Calling the Hat

[alb]

Dave - have you decided what kind of kegerator or keezer to build? I was looking at keezer builds today online and Northern Brewer has a video that is by far the easiest, best presented, most complete instruction I've seen. It tells all the parts you'll need, too. Simple, but looks good. You could fancy it up as much as you want. I think even I might be able to do dis. Maybe in August.

[FedoraDave]

I'm going to be basing mine on this:

http://billybrew.com/kegerator-collar

I think it's a better build than the NB one, frankly. I take exception to caulking the wood onto the freezer. Using weather stripping will keep it just as insulated; the weight of the collar will keep it in place (as will the overlapping one-by), and the raw pine 2X4 isn't very attractive, IMO. I'll be using pine 2X6, and a facing of oak 1X8. Not only will this look nicer, but it'll give me enough head room inside for a third keg, which I'll use as either a stand-by for quick replacement, or a lager keg. It'll also give me more room to mount a drip tray, so I won't have to compromise the freezer by drilling holes into it.

My brother is actually going to do the build, as he's much better at this stuff than I am. He says he already knows how to go about it, and he says he can even improve on it, and I believe him. It hasn't gotten off the ground yet, though; his work can keep him pretty busy, so I don't want to pressure him.

[Inkleg]

This is a good read for determining how to size your keezer.

[FedoraDave]

Yes, Jeffrey, I referred to that thread frequently when making my decision. It's a great resource. The guy at my LHBS steered me to it. He referred to it as a labor of love, and I have to agree.

Based on the specs for my freezer, I believe I could fit three kegs and a CO2 tank if I build the collar with 2X6 pine. Or maybe Ed said 2X8 pine with a 1X10 oak facing. Again, he's in charge of all this, and I trust him completely. He's got years of experience installing office furniture. He recently worked on the Barclays Center, getting the offices set up before they opened the Nets' season. He knows his stuff.