Category Archives: Reader Projects

How To: Step by Step Making a Magnetic Drip Tray

Pictured: Update International DTS-419 Rectangular Stainless Steel Drip Tray, 19 by 4-Inch – via Amazon

Step by Step instructions for making a magnetic drip try for your Kegerator or Keezer

By: HBF Reader Andrew Cunje

Materials:

  • 19″ Drip Tray – via Amazon
  • 4′ of 6x.5 Poplar Wood (actual width is 5.5″)
  • 1’4″ of  6×1 Poplar Wood (actual width is 5.5″) Note: A thicker wood will suffice for this…remember the longer the wood extends down from the joint, the less likely the magnetic bond will break from the leverage applied to the edge of the drip tray.)
  • 4-5ft of Decorative Trim of your choice (Sold in lengths of 8′)
  • MUST BE 1.25-1.5 inch trim. I used 1.5 which I highly recommend.
  • 3/4″ mounting screws (for magnets) or Epoxy/Gorilla Glue
  • 1″ wood screws
  • Brad/Finishing Nails
  • 1 large old skewl hard drive magnets (Bigger with Mounting Holes than newer drives) (Alternative: rare earth neodymium magnets that are .5″ thick (Approximately 8); these can be stacked if you can only find .25″ magnets)
  • Wood Glue
  • Wood Putty (Optional)
  • Wood Stain (Optional)
  • Tennis Racket Grip Tap (Or an old yellow rubber glove). Anything rubbery and tacky to increase friction against the fridge.

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Making a Fermentation Heater w/Heat Tape

Thanks to HBF Reader Charles for this guest post!  [8 Ways to Connect with HBF]

You often have posts about deals on Fermwrap style heaters. I’d like to alert your readers about an option that is lower cost and I believe superior to any deals I have ever seen posted. Most Fermwraps are made with Flexwatt heater tape. Another brand of heat tape is THG Heat Tape, which I have seen people post on both reptile and brewing forums as being superior to Flexwatt; I have both and find it to be more durable. Regardless, Pangea Reptile sells the 12″ tape for $3/foot. They also sell the cord and connecting clips and will install it for only $4.99 more. They offer flat-rate shipping of only $4.99, so even if you order only one 12×24 wrap, it’s only $15.98 shipped. If you order more, or make one from smaller width tape, available in 3, 4, 6, or 12″, then the savings are even more. For instance, I ordered 5′ of tape and had them make two 30″ wraps, which gives more uniform coverage around a typical fermenter. Of course, you can DIY the cord if absolute lowest cost is important.

Note: This is a DIY project.  Make sure you choose appropriate materials for your application.  Contact manufacturer with questions.  Prices are deemed accurate as of this posting, check Pangea Reptile for up to the minute price, availability and description.

Also Consider:

Third Party Resource: This resource is part of our selection of top Third Party homebrewing resources.  Check out the entire list of resources Third Party Homebrew Resources


Inkbird ITC-308 – Dual Stage Digital Temperature Controller | Review | Inkbird Deals

How To: Step by Step Making a Magnetic Drip Tray

Pictured: Update International DTS-419 Rectangular Stainless Steel Drip Tray, 19 by 4-Inch – via Amazon

Step by Step instructions for making a magnetic drip try for your Kegerator or Keezer

By: HBF Reader Andrew Cunje

Materials:

  • 19″ Drip Tray – via Amazon
  • 4′ of 6x.5 Poplar Wood (actual width is 5.5″)
  • 1’4″ of  6×1 Poplar Wood (actual width is 5.5″) Note: A thicker wood will suffice for this…remember the longer the wood extends down from the joint, the less likely the magnetic bond will break from the leverage applied to the edge of the drip tray.)
  • 4-5ft of Decorative Trim of your choice (Sold in lengths of 8′)
  • MUST BE 1.25-1.5 inch trim. I used 1.5 which I highly recommend.
  • 3/4″ mounting screws (for magnets) or Epoxy/Gorilla Glue
  • 1″ wood screws
  • Brad/Finishing Nails
  • 1 large old skewl hard drive magnets (Bigger with Mounting Holes than newer drives) (Alternative: rare earth neodymium magnets that are .5″ thick (Approximately 8); these can be stacked if you can only find .25″ magnets)
  • Wood Glue
  • Wood Putty (Optional)
  • Wood Stain (Optional)
  • Tennis Racket Grip Tap (Or an old yellow rubber glove). Anything rubbery and tacky to increase friction against the fridge.

Continue reading