Ghillie's Keezer Build Thread

[BarnBrian]

I'll be 70 this year and haven't yet had to resort to rigging up a hoist. Maybe next year I might.

 

[-Bezza-]

I'll be 70 this year and haven't yet had to resort to rigging up a hoist. Maybe next year I might.

For the beer, or getting in and out of the bath?

 

[BarnBrian]

For the beer, or getting in and out of the bath?

It's getting out of bed that's the problem

 

[-Bezza-]

It's getting out of bed that's the problem

Have you thought about something like this (watch from about 17 mins) only with beer?

 

[Dutto]

I use a "pulley & spreader" system to lift FV's up on to the bench for syphoning.

Hole drilled in the roof truss above the bench to accommodates the fixed end of the rope. The rope then goes through the travelling block (one of these to which the spreader is fixed) ...

https://www.diy.com/departments/diall-pulley-dia-35mm/1521319_BQ.prd

... and then back up and through one of these fixed blocks that is screwed into the roof-truss ...

https://www.diy.com/departments/diall-single-wheel-pulley-dia-50mm/1521190_BQ.prd

When the FV has been hoisted up I can hold it in place by running the rope across one of these ...

https://www.diy.com/departments/diall-rope-clip-l-0-11m/1521209_BQ.prd

The system has been in use for over two years now and it works a treat.

BTW, I have used the B&Q site for examples of what is used. I actually had a lot of the gear laying spare and your local ironmongers may very well sell a lot of the gear needed at a much lower price.

Enjoy.

 

[BarnBrian]

Have you thought about something like this (watch from about 17 mins) only with beer?

[/QUO

I'm working offshore in Nigeria at the moment with slow broadband so can't view videos, no beer either.

 

[Ghillie]

Have you thought about how you're going to lift full kegs into the freezer? I think I'll be able to fill mine in-place but will have to do some height measuring to be certain.

I want to avoid having to lift and lower them when full because one day I can see that going badly wrong.

I should be able to manhandle full kegs in and out. We've also planned for a removable front section of the collar too, which will mean less height to lift the kegs.

Good point about filling in place, I could put the FV on the adjacent food freezer and gravity feed that way. Good idea.

 

[foxbat]

Good point about filling in place, I could put the FV on the adjacent food freezer and gravity feed that way. Good idea.

I just measured mine and I have a few centimetres drop between the FV outlet valve in the brewfridge and where the top of the keezer collar will be. Should be enough to transfer in-place but it'll probably get slow towards the end. If it doesn't work out I'll have to buy one of these as I don't fancy either lifting and leaning or tottering on stepladders. I just know that one day I'll clatter into the pipes and delicate JG fittings or do my back in.

 

[Bigcol49]

getting in and out of the bath

My new nickname is Spider because I can't get out of the bath.

 

[Ghillie]

Collar made yesterday, all coming together. Slight delay waiting on my pal to do the joinery as he was busy with work.

Just done the second coat and will apply a third tonight. Plan to do the wiring, etc in the mean time. Quite happy with how it's looking.

Going for 5 kegs as it's definitely doable with the detachable front. Will source some black hinges and black clasps just to finish it off.

The brace on the front was just to support the mitre joints whilst the glue set. The back and sides were affixed to the keezer with silicone. I have bought some window seal strip to run between the wooden part where the taps are mounted and the front edge of the freezer.

Finally taking shape.

 

[Ghillie]

Electrics more or less in after painting tonight. Think once it sets I'll connect the secondary regs and PC fan to the collar.

 

[Ghillie]

Window bead that I'm using as a seal on the front part of the collar. It's a "draught excluder" by rights. If it does that I'll be happy enough.

 

[Ghillie]

Whilst I'm at it, and in the garage half shot. Here's the secondary regs purchased from Norm.

Also, a 120x120 PC fan with a 45deg bracket I hammered together at work.

All ready to go when the paint dries.

 

[Ghillie]

Marine ply backing for the space heater. I know, a bizarre concept for a keezer. But it hit -14C here a couple months back so my unheated garage needs it.

FWIW, I tried to gorilla glue the mounts straight on but they wouldn't bite against the rough freezer surface. So ply my pal was throwing out did the job. Heaps of silicone in behind it, stuck like *****.

 

[foxbat]

Wow you're making quick progress and it's looking great. I need to get on with mine but today's a brew day due to bad weather forecast for tomorrow.

 

[Ghillie]

Long night but almost finished. Just need another tap and some disconnects and we're there. Pretty chuffed.

 

[Oneflewover]

Looking good!

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Long night but almost finished. Just need another tap and some disconnects and we're there. Pretty chuffed.

 

[foxbat]

Great job, good finish and nice and neat inside.

 

[Adamharper]

Just finished my kegerator, bit of a challenge!!