Ghetto Brew Box Project

General homebrew discussion, tips and help on kit and malt extract brewing, and talk about equipment. Queries on sourcing supplies and equipment should go in The Store.
User avatar
squirt in the turns
Posts: 274
Joined: Thursday Dec 04, 2008 8:26 pm
Location: Gold Coast

Re: Ghetto Brew Box Project

Post by squirt in the turns »

To those who are using brew boxen made of MDF, cardboard, etc: what measures have you taken to waterproof the interior, or otherwise deal with damp and condensation? Also, how do you seal the lid/door?

I tested the cooling circuit today, and the heat exchanger gets down to -7, quickly accumulating a thick layer of frost. My brew box will be a soggy mess before long, and worse still, could be a breeding ground for mould. I have thought about a drip tray of some kind under the heat exchanger.

Cheers.
User avatar
billybushcook
Posts: 539
Joined: Friday Nov 09, 2007 10:10 am
Location: Hunter Valley

Re: Ghetto Brew Box Project

Post by billybushcook »

With my reseviour being in the bottom of the fridge, it doesn't get that cold. I do get a little condensation which I mop out with a sponge every now & then, also give it a spray of Demostos at the same time to keep the mold at bay.

Do you have a fan kick in with the cooling circuit?
I use a 12V computer fan & cowling on the heat exchanger, the transformer (typical phone charger or similar) is plugged into the same source as the pump.
A fan may help to stop it getting so cold by circulating cold air & turning off the tempmate sooner?

My box is a metal chest freezer so the moisture is not a problem.

Cheers, Mick.
Home brew my Arse, get that Shit to forensics!
User avatar
squirt in the turns
Posts: 274
Joined: Thursday Dec 04, 2008 8:26 pm
Location: Gold Coast

Re: Ghetto Brew Box Project

Post by squirt in the turns »

I'll be using 2 120mm 12v fans running from the same computer power supply that powers the pump, so that it all kicks in at once. I don't have room for cowling if I want to fit 2 fermenters in the box.

Maybe I should just varnish or lacquer the interior. I know that I can't avoid condensation, but that should at least stop it permeating the cardboard and MDF, and make it easy to wipe clean. Still trying to figure out how to make it as air tight as possible, though.
User avatar
billybushcook
Posts: 539
Joined: Friday Nov 09, 2007 10:10 am
Location: Hunter Valley

Re: Ghetto Brew Box Project

Post by billybushcook »

Maybe with that sort of cooling power you don't want it completely air tight?
If it breathes a little, mould might not be a problem.

laquer would definately help but it can be expensive, especially for a marine grade.
i suggest using a Primer/sealer.

cheers, Mick.
Home brew my Arse, get that Shit to forensics!
User avatar
squirt in the turns
Posts: 274
Joined: Thursday Dec 04, 2008 8:26 pm
Location: Gold Coast

Re: Ghetto Brew Box Project

Post by squirt in the turns »

Cool, thanks Mick, I'll check out what Mitre 10 have.

I would have thought that air-tight is preferable, as any air that is allowed to enter the enclosure is a fresh source of condensate.
Post Reply