Plywood thickness questions

[tntpilsner]

Hello,
I have taken notes and copied links to keezer builds for whenever I get started on my own, but I wanted to be sure I get the best info on plywood thickness.
Is 1/2" plywood thick enough for the sides?
It looks like alot of people use 3/4" for the top, but I'm having trouble getting a consensus on what thickness the sides should be.
(Also, for the coffin top- is 1/2" what most people use, or is 1/4" good for the coffin top?)

thanks as always

 

[LittleRiver]

The right thickness for each piece is going to depend on how you are using the piece, and the type of joinery you plan to use. Do you have an image of a design you like? That would make it easier to make specific recommendations on materials.

3/4" plywood has the advantage of being thick enough to accept fasteners (screws, or brads & glue) in its edge. If you have a long unsupported horizontal span (something like a large top panel that resembles a tabletop), then 3/4 will be less likely to sag than something thinner.

1/2" plywood is plenty strong in shear, so for vertical side panels it is fine. But it is too thin to accept screws in its edge, so think about how you will join it. More than likely you will need some additional pieces of solid wood (or metal brackets) to make the joints.

1/4" plywood is much weaker, it is best used as a skin in combination with a frame.

 

[tntpilsner]

Thanks for the reply! Yep, I have an idea of what I'd like to try - something like Lilrascal's build https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/threads/my-keezer-build.176752/
I'd like to do the tower and I like the panels he used on the front.

 

[LittleRiver]

...something like Lilrascal's build https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/threads/my-keezer-build.176752/

For that I would use 1/4" plywood as fill panels for the front and side face frames. The frames are the structural part, the plywood is just for look.

For the top you could use 1/2" plywood, because the weight is being supported by the freezer top. The frame around the top will provide the strength needed for mounting hinges.

Make sure you provide good airflow between the freezer and the surrounding woodwork, preferably with at least free airflow coming in from the bottom and free airflow leaving near the top (a small fan to actively move air would not be overkill). Make sure the compressor area has unrestricted airflow.

 

[tntpilsner]

For that I would use 1/4" plywood as fill panels for the front and side face frames. The frames are the structural part, the plywood is just for look.

For the top you could use 1/2" plywood, because the weight is being supported by the freezer top. The frame around the top will provide the strength needed for mounting hinges.

Make sure you provide good airflow between the freezer and the surrounding woodwork, preferably with at least free airflow coming in from the bottom and free airflow leaving near the top (a small fan to actively move air would not be overkill). Make sure the compressor area has unrestricted airflow.

That is great! Thanks so much!