Homemade ice maker! Fans installed, DRAMATIC results and answering viewer questions.

[@gunny2shoes102]

the main reason your videos are popular is your presentation. clear, accurate, informative, on point, no repetition, well edited, relatable, and most congenial.

[@TKCL]

Thank you very much for the kind words

[@stevenholton438]

Couldn't have said it better myself and I'm a Limey!

[@Mike-gw9yt]

@@stevenholton438 .... You know some folks is offended to be called a "limey"? Good on ya for not being a pansey!

[@harryballzack]

I agree with you. Very well done vids.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Agreed

[@robrdavis]

Appliance repair tech here: I've done crazy things like this too, so I think I can help out in your testing some. (My buddy and I made a refrigerator/freezer with an ice maker in it out of a wooden crate once, just to win a bet. It wasn't pretty, but nobody doubted us after that!) Refrigerator ice makers run both on temperature AND a timer. Temperature triggers the ice maker to cycle, then the timer runs the unit through heating, harvest and water filling the ice mold. Heat rises, and although your ice makers are within a freezer, there is still SOME heat. Zero degrees at the top and -5 at the bottom, the top is warmer than the bottom. Your fans are circulating the air inside the freezer and leveling that temperature out, the same as happens in a convection oven, so the top of the freezer is the same temperature as the bottom, causing the ice makers to cycle more frequently. I've not read any of the other comments, but here's a little more information and a suggestion: The design of that freezer is what's called a "hot wall." The heat caused by the refrigeration process is being released from the unit through the exterior walls of the freezer, that's why they're warm, and hence the sexy name. The cooler the ambient temperature, the better the unit can get rid of that heat and the more efficiently it will run. That's why you were getting more ice in the spring than you are now. If you were to take it inside, the increase in production would overflow your bins, I'm sure. Get a box fan (or something similar) and blow it across the hottest part of the outside wall of the freezer. Just like your fans inside are moving the cold air up to the ice makers, the box fan will move the heat off of the wall and out of the refrigeration system. It's a lot like adding a fan in front of your vehicle's radiator to improve airflow and keep it cooler. To take it one step further, if you were to keep the outside wet and blow the fan over that, the evaporation would improve heat transfer that much more. Between operating costs of the added electricity and water, you might be better off buying a nice 50lb commercial unit, but that's not what country engineering is about now, is it? :D

[@TKCL]

Thank you for the information, I'm doing exactly what you described currently. Excited to see the difference. I just completed water temperature testing and that video will be out in a couple of days.

[@davidwatts5863]

I love your point of view Sir.

[@smokeysmith1282]

Great comments Sir! I really appreciate your level of refrigeration knowledge and your super level headed or “I’m not a know it all” approach. I’m sure those around you are better because of your professionalism and extensive knowledge. Peace.

[@childofgod1458]

One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness; it USUALLY comes back to you. Have a good one y'all 👍🏼

[@TKCL]

Amen

[@urlkrueger]

Funny, I don't find it hard to give away. In fact, the more I give away the more I seem to have.

[@childofgod1458]

@@urlkrueger that's right ☺️

[@mikeb6418]

This man is very well spoken and detailed oriented!! He makes it very clear what to do and how to do it. I enjoy listening to him

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@maxcarter3413]

If Kelley isn't an engineer he sure thinks like a good one! Great work Kelley!

[@TKCL]

Not an engineer, just love tinkering and figuring things out.

[@ronniebuchanan6575]

Mechanically inclined plus a thinker gets things done.

[@magellancupedro8321]

You’re 100% right about the ice machine production being lower due to you being in a hot climate

[@TKCL]

I can tell, it was a couple pounds higher several months ago

[@DracolegacyOfficial]

yup, heat exchangers only work as well as the ambient temperatures will let them.

[@jonasstahl9826]

Your wrong, freezer has a thermostat that only start and stop the compressor. When it is hot outside the compressor runs longer, but the temperatur inside is always the same.

[@jrrains]

@@jonasstahl9826 you got it.

[@jrrains]

@@jonasstahl9826 when it's hotter outside he's using more ice. That's more than likely the issue.

[@dougdavis4439]

Awesome Andrew! Glad the fans increased production! How about 20K subscribers! You go man!! Who would have thought the ice machine would have been such a hit. McGyver would be proud! Lol.

[@TKCL]

Thank you very much! And thank you for the fans

[@yourtwocentz5624]

Dude this is sick! I’m glad there are people who aren’t consumers, but actually use their brain!

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching and appreciating the project

[@DannyWalker1949]

I installed 1 of those saddle values in my home here back in the 70's and it still there and DOES NOT LEAK (as of now) Believe or Not......

[@TKCL]

Mine in my last house was older than me and still working. They key is don't overtighten them and ruin the gasket.

[@DannyWalker1949]

@@TKCL Yes this is true.

