Cool Box construction

[StrangeBrew]

I need some sort of panel fixing to hold those firmly in place

You could try a few magnetic cupboard catches on each panel, should work fine.

How will you control tempreture Jim?

Edit: Should of read the thread again!

It'll also have a fan, a heater and an ATC800 to control them.

[Bru4u]

Your quite flippin handy, well done Jim, and thanks for sharing it, a good idea turned into reality.

[Jim]

I need some sort of panel fixing to hold those firmly in place

You could try a few magnetic cupboard catches on each panel, should work fine.

How will you control tempreture Jim?

Edit: Should of read the thread again!

It'll also have a fan, a heater and an ATC800 to control them.

Heh! Yeah, I considered magnetic catches, but they tend to be a bit bulky - I need something really slimline. I've seen some panel fasteners online; most of them just need an insert sinking into the frame, into which the end of the fixing goes. They have some sort of quick-release mechanism, and that's what I'm after. The top panel should (in theory) be OK just held by its own weight, but the front panel will definitely need a solid fixing.

Ta, Bru4u.

[Jim]

Here's an example of the kind of thing I want, but so far I haven't found a UK supplier that sells in small quantities.

[Jim]

Hmm, had an idea. How about studs fixed into holes in the frame, matching holes in the panels, and wing nuts? It'll be a clart to get off, but the front panel only has to come off to change barrels.

[StrangeBrew]

How about using mortice rack bolts? They're usually used for extra sercurity on french window etc and operate with a simple key.

[Jim]

Ta for the suggestion, SB, but unfortunately the panel's only 6mm plywood, so it wont take that sort of fitting.

[StrangeBrew]

ok Jim, I thought the panel was fixed to a frame.

Velcro is another option or am I being daft now.

[Jim]

ok Jim, I thought the panel was fixed to a frame.

Velcro is another option or am I being daft now.

Well, let's just say that there are lots of other options to try before I go down the velcro route.

[maxashton]

Why not just a hook and bolt? Simple, but it should work.
If you used a plate type hook rather than a wire hook it would even hold it quite securely i imagine.

And you could put a padlock on it to keep your mates out.

[BrewBob]

Jim,
Very nice work, I can see me following your example sometime. You detail of the construction and photos are excellent.

One question; how robust is that insulation stuff? I see you have it on the floor of the cabinet. Will it dent it you place heavy kegs on it or is it spongy? Will you be placing a board over it?

[BlightyBrewer]

Why not use toggle catches Jim?

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/15443/Iro ... Pack-of-10

[confused]

I'd use magnetic tape. self adhesive, low profile and very strong.

[Jim]

Jim,
Very nice work, I can see me following your example sometime. You detail of the construction and photos are excellent.

One question; how robust is that insulation stuff? I see you have it on the floor of the cabinet. Will it dent it you place heavy kegs on it or is it spongy? Will you be placing a board over it?

Yeah, it does dent if you put pressure on a small point (though you can stand on it if it's well supported underneath). However, there's a panel made from leftover laminate flooring to go on top of it (you might even be able to see it propped up behind the cabinet in one of the photos).

[Jim]

Why not use toggle catches Jim?

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/15443/Iro ... Pack-of-10

Hi BB, the problem with all that kind of catch is finding somewhere to screw it to - I need to do a quick sketch, really to explain, but the top and the front panels meet each other at the edge, and there's no 'land' to fit anything to. The left hand side is up against the fridge, so no room there, leaving only the bottom and the rhs where anything like that could be fitted.