My Brew Stand and Fermentation Chamber Build

[crags9]

Gremlyn - Just curious to know how many brew days you've had on your weldless stand and how do you like it so far? I'm at the point that I want to build one, but not sure if I should just wait until I have the money to go weldless. Any suggestions?

 

[DrewC]

Gremlyn, I'm planning on building one of these and I also use a coleman extreme as my MLT. Do you have any support for the extra length of the cooler or do you just center it?

 

[Gremlyn]

Gremlyn, I'm planning on building one of these and I also use a coleman extreme as my MLT. Do you have any support for the extra length of the cooler or do you just center it?

I actually stopped putting the cooler on the stand, kind of wish I built the stand for two burners only. I have a separate workshop table I put the cooler on. I became afraid of melting the cooler with the middle burner on...

That said, the cooler does sit well just centred on the stand.

 

[snooky]

I've been looking at taking apart a mini fridge for a kegerator build. Were you able to keep the temperature control that came in the fridge intact?

 

[soadtool]

I've been looking at taking apart a mini fridge for a kegerator build. Were you able to keep the temperature control that came in the fridge intact?

Hey I know you're asking the OP but I've been working on my build for several months and think i have enough experience to answer your question too.

In short, yes! I've been through three minifridges now. The first one I accidentally busted the freon line because it was rusted in a corner. The second just didn't turn on after i disassembled it. The only thing that I could tell went wrong was i broke the hollow tube that i assume is the temperature gauge because it wasn't very long and went directly to the temperature control box. I'm on my third now and it is working like a charm. The only problem is, it had separate cold plates for the fridge and freezer so the temperature controller is essentially useless to me since the freezer plate keeps, well, freezing. I don't know whether having a one plate system like my first two would change that. The temp in my keezer dropped down to 15 degrees F and still hadn't turned off. I bought a cheap temperature controller off of Amazon that should arrive shortly. It was $50 and you plug the minifridge into it and it has a temperature gauge so it controls when the fridge turns on and off based on your desired temperature gauge.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

[snooky]

Hey I know you're asking the OP but I've been working on my build for several months and think i have enough experience to answer your question too.

In short, yes! I've been through three minifridges now. The first one I accidentally busted the freon line because it was rusted in a corner. The second just didn't turn on after i disassembled it. The only thing that I could tell went wrong was i broke the hollow tube that i assume is the temperature gauge because it wasn't very long and went directly to the temperature control box. I'm on my third now and it is working like a charm. The only problem is, it had separate cold plates for the fridge and freezer so the temperature controller is essentially useless to me since the freezer plate keeps, well, freezing. I don't know whether having a one plate system like my first two would change that. The temp in my keezer dropped down to 15 degrees F and still hadn't turned off. I bought a cheap temperature controller off of Amazon that should arrive shortly. It was $50 and you plug the minifridge into it and it has a temperature gauge so it controls when the fridge turns on and off based on your desired temperature gauge.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Thanks, I haven't bought the fridge yet, but I am keeping my eye out for one. I was just worried that it may not be usable if that temperature controller was cut. I am planning on using a separately purchased controller for more precise temperatures.

 

[-MG-]

Does anyone know of a guide for tearing apart a mini fridge and doing this? I have similar requirements to the OP that I want to fit 2 sanke's in there and maybe a carboy or two, but would love not to waste space and just build a box around a mini fridge.

 

[Gremlyn]

In answer to keeping the fridge temp control: no, I did not keep it. I was able to disconnect it and the fridge worked fine, it would obviously just not shut off without it's temp controller. Not all fridges will be like this, I assume; some may not run unless a wire is jumpered on the connector where the original temp controller was. Just have to test and see. I use a Ranco to control the temp, as it is far more accurate and has finer control, etc.

-MG-, as for your question, I just stated cutting Well, first I took out all the screws and things hold stuff to the fridge body that I could find. Then I started cutting the top of it off, so that I could lift out the chilling plate. You have to have an old fridge with the coils on the back in order for this to work. Use a saws-all with a short blade and go slowly to make sure you don't hit a cooling line. There should only be one going in and one coming out, but they are probably together.

 

[joenads]

I actually tore apart a fridge with the coils located inside the sides. It was a PITA, but there was a tear in the metal skin that I just kept pulling on. I eventually got everything torn out and had a bunch of foam and sweat all over the place.

 

[snooky]

Anyone ever try using acetone around the coils? I know it melts foam, and I would think you would have a much lower risk of nicking a line. Obviously, this should be done out doors.

 

[cpatel479]

Mini Fridge Tear Down

Sanke Fermentor with Brewers Hardware Conversion Cap:

What tool did you use to cut the mini fridge?

 

[Gremlyn]

What tool did you use to cut the mini fridge?

My trusty Craftsman saws-all.

 

[AnchorBock]

Did you wire the fridge right into your temp controller? If so, do you just not worry if it's on high/low (on mine its 1-7)? Looks like you left the internal thermostat behind.

 

[Gremlyn]

Did you wire the fridge right into your temp controller? If so, do you just not worry if it's on high/low (on mine its 1-7)? Looks like you left the internal thermostat behind.

There is no high/low setting for the actual cooling system, the thermostat for the fridge works the same way as a Ranco, simply cuts the power at a preset temp. I just took out the stock thermostat, check to make sure it still ran, and called it good. The fridge plugs directly into the Ranco for temp control.