[@Lucas_andos]

You could add a microswitch to the fans so when the lid opens they turn off so it doesn't draw in hot air. Also the reason cheat freezers are so efficent is because the cold air displaces the hot air because it's lighter. So when the lid opens it stays almost the same temp.

[@TKCL]

That's definitely a good future project, or I can just unplug them.

[@Definitelynotyou90]

@@TKCL or just simply add external switch

[@dankolicious10]

Just use a mercury switch like they had in old house thermostats on the fans. Glue or tape in place on the lid and the fans would be fully automatic. Great project and presentation. I'm going to try building one myself once you air out all the efficiencies.

[@donavanbangs]

or mount them to the lid

[@EvilBolzen]

Beside an actual switch, the most simple solution in terms of mounting it to the freezer should be a switch thats sensitive for light. If it's getting dark turn off the fans and vice versa. You can wire such a "sensor" directly to the power supply cable of the fans

[@iCaribsailor]

Love your build!! I'm a refrigeration Tech who's worked on ice machines that dropped a 100lbs every 20min... Good work!

[@hendersonhow2andreview17]

I've done concrete work for 20 years and have poured a lot of walk in freezer pads for restaurants. One thing i would defenitely try is getting it off the concrete floor. Most all ice makers have legs to get them off the floor. I would either build some legs or put a 2 inch thick piece of foam under it. Just an idea. Awesome video, really cool idea.

[@jblenh]

I have no idea how I ended up watching this and your previous build video. I have no need for an ice maker yet I found your video informative and interesting. Thank you for making these.

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@davegeorge7094]

Make block ice inside plastic container & use saturated salt water, higher density, more cooling. No melting mess, reusable. Glad to see more videos on this project.

[@maureen14]

I'm not a man I don't even like to Tinker and I'm okay with not having a lot of ice in my life but I still love watching your channel! I'm a new subscriber! I love the creativity part of it. You're the man!

[@TKCL]

I appreciate that

[@stevecrosby3678]

You're doing a great job! Appreciate your resourcefulness, inquisitiveness, and scientific approach. Appreciate, too, your respectful manner - don't let the rude commenters get to you.

[@TKCL]

Thank you for the kind words

[@neoncatfish3585]

The flat bar that you mount the fan on. You could lay a piece of thin plastic on top of the backside of the fans. So when you open the door, it only can draw air from the bottom. You can buy flimsy cutting boards at Walmart really cheap! Just an idea! Y'all stay safe!

[@jpol3808]

How about Just adding a switch on the door, to shut the fans off when the door opens!

[@bigdpw]

HVAC contractor here. You don't have to worry much about bacteria. When I see it in commercial ice makers it's because numerous people are constantly opening and leaving open the door. Also most commercial ice makers are water fall type. Trust me you are good.

[@iceman86688]

honestly i dont even need an ice machine but i foud these videos to be entertaining and i just like the way your voice sounds so keep up the good work

[@TKCL]

Southern twang!

[@maureen14]

You don't need an ice machine but your name is Iceman?

[@TKCL]

Lol

[@maureen14]

@@TKCL I lived in Florida a long time ago. You sound like you're from Alabama more than Florida.

[@tonymiller1216]

I love DIY projects, I built myself a walk in cooler for storing deer and elk in my shop using an AC unit and an external thermostat. I have no need for an ice maker but now I want to make one anyway! Good work!

[@anonymous_friend]

You got any videos of your setup? Sounds like a nice thing to have.

[@tonymiller1216]

@@anonymous_friend no. I got all my ideas from KZbin anyway. But instead of using a cool bot I used an external thermostat from Amazon. Does the same thing for a tenth the cost.

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

"I have the parts on the bench over there." That's not getting changed for at least 6 months. LOL! I have parts sitting on the back of my bench for months now waiting for me to install. Awesome project. I have NO need for a ice maker like this, but your videos are interesting and I appreciate the thought and testing that has gone into it.

[@alexanderSydneyOz]

Personally, I'm thinking Andrew is not the sort of chap who leaves things sitting on the bench for 6 months.

[@alexduke5402]

Hahaha I have parts in the shop we needed to change for equipment we sold 10 years ago

[@gaylewatkins4685]

Hello Andrew 🙂 I didn't think fans would made that much difference. Wow! 👍Mr. Doug is awesome for sending you the fans. Congratulations on the well deserved channel growth. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@TKCL]

Thank you very! I was quite surprised

[@hobo49nj]

I asked because you have all the expensive toys, and big property. Your Very talented, and have a supportive wife. God Bless you and all your plans.

[@funnybone9392]

I have no idea how I stumbled on to this video but I’ve watched all of them. This is truly American Made

[@TKCL]

Well I'm very glad you found the channel. I build a lot (including my home) to save money and have the satisfaction of a job well done.

