Building a humi-fridge encapsulator

[FlyFish]

LOL, that sounds funny.


Here's the poop. I have a 100 bottle Haier. Does a great job with the cigars but looks like...well, it looks like a cheap wine fridge.


I have been thinking of bulding a hardwood cabinet around three sides and the top of the fridge that we can then stain to match whatever the plan is for that room. Probably a library motiff. It would be a slight pain to have to open the cabinet and then open the fridge to get anything out of it but if I can get the lumber cut professionally I can put it together, add trim moulding, a solid door, brass door handles, stain it real nice and it should look very good.


As I said I figure to leave the back totally open with only a couple support braces to hold the cabinet's shpe while totally ventalating the fridge.


Other than the observation that I may be nuts, does anyone have any suggestions on this?


Gracias

 

[The Volusianator]

I think it's a neat idea. I did a similar thing to a pair of speakers a while back. They were professional grade EV speakers that have a hard plastic casing, so I built a set of "skins" to encase them out of black walnut. They look awesome now.

I think with your project the hardest part would be getting the door and carcass to fit well, but with some good planning I'm sure it could be done. Good luck and be sure to keep us posted with pics.

 

[BobbyRitz]

This sounds like a plan. I couldn't attempt anything like this because I don't have the time, patience or expertise to successfully complete such a makeover.

But you might want to look at cost. If your intention is to put the resultant piece in your library, a cost/benefit analysis might suggest that buying a new piece altogether.

Good luck! Post pics if you decide to move forward.

Rob

 

[LilBastage]

I would look at the manual for your fridge closely. Mine specifies 3 inches of clearance all around, not just the back (there are coils in the sides of my fridge). The model I have is free standing, though, not meant for in cabinet or under counter installation. If your model is thermoelectric, it likely won't be an issue.

The fridge you have may vary, of course, but it is something to consider.

It sounds like a cool idea. Something I may try in the future. :thumbs:

Good luck to you!

 

[FlyFish]

I plan to leave at least three to six inches of clearance on all sides, plus maybe hook up an extra fan to blow air across the back of the fridge. I figure I'll need a 1 X 4 support brace all the way around at the top and the bottom. I've been playing around with this idea today and I think I'm going to go for it.


The only thing that scares me is making the door and not having it look cheesy.

 

[LilBastage]

I plan to leave at least three to six inches of clearance on all sides, plus maybe hook up an extra fan to blow air across the back of the fridge. I figure I'll need a 1 X 4 support brace all the way around at the top and the bottom. I've been playing around with this idea today and I think I'm going to go for it.


The only thing that scares me is making the door and not having it look cheesy.

The door does seem like the hardest part of a project like this. I've made several cabinets (nothing fancy, just for the garage) and the doors are always the hard part. :blush:

Sounds like you've got a good plan. I'm looking forward to seeing the pics!