Making an Ice box lid

[NorthPacific]

Need critique for my plan

My ice box which is being converted into a fridge has a completely inadequate lid. 1 Inch thickness.

So I was going to use the top of the fridge as a mold. I would put tape down and make a perfect shaped top , which I could then bond to the lid and fill with foam.

What is the easiest way to make sure the tap does not bond to the fridge. Release agent?

If this is not a good idea on how to make an air tight lid I would apreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Cheers

[senormechanico]

If the opening is a material such as fiberglass, just wax the heck out of it or spray it with silicone spray, PAM or similar.

Hopefully Minaret will chime in.

[Cheechako]

You can also buy beesax in sheets. If you buy say 1/32 thick sheets and mold it onto the mating surface, you then have 1/32 clearance between your lid and refrig rim... if that makes sense. Makes for a nice smooth resin surface when done too...

[NorthPacific]

Thanks Guys, much simpler than I thought. I'll have a go next weekend

[Weyalan]

Check out using Spaceloft for the insulation... much higher R value than standard foams.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by senormechanico

If the opening is a material such as fiberglass, just wax the heck out of it or spray it with silicone spray, PAM or similar.

Hopefully Minaret will chime in.

Partall Paste #2 is the ultimate wax release, never ever fails. It's hard to clean off afterwards though. For potting in place or any situation where tolerances are more than 1/64, I very often use packing tape. Excellent release, just leaves little lines from the tape overlaps. Works with all resin systems. Tried and true. Very cheap. No clean up.

[NorthPacific]

Minaret, I had thought about a tape, was scared to suggest it. I think I will give the packing tape a go. Cheers, the wax and spay all make good sense.

thanks everyone

[minaret]

Originally Posted by NorthPacific

Minaret, I had thought about a tape, was scared to suggest it. I think I will give the packing tape a go. Cheers, the wax and spay all make good sense.

thanks everyone

Apply carefully with no wrinkles, a razor blade helps. Rub it down well with no bubbles and nice even overlaps. You'll be surprised how nice you can make it. I use Scotch from 3M.

[NorthPacific]

Gotcha Scotch Tape followed by a Scotch or irish:-)

[CarinaPDX]

I would not go for a tight, rigid fit. With the temperature changes it may seize. You will want to use a soft rubber EPDM seal. One way to do this is to fit the top of the cover such that it is supported around the outer half inch or so, and then hang the (smaller) bulk of the lid from that top, leaving about an 1/8th inch or so space between it and a lip around the top of the liner. Then afix the EPDM tape around the bottom of the lid to seal against the lip. Put rubber feet on the bottom of the lid if it is removable; this will protect the seal while resting on the counter top, and will help keep it from sliding around.

Greg