[@jah-jah87]

This is awesome, coming from Puerto Rico where blackouts rule the day this would definitely come in handy in this hurricane season. Thanks

[@deanlerch1334]

You're the next Tim The Tool Man Taylor, dude. Binford Icemaker 3000🤣🤣🤣

[@TKCL]

Lol

[@odnewdylee]

KZbin algorithm sent me your first video a few hours ago. So glad this video dropped today.

[@TKCL]

Welcome

[@travisqepps]

Bruh me too. Except I searched all the following videos

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@snotrocket1142]

you are the man! don’t let the critics get to you. this ice maker series/build earned my subscription. my wife has been on me about wanting an ice maker and this is absolutely the way i will give her one. i, as you, couldn’t justify the 3,000 to 4,000 dollars for a commercial unit

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@JMC8415]

I really enjoy listening to this guy talk! Presentation and his southern accent are peaceful.

[@TheGoodwin74]

Love this. I'd add a switch to the lid so when u open the lid it shut off your fans so you're not blowing hot air around when open. I'd also flip one fan around so you can have a better circulation of air instead of both blowing the same direction

[@cleaterose5914]

I use repurposed milk jugs filled with water as cold sink in my freezer. It doesn't make it colder, just more efficient. Might work here.

[@stevegabbert9626]

I live by myself and don't put a lot in the fridge, so that's what I've done. I have about 6 or 7 half gallon milk jugs of water. If I lose power it'll help keep things cool. I do the same with the freezer portion. I've been doing that for the last 15-20 years.

[@AS-we9xi]

Putting just a little bit of salt in there makes that work better. It lowers the freezing point which means when the power goes out or the thermostat kicks off your water jugs melt first. Without salt, your food and the water both melt at the same temp and the outside defrosts. Also the thermostat will kick back on before 32f hopefully. If you salt it so that it melts right in between the cut in and cut out point then it extends the on and off cycles.

[@GodBlessedAmerica]

“Messy workbench”? At least you can find yours. Lol Awesome information on adding the fans. I think you’ve talked me into making one. 🇺🇸✌🏼

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@alans240]

I thought the same thing!

[@GodBlessedAmerica]

@@TKCL Incredible gain on ice production brother. Definitely going to save you a lot on bags of ice. We Boat a lot to so I can relate.

[@curtisgram8892]

Great DIY build!! You are a professional homeowner making great content do not pay attention to the negative comments. This is AWESOME!

[@TKCL]

Thank you very much for the support and the kind words

[@dallasvanve7956]

I know many very small mom and pop business's that need this. I WILL SPREAD THE WORD. THANKS !!!!

[@sofjanmustopoh7232]

It is good thing that you keep the freezer at 0F Because the harvest Thermostat is set around 17F As soon as the harvest thermostat sense the tray is at 17F . It will start the harvest cycle. The fan really get the ice mold colder and freezes faster . Good job 👍

[@edwaj002]

Your water supply line may be the reason for the production reduction. Your water is sitting in the pipe is heating up to whatever the temp inside the shed is. you may be able to insulate the water line and increase your production some.

[@TKCL]

Very true! Thanks

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Shouldnt that only help though? Hot water freezes faster.

[@JDS753]

The down side to pre chilling the water would be the possibility of it freezing inside the tube prior to reaching the ice maker, and no hot water does not freeze faster, that goes against the physics of removing heat

[@Mrcaffinebean]

@@JDS753 Mpemba effect, look it up. There is certainly a lot of conflicting data on it.

[@JDS753]

@@Mrcaffinebean if it was true, it would be easy to reproduced, science says to remove heat takes energy, the colder the water the less heat needs taken away to freeze

[@l-rdesignsplus1998]

We are in florida and on Solar only and we have 3 of those same freezers and they draw about 1 amp an hour so like 120 watt hours that is each freezer. Very efficient freezer.

[@darrellblair5818]

You just DON'T quit. Good for you. And, you tell it like it is. You got this old man's respect. Need more good kids/young men like you. You also got a new subscriber. 👍

[@TKCL]

Thank you very much

[@ztl0927]

You're freezer videos started randomly popping up which is how I found you and I'm loving this project!

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@geraldharvill4699]

I believe if you look closely, there is a adjustment to adjust cycle times of ice cubes. Since you are keeping the freezer at 28 degrees. The cycles times can be shorted. That should be an easier way to increase production. If I remember the adjustment is a level ffor changing gear speed.

[@user-lc7vt2we2u]

On that model, I belive you can only change the amount of water that comes in. If you pop off the white timer cover you may see a screw with a spring around it. That will adjust how long the water valve stays open. The cycle time is usually controlled by a thermostat that allows power through once the mold reaches a certain temperature.

[@bennythornton]

@@charlieodom9107 Thermostat cycles it. Water adjustment. Just some kind of fan behind a metal guard to stay cold and blow. They used to have icemakers with trays that flipped over and popped the ice out. Pain in the butt.

[@kena5906]

22 year refrigeration mech. Those Ice makers can be adjusted for cube size only.

