Toni wrote about refrigerators:
>I am open to reading/seeing the directions/list/sizes of
>supplies/equipment to make a built-in -
Toni, i think most people would chose the option of buying a
commercial refrigerator from an alternative energy catalog.
It would take a dedicated tinkerer or someone who was
exceptionally frugal to attempt this project.
I've not built one, but have repaired a few. Here are the
steps that sound workable.
Find a complete damaged unit. This is the tough part.
You need a unit that works but the mechanical parts
are damaged. The door is broken or it was in a wreck.
Talk/study/find source of gas which does not harm the
atmosphere. I've worked with the old freon stuff, but
i assume it is no longer available. Recharging
the gas may not be necessary, but it is good to know
about this before starting. Last i looked this gas
could be found in small pressurized cans. Possibly
auto parts shops or refrigeration suppliers will have
it.
Look for a complete unit in marine yards, junked motor homes,
medical surplus, etc. This is where quality parts can be
found. A repair shop might have information about sources of
parts. This step will probably take a lot of phone calls.
An old refrigerator might work, but i don't like this option.
Look for a simple system.
Once you have all the parts it is just a matter of building a
box and putting it all together. I would use plywood and put
all the parts on top. This avoids lots of holes and sealing.
The box would be foam sealed between plywood and the inside
made water proof. A few tubes of sealant should be used on
all cracks both inside and outside. Commercial wood
refrigerators use laminated plywood but marine plywood and
the right paint might be ok.
The top would be a freezer and the bottom a refrigerator.
All the coils would be in the top and the temperature in
the bottom box controlled by opening a small door between
the two compartments. This will take some experimentation.
jeff
