Super Coolers ...

[KCStudly]

I've been kicking around the idea of building a cooler for awhile.

A couple of thoughts, Tom.

First, why not include the foam bottom on your box with just a few strategically placed holes to squirt the expanding foam into? That way all you have to do is trim the small amount that oozes out off flush.

Second, the lids on many of those plastic storage containers have to be allowed to flex in order to go on and off while sealing properly. So that is something to be considered. Maybe there is a style of container that has more of a rigid style top with a catch, or better yet a gasket. Defeat the catches and mount your own external to the foam.

$.02 + $.02 = $.04

[ghcoe]

We usually use 1 liter soda bottles filled with water in our coolers. Just pop them in the freezer and you have a nice block of ice to take camping with you. Nice thing about them is that they keep the water out of your cooler as the ice melts.

I was thinking of building in a ice box in my build. I was just going to cut bottle shaped cut outs in the bottom to hold the bottles so they would not roll around and look nice sitting there. Would not need to make sure you are water tight or have a water drain.

[GPW]

GH, for the last storm , we did the same thing (bottles) , and it worked great in our home freezer when the power went out ... No water , no mess ...
But when I chill the Beer for the band , we use ice , and the water helps the Beer stay Nice and COLD ...

[S. Heisley]

Not re-purposed; but, I bought a couple air-tight cereal box sized plastic boxes (width and depth of my ice chest, to fit fairly snugly). I fill these with water and leave them in my freezer until I need them. Then, I put one on each end of the cooler when they are needed. The advantages to these are:

- Containers have flat sides instead of round, so they are easier to work with; better space usage.
- Entire Top comes off so you can refill with purchased ice cubes, if you are on a long trip.
- Melted ice water is contained (same as the bottles)
- You can drink the ice water (same as the bottles)

[eamarquardt]

This little unit here keeps a soda or bottle of water cold right out of the refridgerator for 45 minutes or longer. The walls are about 1 & 1/2 inches thick. IMHO, 3 inches of foam with a nice thick lid would be an awsome cooler.
Frank

You could add a lid and drink through a straw. Drill some holes, fill with water, freeze, and even better.


The possibilities are endless!

Cheers,

Gus

[GPW]

Sharon , appreciate your idea !!!... Since I’ll likely have some leftover foam , was planning a “super cooler” with big plastic container linings , foam just added around them ... the covers give an extra seal .. Experimenting with cheap foam coolers , found that unless finished inside some way , thay get nasty after a while ... Seems the dirt sinks in between the beads/spaces, almost impossible to clean .... plastic liners ... now that’s the ticket ... just like the store bought coolers ...
Just another idea ... I was wondering if adding a metal radiant barrier inside , next to the liner , would help at all ... works on houses ??? I have aluminum tape and foil .... ???

I’ll definitely be making a Beer Koozie’ like that , cool for 45 min. .... Doubt I’ll need that long ....

[ghcoe]

Not re-purposed; but, I bought a couple air-tight cereal box sized plastic boxes (width and depth of my ice chest, to fit fairly snugly). I fill these with water and leave them in my freezer until I need them. Then, I put one on each end of the cooler when they are needed. The advantages to these are:

- Containers have flat sides instead of round, so they are easier to work with; better space usage.
- Entire Top comes off so you can refill with purchased ice cubes, if you are on a long trip.
- Melted ice water is contained (same as the bottles)
- You can drink the ice water (same as the bottles)

I like this idea too....