[@nelsontabor4679]

My GE refrigerator has a quick ice feature, all it does is turn the freezer fan on for about 48 hours continuous. As you found out the fans are the way to go.

[@madcollector4706]

your in coming water temp will also affect the ice production.

[@jonathangreenawalt5724]

Indeed, a good way to increase efficiency is to insulate all incoming water lines.

[@SwissBrahmin]

@@jonathangreenawalt5724 he's only using like 1 gallon of water per day. The water is sitting in the pipes for a long time, i can't imagine insulation is going to make much of a difference. it couldn't hurt though.

[@jwenga]

@@jonathangreenawalt5724 why stop there, insulate the whole metal building...lol

[@claus31130]

@@jwenga put an ac outside, heard so much about global warming .... might as well give a hand to cooling everything down :D

[@jackmclane1826]

That is probably the reason for the slightly lower production compared to winter time...

[@condor5635]

Automatic bagger next modification!! Heated fan blades to prevent ice buildup! As Arthur says in his movie 'You probably never run out of ice!' Great job. Love the passion

[@andrewanderson1436]

Man I think for scientific reasons by all means get in the weeds on this, but to have a ice supply that's cheaper than buying bags all year and having such an abundant supply, how can anyone be hating on this. Ice for bbqs, family function, fishing trip, boat trips, road trips, tractor work ect, etc. To quote the movie national security " what the problem is ". I say this is a win.

[@TKCL]

Pure convenience is my number one driver, cost second

[@andrewanderson1436]

@@TKCL yes and I'll take the convenience and at what you have in cost that's dirt cheap. Bags ice is couple3 dollars for x lbs but that doesn't take in how far the drive is to get it. Fuel ant cheap then add in the fact your towing something also so that fuel cost goes up. Lol I still say it's a win.

[@jonmayer]

Put an external switch on the fans. That way you can turn them off before opening the chest and turn them on about 5 minutes after closing it to stop the condensation build up.

[@jordanh9520]

This. It's how upright refrigerators and freezer work.

[@Oxblood1987]

With the wires running right under the seal, a simple in-line switch triggered when the lid is closed would sort this out, and it would be automatic, no need to remember.

[@bennythornton]

have you seen a commercial icemaker? It's mostly water. Drains out bottom. Never frozen solid.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

One other thing - the lid on chest freezers has no coolant lines running through it, so there is no need to worry about compromising the freezer's refrigerant system if you should drill through the lid in order to route electrical and/or water lines. It's easier to mount grommets and caulk holes drilled through the thin metal of a freezer lid than the 2x4 you would need to create the wooden collar for the li you were discussing in the video.

[@dantyler6907]

Thought about grocery store freezers... No lids... just wide open, 100% of the time! Since cold sinks, I'm sure that's why this is. Lots of AC idea potential here...

[@noyb72]

Crazy, I finished watching the first videos right before this one is released. I am shopping for a freezer now.

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@NSFWHarold]

Yup, same here. I got recommended the first one earlier today, and by the time I got caught up on the project, this one released.

[@oDIRECTORo]

Brother… the way your mind works is a valuable commodity to have. Your parents must have been or are amazing! I see why you obviously have money. Thanks for the work you are sharing with us.

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching, I'm still looking for that money you say I have 🤣

[@hankclausen8652]

I want you to know brother, that we really appreciate the time and energy you put into you're videos. When you hunt and fish, you're always needing ice. Again, thank you! From Texas

[@TKCL]

I appreciate that

[@donavanbangs]

you could also increase production by increasing airflow outside the freezer near the fan for the condenser as it works on heat exchange. In the summer the air is saturated with heat. Maybe even a 12v fan on the floor maybe attached to a solar panel.

[@TKCL]

Good tip!

[@bigdpw]

You have to be careful about that. The condenser fan size, speed and blade angle are engineered to creat the optimum sub cool ( when the low pressure gas changes to a low pressure liquid). More is not always better in the refrigeration cycle.

[@mwatkins2464]

@@bigdpw there is no condenser fan motor on chest type freezers to start with. The condenser tubing is located on the inside of the cabinet to try and keep condensation off the outside of the cabinet. Most Frost free freezers have a condenser fan and external condenser but most non frost free doesn’t. Hope that helps you

[@mwatkins2464]

There is no fan outside on this type freezer !!! No external condenser either!!! 😂

[@user2C47]

@@bigdpw But is the subcooling optimal when the ambient temperature is 100°?

[@dc450100]

KZbin works in mysterious ways... I don't know why you came onto my frontpage, but im not complaining!! Pretty interesting, keep this up brother!!!

[@TKCL]

Very happy to have you, thanks for watching

[@Adamsadventures83]

I rinse out, fill and freeze those cheap disposable water bottles and Gatorade bottles for my cooler ice.

[@davidlong8876]

Fill them to 80/85% with salt water and they will freeze at a colder temp.

[@Yobctube]

Thanks for your time sharing this. Your a true gentleman and I hope your life is blessed helping others.

