Philco Fridge! With Pics! (2/25/12)

[nekramp]

Found a old Philco Firdge that i am going to use for my smoker. It's a small fridge about 6.5 cubic feet, but i figure it'll be perfect size for me to get into smoking.  I was wondering what is a good element to use to hook up to a PID controller.  I know alot about fabrication as I am a certified welder and have my own metal working shop, but i don't know anything about a PID Controller. Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks

 

[michael ark]

Just pm me what you want.

 

[mneeley490]

nekramp, I think having access to metal and being able to weld is really half the battle. I had to conceive, and then draw up my ideas so my bro-in-law could cut the pieces in his machine shop. It turned out to be a much longer process than I anticipated, but I'm fortunate he could understand what I was trying to achieve.

I'm doing the final cutting, drilling, and assembly now, and I have the cuts to prove it. Sheet metal and I do not get along at all. I'm sporting a nice 1-1/2" cut over my right eyebrow right now.

I will be using a 1500w replacement element I ordered from Pro Bass shops, but I guessing that at 6.5 cubic feet, you probably won't need one that large. Mine is roughly 14.5 cubic feet.

For the PID, I bit the bullet and bought a duel probe WSD-1503CPH  from Auber Instruments. It was a little pricey, but it's supposed to be nearly foolproof, so even I may be able to make it work. Many other people here have the know-how to build their own.

 

[nekramp]

Started working on the Cold Smoker tonight for my Fridge. Bought a cheap air pump at walmart but doesn't seem to be enough air flow.  Going to see if i can find a Optima adjustable air pump in town. The smoker is 3x5x16 inches and should hold about 6 to 7 cups of fuel for all day smoking.

 

[nekramp]

Here's the bottom of the Generator with expanded metal welded in for the chips to set on.

 

[nekramp]

Did a little more work on the smoke generator tonight.  Wife caught me not doing what she wanted me to do! so i didn't get all that i wanted done.  But i did get the hinged bottom on so that is better than nothing i guess!

 

[nekramp]

Started Stripping out the fridge tonight and some of the paint on the outside.  I'm going to need to find some good paint stripper or fire up the old sand blaster to get the paint off the outside.  This could be a long process!

 

[nekramp]

Got some of the paint stripped off yesterday, Found some good stripper at Menards and was supprised that it actually works.  I have to hit the fridge one more time with the wire wheel and it should be good for primer!

 

[michael ark]

Look like you well on your way.

 

[nekramp]

Finnally got all of the paint stripped off of the outside.  Got the compressor out at the rinky dink sheleving brackets out of the interior.  Now need to get the PID and heating element ordered up!!

 

[sprky]

I'm gonna be watching this build progress. 

. Plz post lots of pics, some learn more from pics then words, I learn both way's.

Don't ya just hate it when the wife catches ya doing what you want/need and not what she wanted. 

 Been there done it got the T-shirt.

 

[nekramp]

Ordered the PID, SSR, Heatsink and ThermistorBolt from Auberins tonight. Also got the Brinkman SmokeShop Element ordered and a new rheostat airpump and switches for the control box ordered! Kept it all under 180 including shipping! Not Bad

 

[jno51]

Looks good so far. I just finished my first build two treads down from this one. I used the same PID and element. I will be testing it this afternoon, waiting on the door gasket seal to dry. Keep sending pics. "UP IN SMOKE" from Texas 

 

[SmokinAl]

Looks like it's coming along really well!

 

[roller]

Looks real good..

 

[nekramp]

Worked on the inside of the door yesterday.  I used a high temp sealant to seal up around the edges of the door and than used rivets to secure it in place!

 

[africanmeat]

interesting i will keep my eye on it

 

[nekramp]

Decieded to replace the interior of the fridge with 14ga steel instead of using the metal interior what was in it.  I know it's more work but it's going to look better in the end and now i won't have to use any caulk or bolts to fill holes not needed. 

 

 

[nekramp]

This is the reason i don't get anything done when i want to!

 

 

[driedstick]

im with you buddy I'm always chasing the "keystalopes" orange cans ARE ADDICTING