Question: Building Kiln - Double Door Fridge

[FALaholic]

I wanted to ask you guys how I should approach my crock pot kiln, using my newly acquired double door fridge.
I originally was thinking of gutting the center divider, but leaving the border to keep the door seal. This way I can use one single crock pot for both sections. The only problem I'm thinking I'll run into is that I won't be able to install 1/2 length hanging sticks, to hang in each half of the sections. Since I don't have the center divider to use as a mounting point, I'd be required to use the other side of the fridge as a mounting point to hang the sticks. Because the center divider border will be in the way, it will make it awkward to hang the sticks that already have leaves hanging on them.
The other option I thought was to cut out a hole in the center divider to place the crock pot, and cut large holes in the divider to allow air circulation.

What are your thoughts on this build.

 

[johnlee1933]

I wanted to ask you guys how I should approach my crock pot kiln, using my newly acquired double door fridge.
I originally was thinking of gutting the center divider, but leaving the border to keep the door seal. This way I can use one single crock pot for both sections. The only problem I'm thinking I'll run into is that I won't be able to install 1/2 length hanging sticks, to hang in each half of the sections. Since I don't have the center divider to use as a mounting point, I'd be required to use the other side of the fridge as a mounting point to hang the sticks. Because the center divider border will be in the way, it will make it awkward to hang the sticks that already have leaves hanging on them.
The other option I thought was to cut out a hole in the center divider to place the crock pot, and cut large holes in the divider to allow air circulation.

What are your thoughts on this build.

I am working on my new kiln now and it was a two door reefer/fridge. I plan in cutting two holes in the dividing wall about 12' x 14" near the top and bottom. The crock pot and fan will go on the bottom of one side with the fan directed upward to encourage circular air circulation.

I am color curing on sticks also. I plan to remove cured leaf from the sticks and tie it in hands that will hang from the top of each side.

 

[FALaholic]

I am working on my new kiln now and it was a two door reefer/fridge. I plan in cutting two holes in the dividing wall about 12' x 14" near the top and bottom. The crock pot and fan will go on the bottom of one side with the fan directed upward to encourage circular air circulation.

I am color curing on sticks also. I plan to remove cured leaf from the sticks and tie it in hands that will hang from the top of each side.

Hmm, and I was thinking of laying cured leaf flat on the shelves. Do you think there will be enough width in the fridge to lay leaf flat?
Keep me posted on how yours goes, I don't think I'll be able to get working on mine for another week.
About the inlet hole. Was thinking of drilling a 1" hole in the side, down by the bottom. Question is, do I drill the hole away from the crock pot, on the other side, or do it drill my hole next to the pot?

 

[johnlee1933]

Hmm, and I was thinking of laying cured leaf flat on the shelves. Do you think there will be enough width in the fridge to lay leaf flat?
Keep me posted on how yours goes, I don't think I'll be able to get working on mine for another week.
About the inlet hole. Was thinking of drilling a 1" hole in the side, down by the bottom. Question is, do I drill the hole away from the crock pot, on the other side, or do it drill my hole next to the pot?

I drilled two 1½" holes on opposite sides in my first unit. One top, one bottom. This time I am not drilling any at the start. I got too much outside air to control the inside as I wished. I may do it later depending on how it operates.

 

[FALaholic]

Two holes; one intake, one exhaust? Or two intakes?

 

[johnlee1933]

Two holes; one intake, one exhaust? Or two intakes?

Bottom in, top out with rodent screen on the outside and snug adjustable covers on the inside. I wasn't happy with their performance and will omit them at first on the new model.

John

 

[FALaholic]

Were you not getting enough RH?

 

[marksctm]

Hmm, and I was thinking of laying cured leaf flat on the shelves. Do you think there will be enough width in the fridge to lay leaf flat?
Keep me posted on how yours goes, I don't think I'll be able to get working on mine for another week.
About the inlet hole. Was thinking of drilling a 1" hole in the side, down by the bottom. Question is, do I drill the hole away from the crock pot, on the other side, or do it drill my hole next to the pot?

Mine is above the crock for power cords, and siphon fill hose it's better above the crock
If you sleeve the hole, I gave it slight downward fall to the inside so condensation stays in kiln and not out on floor.
I used a hole saw for door handles and sleeved it with 1-1/2 PVC.
Crock is removed in pictures, but sits under hole, (short cords on crock pots}

 

[FALaholic]

Mine is above the crock for power cords, and siphon fill hose it's better above the crock

All the reason to install the hole above. Many thanks!