[@TKCL]

Thank you very much

[@beentheredonethatoriginals5673]

As a former appliance tech I can tell you the compressor uses less than one amp to run, .7 or so. It uses about 9 amps for less than one second to turn on. You can test it with a cheap clamp meter from Harbor Freight that's all I used and it was as accurate as my Fluke. Your biggest problem is the seal, you would get less of that hot, humid Florida air in there if you spent a little more time getting a good seal on those sections of tubing and wires. I also saw someone mention a microswitch to kill the fans while open and that is a golden idea. Also the table top ice makers put out 32 degree ice compared to your zero degree ice. There is no comparison. The table top ice makers are nice for drinks but certainly not practical for coolers. Love your videos, don't pay attention to the haters.

[@TKCL]

Thank you! Your ideas are spot on. Running many tests right now and will make the ultimate build once testing is done.

[@joshmayo321]

To cut down on having to wipe down fans, add a switch to them that activates with the lids open and closing. So when you open it the fans shut down and start up again when you close them. Also couldn't you move the fans over next to the ice makers so that all of your build is kinda one unit rather than spanning the open area of the freezer?

[@TKCL]

I'm thinking I'll just start unplugging them. Simple and to the point.

[@greenidguy9292]

@@TKCL Or you could plug them into a switched outlet.

[@hithere7382]

@@TKCL if you have children the raspberry pi foundation has a lot of stuff to help them learn how to code /gain a marketable skill in the 21st century.

[@ptld_train_horn]

If I had the room I would be making one of these. It took me 3 days to find ice for my work cooler here in Portland due to hot weather.

[@TKCL]

Wow! That's just crazy!

[@nes999]

First and foremost, Love the name. Id love to own a royal one day. I currently have Morelia viridis and a Woma. They sell some pretty small chest freezers, You could always use a tiny one, with only 1 ice maker. Before building this, I removed the bin from my freezer ice maker and put a larger one in so it wouldnt shut off as often, which allowed me to buy less ice for work myself.

[@ptld_train_horn]

@@nes999 all my snakes are for sale lol. I found one on Amazon that can store 42lbs and make “ 142lbs” in 24 hours doubt the 142lbs but for $575 could be nice.

[@Dragon90815a]

Add a microswitch that will turn the fans off when door is open.

[@robschmid5565]

You would still get condensation on the fans as they are cold moving into a warm air environment with the lid opening. If you installed a plate to close off the section of air on the back side or inlet side of the fan that could help keep the warm air from getting sucked in. switches on the fans will reduce the warm air coming in but as the fans are at the top of the freezer you will still be hitting them with warn air and ending up with condensation. A lid on the inlet side could help to force cool air intake when opening the lid. Just a thought not looking to start a fight. Stay safe everyone.

[@robschmid5565]

I saw in the video today you have the fans now positioned closer to the ice cube trays. You could turn them so they are blowing away from the trays and put a plate over the trays to close of the inlet side of the fans. this would probably reduce the ice making a bit as air would not be pushed over the trays equally however it would be interesting to see how much it changes the output and if it reduces the condensation on the fans. Fans would still be moving the air and that is what is helping to freeze quicker. Just for the record I design control systems for large scale refrigeration systems.

[@onestoptechnologies7305]

@@robschmid5565 Yes, I was thinking the same thing! It would also draw UP the coldest air from the bottom to the ice makers and push away the warmer air that would be at the top.

[@onestoptechnologies7305]

Also, the top edges shouldn't have coils. You could check in the insulation below the cut area you already made, so you can keep the smooth edge to seal the lid. Add an additional 2" blue rigid foam to the top of the lid to keep out the heat on the top.

[@mikeclarke3005]

and add a shield for the intake side that only allows to draw air the cold air from underneath also

[@ryanzynda5114]

I love that the homemade ice maker is working great for you. You saved a lot of money doing it yourself.

[@virginiaallisonpeck2517]

Thanks for all you do and thanks for asking people to be their best selves… rude is never necessary ❤️✌🏼

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@sonyvegasfxvideos]

Try pointing a fan at the outside of the freezer, where the unit dissipates heat to the outside environment, helping it remove heat from the inside. Maybe that can help increase production?

[@joshuamills765]

I believe that'll help. No doubt

[@TKCL]

But does it use more electricity than it's worth? At some point I need a price per pound I'm willing to spend to produce.

[@hithere7382]

@@TKCL there's only one (fun) way to find out, it's Direct Experimentation! Anyone that says Science is boring is asinine.

