Beer Forum

I want to add a collar to my keg freezer.

Some questions-
1. 2x4 or 2x6?
2. Do I need to fasten the collar to the freezer in some way? Something like a lip on the outside?
3. Is there anything magic about shank length or do I just need enough to get through collar?
4. Should the wood be treated to resist moisture?

Thanks for any help you can offer!

stadelman wrote:I want to add a collar to my keg freezer.

Some questions-
1. 2x4 or 2x6?
2. Do I need to fasten the collar to the freezer in some way? Something like a lip on the outside?
3. Is there anything magic about shank length or do I just need enough to get through collar?
4. Should the wood be treated to resist moisture?

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Look at byo from January/February. There is a nice article with photos. That is what doing
1. I am using 2x8. This allows for 2 more kes to sit on the compressor hump. I have a 7.2 cu. ft. freezer.
2. I am also using brackets to fasten the collar to th body. Hinges will be so only the lid opens.
3. 2, 3" beer shanks. The magic is in the length of hose and having the right temp/pressure.
4. I am going to seal it up myself. I want to stain it, so I will take care of it. Be sure to use some insulation around the inside of the collar, too. I am going to put in a computer fan as well. I have an extra from when I made my stirplate.

stadelman wrote:I want to add a collar to my keg freezer.

Some questions-
1. 2x4 or 2x6?
2. Do I need to fasten the collar to the freezer in some way? Something like a lip on the outside?
3. Is there anything magic about shank length or do I just need enough to get through collar?
4. Should the wood be treated to resist moisture?

Thanks for any help you can offer!

1. It depends on how much height you need, although a 2x6 will give you more height to mount things like a drip tray.
2. I would do a lip on the inside, or use a bracket of some type
3. Make sure not to cut it too tight on the length, but no magic
4. DO NOT use pressure treated wood, really pressure treated has some nasty chemicals in it, but yes treat it in some way (stain, paint, polyurethane) but use an exterior grade product

my 2 cents

Mine is a 2x4, with a 1x12 outside of that that hangs down over the outside of the freezer. Thus it is not attached to the freezer, just sits on top with the overhang keeping it from moving.

Thanks everybody!

Do you think a 3" shank is long enough for use with a 2 x 4? It's obviously long enought to get through the board, but is it long enough to get the tail piece (and whatever else goes on the end of the shank) tightened down?

My plan right now is to use a 2 x 4. The brackets for the lid look like they will attach both to the freezer and the collar. That will attach it to the back. Then I'll use silicone caulk which should semi-attach the rest of the collar. I'll add a 1 x 6 to the outside if that seems unstable. The down side to the 3" shanks is, I know they would be too short if I end up needing to add the 1 x 6. Maybe I'll do the wood work first before I order the shanks.

stadelman wrote:Thanks everybody!

Do you think a 3" shank is long enough for use with a 2 x 4?

Yes.. 2x4s (2xanything you get at typical lumber yard) are actually 1.5" thick.

Here is a great You Tube vid on collar construction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnS3j1Et ... ure=relmfu

LocalBrewer wrote:Here is a great You Tube vid on collar construction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnS3j1Et ... ure=relmfu

Thanks!

I ordered the faucets, shanks, etc today. I'm excited to get this thing going!