Converting a regrigerator

[bradleyheathhay]

I'd like to convert a regular sized refrigerator by cutting out the divide between the freezer and fridge compartments so that the whole thing maintains the same temp. Additionally, I'd I'd like to modify it so that it maintains between 50-60 deg F. Only problem is I don't know enough about how fridges work to know if it's possible. Anyone have advice on getting something like this done?

[BobL]

You would be better off getting a second hand fridge only as that should be regulatable to your required temps.

To do that to a fridge/freezer my guess is the freezer coolant loop may need to be disconnected, or maybe cut and sealed and may then need regaling
Depending on the unit some of the freezer sensing smarts may need to be diddled (eg freezer temp sensor disconnected) with otherwise the compressor may just keep running.
Sound like a job for someone that knows what they're doing

[BoneInspector]

Agree, work and materials involved are likely equal to or more tHan secondhand refrigerator.

[dinosour]

Simple answer don’t
too many issues to consider, location of pipes, temperature control, type of refrigerant, (one of the modern refrigerants is butane), damage to moisture barrier(nearly impossible to repair).

[Mr Brush]

In the words found on our family coat of arms, translated from the original Latin....."I Wouldn't Do That If I Were You"

[Tonyz]

Converting a regrigerator what the hell are you going to do with MY belly

[biscuitman]

It's possible to buy an external fridge controlling thermostat usually used in home beer brewing. Simply use an all fridge refrigerator. The controller goes into a power point and the fridge plugs into the controller. Set the controller to the desired temperature and you're away. This set-up is usually used by keen brewers in hotter climates to ensure the brew ferments at the appropriate temperature, i.e. not too hot.

[rrich]

Except for the old GE "Monitor Top" refrigerators circa about 1930 the heat exchanger tubes are on the back or rear bottom of the unit. The cooling tubes run through all parts of the box itself. These tubes are part of the closed refrigeration system.

So as others have said, "Please don't do that." It could be dangerous.

You might be better off repurposing a used college dorm refrigerator to suit your needs. While 50° to 60° F is rather warm an older model with a metal bulb type of temperature sensor might work. These are also going back, way back. I had a company car, 1975 Vega, that the A/C wouldn't get cold enough. The mechanic wouldn't do it but he showed me how. All I had to do was to turn the screw a bit at a time to get the core as cool as needed. It was something I could do in less than 10 minutes. I can't remember clockwise or anticlockwise to make it colder.

[GraemeCook]

.... Additionally, I'd I'd like to modify it so that it maintains between 50-60 deg F.....

Let's see, 50-60° F is equivalent to 10-16° C; too warm for beer, too cool for pizza!

Friges are usually set between 2-4° C; mine can be set anywhere between 1-9° C. Extending that range would probably involve replacing the control electronics.

[havabeer69]

Still trying to work out what this has to do with woodworking?

Other then needing more space for beer, while wood working

[BobL]

Let's see, 50-60° F is equivalent to 10-16° C; too warm for beer, too cool for pizza!

Depends on the beer, most stronger type Belgian ales are best served at 55-60F

Friges are usually set between 2-4° C; mine can be set anywhere between 1-9° C. Extending that range would probably involve replacing the control electronics.

Wine fridges can operate in the region of 40 to 65F

[Glider]

Wine fridges can operate in the region of 40 to 65F

My first thought exactly.

Pity my children have grown up, I could have rented them to you. The number of times they left the fridge door open...

mick

[rrich]

bradleyheathhay,

I have to ask, "How much is Ted's CD of woodworking plans?"