[@TKCL]

I agree

[@sonyvegasfxvideos]

@@TKCL If you get a computer fan with relatively low ripems they use about 1-1.5 watts of juice, lets go with 1 watt. Average price of electrocity in the US is 13.31 ¢/kWh, totalling $1.17/year. My hypothesis is that it doesnt need a lot of air moving, so a fan pointed at the backside and one pointed at the frontside would help remove the heat. This is because the condensor coils are routed just underneath the siding of the freezer. But hey, thats just my 2¢ 😇 This is a fun thought expriment for sure, and a great video series 🙂 Thank you for the entertainment and experimentation👍

[@nes999]

Some of the things I found out while doing this myself. Supply pressure is a HUGE factor. I was able to add about 50% my production when I replaced an existing self piercing valve. The lines that came with my kits were ever so slightly under sized. This caused a lot of problems with the various needed fittings. I added some weather stripping to help with condensation. It slowed it decently. I'm not sure how much this would help a new machine. As I used an old chest freezer it helped significantly. I think the biggest way I sped up production was dropping the temps. Originally i started with my freezer around the -7f mark, Eventually I upped it to -20 to help sterilize some animal bedding. Only downside with -20 ice is my drinks freeze rock solid. I notice once the room gets into the mid to upper 80s ice production slows. This could be due to my older chest freezer in a small closet in the garage. If I was to do this again, Id rent a thermal imagine camera and just drill through the side. When I built it I was stuck working on it in the middle of night when I couldn't get my hands on a camera.

[@TKCL]

Thank you for the information

[@nes999]

@@TKCL Thanks for comming up with this. Ice is 4.88 for 8 pounds here. You have saved me quite a bit already.

[@TKCL]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@blakehefner6517]

Keep up the good work! Just found your vids and subscribed!

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@susanc257]

Me too. I’m loving the shows!

[@UltraFence]

Three suggestions. I like how you are approaching this. 1) adding an ambient temp gauge that can record, high, low and average temps in 24 hr testing cycle. 2) adding cheaper polystyrene sheets 1 inch on vertical sides/2-3 inches at top, secured with foil HVAC tape or contact adhesive. 3) taking one fan and reversing, so there is a circular vector created, either clockwise or counterclockwise. Currently both fans blowing the same direction may be best, but I think airflow will increase dramatically if both fans were in opposing directions. Keep up the good work.

[@TKCL]

I'll write those suggestions down

[@crestedconstellations5980]

I dont even want an ice maker... I just enjoy listening to intelligent ppl talk about stuff they know. 😎

[@timkelley8775]

Ok so when you get this ice production maximized your going to need a dump trailer to haul the ice. Just saying nephew. Trying to look out for you. On a serious note you have done a great job of researching and testing this project. Good job.

[@TKCL]

Lol great point!

[@ladylotusinc]

No idea how I got here when watching you build the ice maker but I'm here now and I'm well intrigued and committed now lol Very nice increase. It made the most sense to me that the ice maker would be temp based and not on a timer. A timer to me seems almost silly?

[@ElizabethGreene]

These are actually fantastic little analog computers that run the water valve for such number of seconds, wait for the temperature sensor to drop below freezing, turn on a little heater to melt the cubes off the molds, wait for that to come up to temperature, then run the motor to eject the ice, and when the little wheel gets back around to the start it repeats the cycle. I had a lot of fun taking mine apart. :)

[@jasonm3040]

Add a pressure switch that kills the fans when you open the lid

[@Shadowfire200386]

not a bad thought, Easily done with a dirt , Dirt, cheap limit switch and a peice of angle or a block, something to open and close the switch, opening and closing the lid.

[@Oxblood1987]

@@Shadowfire200386 with the wires running directly under the hinge you could just install it in-line and have the door operate it.

[@user-lc7vt2we2u]

A door switch would work perfectly for this.

[@videorobo]

@@user-lc7vt2we2u But, remember that a typical refrigerator door switch clicks OFF with the door closed and ON with the door open. (That's called "Normally Closed.") The use required for the fans here is that the pressure switch needs to be "Normally Open." (So the power to the fans goes off when the door is opened.)

[@user-lc7vt2we2u]

@@videorobo Correct, a "Normally open" switch would be needed.

[@terrybaughn4283]

I live in Florida also. Here is a good way to keep ice in a cooler. Save a few one gallon milk jugs. Fill with water and put them in the ice maker. When you fill your cooler with ice put the jugs in first. Lay them on their side. That much thermal mass will last much longer. Its also a good idea to have several gallons of fresh water when on the ocean. I was in the Coast Guard. Trust me when I say a few gallons of fresh water in jugs is a good idea if your boat breaks down. Hopefully you will never need them but, if you ever do you will be glad to have them.

[@Techman1954]

Great Video, retired Appliance Technician here. I have watched both your 2 previous Videos. As far as cleaning up the project wiring and water tubing, it was not necessary to separate the electrical between the freezer and the icemakers. The amperage draw of the motors and the heaters of both icemakers will not overload the power cord of the freezer. You only need 1 fill valve for the the 2 icemakers, install a Y connector between the fill valve and the icemakers. it would be very rare that the two ice makers would call for water at the same time, that been said If both icemakers do call for water at the same time it would only reduce the size of the ice cubes. I really enjoyed your Videos. Glenn

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@MrRichiefresh15]

Is there anyone else anxiously hoping he’ll post an update with it completely full lol

[@TKCL]

Working on it

[@drillkjh]

He would have to stop fishing first, and that's probably not going to happen.

