ray lunder wrote:
> Ahoy, I'm building a top loader icebox in an existing space under the
> settee. I can get rigid pink building trade insulation fairly cheaply
> and it's local. It's rated R5 per inch. I would have to order/source
> take a ferry, drive etc to get blueboard or the stuff that costs $100+
> per sheet. Is it that big a deal?
> I was going to caulk the inside plywood corners, use a squirt of that
> spray foam from the hardware store to fill the imperfectly cut
> rectangles of rigid foam. I thought 2 layers of one inch would be the
> best compromise between R value and interior space.
> I haven't thought out how to finish the inside so it holds water from
> the melted ice or how to drain it. Anybody experiences for the DIYer
> on a budget? Ok, the spell checker is complete, I had four mistakes,..
> Thanks as always.
Ray,
This is a project that our family has completed numerous times since the
first learning experience project in 1962.
We learned some things.
Polyester resin will destroy all but the most expensive foams. This one
one of our first applications and experiences with epoxy resin and glass.
The entire inside should be glass/resin lined to prevent damage and
waterproof the insulation. Fine weave 1.5 or so is good for the inside
as it is smooth and easy to clean. A layer of 9oz is good enough to
keep beer cans from damaging the inside bottom surface of the foam (that
should be under the fine weave glass).
Build the bottom with vertical bulkheads of glass to keep the bottom
foam from getting compressed with years of use.
A reliable drain that will drain the bottom an not break up after a few
years use is almost impossible to create (we haven't managed yet). It
is easier to make it smooth and mop it out.
If you are going to do a removable built in (where the top attached to
the bottom of something that lifts up, be sure you can manage to lift it
in and out when it is loaded. If you do this, plan to shim the
removable box to get a tight closure. Remember to make two tops - one
to install. get a cargo strap to hold it closed in transport and plan
where you are going to store the transport lid.
If you keep ice in a container - tupperware or a nice sized waste basket
so the melt water is not loose - you are better off. Even better is to
collect half gallon plastic jugs to fill and freeze. The liners from
cheap wine boxes are great too, but you need to make a form to freeze
then to size. These also provide easily accessed cold water.
Matt Colie - from a long list of builders
>> Stay informed about: Building an icebox: Blueboard or Pink stuff? 
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