...I should be set for the final stretch of the build. Do you know anything about the TSX-10240?

Looking fantastic, Hopp!

I just might steal your safety strap idea

 

[Hoppopotomus]

Update: My kegging equipment is due for delivery TODAY! Unfortunately, I'm going out of town tomorrow for the weekend, so it will be next week before it gets installed.

I finally got the information needed for my Love Temp. Controller. The TSX 10240 that Dwyer recommended and shipped does not suit my application, so Dwyer is shipping me a TSS2-2100 immediately and I'll have it tomorrow. They agreed to pay for the return shipping of the TSX, so overall I'm very pleased with Dwyer's Customer service. Should have everything I need to finish the project by the end of the day tomorrow, so now I just need to find the time to wrap this beast up!

 

[Gridlocked]

Man, this project does NOT suck!

You're going to love kegging and wondered why you didn't get this stuff earlier. Going back to bottles after you've kegged for a while is tough. The only thing that makes it easier is when you realize you're bottling because you have more beer than space to keep it. With your uber-sweet kreezer you probably won't run into this, but I hope you do.

 

[Hoppopotomus]

Thanks Ted. Can't wait to start kegging! I have a centennial IPA and Blood Orange Hefe ready to be racked into a keg next week. Can't frickin' wait. I am sick of bottling and I just picked up this hobby about 6 months ago. Need to get two more batches going asap, since I have 4 kegs-a-comin'. Great job on your projects as well.

Man, this project does NOT suck!

You're going to love kegging and wondered why you didn't get this stuff earlier. Going back to bottles after you've kegged for a while is tough. The only thing that makes it easier is when you realize you're bottling because you have more beer than space to keep it. With your uber-sweet kreezer you probably won't run into this, but I hope you do.

 

[NewBrewB]

This is my first post from my samsung galaxytab. Was pumped to see that HBT has an actual app for keeping up with the boards!

Anyway, my first stop was to check out how your project is coming along. Im a huge fan of the safety strap idea as well.

How soon will you be finishing up the basement and fill it up with the highest caliber of beer consumers??

 

[Hoppopotomus]

Thanks NewBrewB,

I went out of town for the weekend and have been really sick the past couple of days. I did received all of my kegging equipment on Friday and my replacement Love Controller came on Saturday, so I have everything to finish the project. Now I just need the time to finish it. I did get the new controller wired up last night. Now, I just need to clear coat the woodwork, do the tiling, and hook everything up. I'm hoping it is done this weekend. I have two batches that are ready to be kegged and need to get two more batches going to fill the pipeline. Between working crazy hours, kids activities, being sick, and getting dirty looks from my wife everytime I head down to the basement to work on this thing, my progress has slowed. I do have a free weekend coming up, so I'm going to make one last push. Wish me luck!

This is my first post from my samsung galaxytab. Was pumped to see that HBT has an actual app for keeping up with the boards!

Anyway, my first stop was to check out how your project is coming along. Im a huge fan of the safety strap idea as well.

How soon will you be finishing up the basement and fill it up with the highest caliber of beer consumers??

 

[Hoppopotomus]

I unboxed all of my kegging equipment from www.kegconnection.com and everything was present and accounted for. Although there were a few glitches getting the order placed, they totally redeemed themselves and I will recommend them to others. :rockin:

OK, so I got 4 kegs, which all but one were in excellent condition and the other was a little dented and scratched up, but who cares.....they were clean and pressurized without leaks. I also ordered the dual body regulator and the 3 way manifold, so I can always have a 4th keg carbing...waiting for it's rotation or something like a wheat beer carbed at a higher volume. Lots of flexibility for a 3 tap system. I also received 3 Perlick SS 525 faucets with 5 1/8" stainless shanks and a stainless drip tray. For my troubles with the ordering process they threw in a kegconnection bottle opener, a tube of food grade lube, 8 oz. of keg cleaner concentrate, and free shipping! Now on to finishing the woodwork!

 

[Hoppopotomus]

I'm still sicker than hell, but I got out of work at a decent time for once and rushed home to get a coat of poly on all of the woodwork before getting the kids off of the bus. I decided to coat everything in a semi-gloss polyurethane, instead of my original idea of using a satin Sickens for the knotty pine. Call me lazy, but I just want to get this MF'er done!!!

The first coat really made the logs and the red cedar slab that I knifed into the log across the front pop, but I wish I would have chosen logs with more knots and character for the vertical trim pieces. Oh well....it's coming along. I used a quick drying poly, so I may do a second coat after the kids go to bed tonight. It's finally 63 degrees here in Michigan today, so I had all of the windows open, but with my URI and sinus infections, the fumes still kicked my a$$.

I plan on tiling the top and face of the coffin on Saturday and grouting on Sunday. I'll then seal the tumbled travertine on Tuesday and install all of the kegging components. Almost Done!!!