[@leifhietala8074]

Uses it too fast. "Hey, bin's full! Let's go fishin!"

[@0bscura]

"Slime in the ice machine!" - Marvin Zindler RIP

[@Moflydotcom]

I don't get it. Explain. I'm not in TX.

[@bibby1873]

You opened a memory brother lol

[@0bscura]

@@Moflydotcom For most of my life, every Friday Marvin Zindler did a report of restaurants in the Houston area cited for health code violations. Not a week went by that someone wasn't busted for "SLIME IN THE ICE MACHINE!" kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYbUnZWgrd-hkKM Marvin Zindler was also the reporter who broke the story about a whorehouse in LaGrange that went on to become "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." He was larger than life and everyone misses him.

[@redbone7040]

Great memories from the chicken ranch 😳😬😁😜😝😉😉😉😉👌put a loaded sock in his pants to investigate looking like a hung stud😁undercover😳

[@TKCL]

I'm lost, guess I need to look this move or show up?? 🤷

[@SetitesTechAdventures]

Nah those smaller ice makers are useless. I've had a few and they all break within a year of regular usage. They also melt non-stop. They wont output into a cooler or something without heavy modification. Your solution is the best.

[@TKCL]

I think so too

[@jasonwoods5326]

@@TKCL the newer freezer mounted automatic ice makers (like the ones you used) are also breakdown very quickly. My first one lasted 17 years. The replacement last me less than 9 months.

[@TKCL]

Time will tell

[@codys8143]

Man, why do I have a feeling we're going to see freezer builds for gaming PCs. Awesome idea, I love watching folk come with ideas like what you have done here.

[@Shylockza]

Already been done smhh

[@newttella1043]

I rarely need more ice than what my fridge spits out. Yet I've watch all your ice maker videos!!

[@TKCL]

Thank you, I need 40 or more pounds a week, not including drinking ice.

[@HannesMrg]

I love the accent. All I understand is 'Ass' and it brings a grin to my face every time :)

[@TKCL]

102 times I've heard that today 🤣

[@daviddixon7613]

@@TKCL what state are you from?

[@TKCL]

Florida

[@mikedwiles]

@@TKCL I never noticed. I had a hard time figuring out what they were talking about until I thought of an old joke. But, I'm from Alabama. You sound like a lot of my friends.

[@easttexan2933]

One dislike.....probably the guy who drilled through the side of the box lol.

[@TKCL]

Lol

[@nofear1999]

Probably manitowoc

[@RobertA.C.]

Are you sure it is not ULINE or Scottsmen since they make smaller versions of this type of icemaker and charge over 700 for one

[@henryknox1186]

Wood is not a good insulator. Just use 1" rigid foam insulation.

[@orlandothings2403]

Starboard

[@TKCL]

Starboard or hpde is exactly what I plan to use

[@PennsyltuckyPhil]

Depends on the wood and how it is prepared, balsa would be a better insulator than say ironwood. The general point does hold though. Edit: Balsa mean results were in the range of 0.0381 W/mK to 0.0665 W/mK. oak averaged thermal conductivity was 0.197 W/mK. polyurethane foam can achieve a thermal conductivity as low as 0.022 W/mK to 0.028 W/mK. Edit 2: looks like wood in general would be better than non-foamed plastic slab. HDPE - 0.50 W/mK, LDPE - 0.33 W/mK

[@PennsyltuckyPhil]

By how the wood is prepared I mean the first article below, or the second article without the epoxy. link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00107-019-01470-3 phys.org/news/2021-02-wood-transparent-stronger-lighter-glass.html

[@PennsyltuckyPhil]

@@charlieodom9107 First link is baking the wood to reduce the thermal conductivity. Second link is basically chemically treating the wood, to then impregnate with epoxy to make "transparent wood", the epoxy step would want to be skipped in the case of trying to make wood more of an insulator thermally. A material’s thermal conductivity is Watts moved per meter of material, per degree Kelvin difference between the sides (W/mK) the lower the thermal conductivity the better, because the material conducts less heat energy.

[@bamabackroads1203]

Ignore the rude comments, and haters, this is a great idea. I go through a lot of ice too, but don't really want to spend the 2-3k for an ice maker. I think I'll build one of these!

[@eyesac7486]

i appreciate you wearing the same outfit as a control to keep the testing as accurate as possible

[@TKCL]

Boy I've heard that a dozen times, I find something comfortable I buy several of them.

[@TKCL]

Didn't realize this channel was listed as fashion

[@eyesac7486]

it was a joke😂😂

[@TKCL]

🙄

[@TIICProductions]

No way. I literally just watched the other ice machine videos like 10 mins ago!

[@TKCL]

The gift that keeps on giving lol

[@oneministries4878]

Don’t forget, you made something cool. You don’t have to answer all the naysayers. Keep moving forward and may the God of creation use you to confound the (so called) wise. Chew up the meat and spit out the bones.

[@TheHondolane]

Love this idea! I wouldn't worry too much about operating costs. Its the convenience of the availability of the ice, further more your unit looks clean enough for drinking ice. Does anyone ever question the cleanliness of ice at a bar or restaurant? Keep up the great work!

[@TKCL]

The next episode shows the numbers, it costs far less than I imagined to make the ice. Love the project even more after that

[@davidwatts5863]

Only thing I was going to say was move fans closer to ice makers, when look inside freezer ice makers the fans are right there. Only reason I know is my ice maker stop bar stop working and ice build up and was hitting fan blade. I don't know how I this came in my feed but I'm glad it did. This how inventions are made. Great work and great commentary.👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾I also loved the idea of refrigerator guy of putting it in the house in a cooler place to produce more ice fast because outside of unit will be cooler. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@himhim3344]

This is the stuff that TKOR used to do before the channel went to shit

[@TKCL]

Don't know who that is, but hate to hear it changed for whatever reason

[@dannycarlson5375]

I always keep used milk jugs filled up about 2/3 to 3/4 the way in my freezer. these are a great addition to your coolers to help slow down the melting of your ice.

[@michaelprosperity3420]

Great work. The cut on the top for the pass thru makes it easier to service.

[@pyr8at40]

well done......you are a very smart guy and do a great job in the way you present your material....love this series

[@MARKE911]

I know from watching HVAC videos that keeping the outside coils cleaned and ensuring lots of ventilation and no restrictions around them make a big difference for the heat exchange. YT suggested this video to me a week ago and I really enjoy seeing all your testing and improvements. This is really cool way to make ice. Pun intended.

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@firebird4548]

Can’t believe a video on making ice could be so entertaining, waiting on the next one.

[@TKCL]

Lol I know right! Give me two days to finish the new round of tests

[@bertharvey3137]

been doing commercial refrigeration including ice makers 29 years now. i believe you have created a perfect frankenstein machine for your needs effiency will exceed the commercial capabilities. nice job, love the creativity subbed

[@TKCL]

Thank you very much

[@philipraimondo]

I am so glad you clarified your specific use of the ice and more importantly the type of ice. I Have installed and worked with just about every brand of Ice machine...The results of the final cube is more important. Solid full cubes are always best and last long time. The other cubes have too much air in them and will melt too quickly. Tell everyone to try this method - Buy cheap ice or use cheap ice in a drink. Then use the solid cubes from their old school machines (OR from an ice cube tray) and see which will be watered down the quickest... Great Job!

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@bobbendt1698]

My dad used to run his chest freezer at about -10. Used to freeze water in milk cartons for camping and those -10 F blocks would freeze your adult beverages if they were chunked up. Running that freezer below 0 and the ice will last longer too. Great series.

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@jthonn]

You are doing a great job bruh. Neat idea, why people want to be rude is beyond me. Keep up the good work!

[@TKCL]

I don't understand it either, if you don't like it just find another channel. Too many people in this world screaming for attention the wrong way. Thanks for watching

[@lugnutter]

This caught my attention because you channeled the McGyver in you. Great to hear a KZbinr who responds to the comments on video. He knows his stuff. Not a 2nd party who responds to various comments. Wanna make more ice….let’s paint the outside….make it yours.

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@nickwithll921]

The topic of this video is not even on my radar but I enjoy watching the processes of making this homemade ice maker.

[@TKCL]

I completely understand, I'll watch things all the time that I have no intentions of building or using. Doesn't mean you can't learn something or enjoy the process

[@mikedwiles]

I have enjoyed this video series. Here's a recommendation, a larger, external fan in your shop to blow across the freezer to let it be more efficient to dissipate the heat on the sides.

[@TKCL]

Testing that too, I discuss it in today's video. Thanks!

[@wolfganglava1511]

Last week KZbin recommended a video about making firewood to me, then this one for me in this week. Really cool projects 😎

[@TKCL]

So glad to hear that! Thank you for watching

[@ericgraalfs1064]

Interesting video. I work for a commercial refrigeration company in Tulsa Oklahoma. Our residential customers would love this!

[@TKCL]

I'm surprised it hasn't already been commercially produced.

[@ericgraalfs1064]

@@TKCL I talked to a friend of mine that owns his own refrigeration company & he said the vo-tech school made one a few years back.

[@michaelmurphy748]

Even though I have no need/desire for an ice making freezer, I really enjoyed this video from a DYI point of view. The verbal caveats of 'this is for entertainment only should be obvious but I you do have to protect yourself. Enjoy your freezer.

[@TKCL]

Tis the world we live in! Thanks for watching

[@justmyself1000]

Awesome project! I enjoyed this! Thank You! Worst case....you have a chest freezer. Also, this is versatile.