Vinotemp trays (prototype almost done)

[ChasDen]

For the last few weeks I have been working on a few prototypes of custom vinotemp shelves.
So far I have narrowed down the design and have a few of the single shelves done.





I have tried 7 different colors and have 5 coats of clear on them so far.
I think I will go with at least 2 more to get the look I am looking for.
The outside of the trays are stained onyx black and the fronts are oak.



The inside of the trays will be lined with Spanish cedar.
The cedar will be 1/8 inch lower than the front and sides, the back is already lower,



this will create a 1/8 inch lip all the way around the inside top of the box.
A glass top will sit on this lip in each shelf.
This way each tray will not be susceptible to the RH swings you get when the vino cycles
plus you will be able to pull a tray partially out to see what’s in it before you open it.

The trays are designed to slide into the existing slots and the front edges are mitered.
When slid all the way in they are flush against the sides of the vino.







Today I picked up a few different handles to try out and hope to have one completed by next weekend.

Hopefully the cedar will be here by mid week.

Chas

[TRicker]

If only I could trade my rugged good looks for some of the woodworking ability I have seen on here lately! Nice job on those.

[smokin5]

VERY impressive!
Looks like you've got a new profession ahead of you.

[MCM]

Dude, those are SWEET.

[BlackIrish]

Originally Posted by MCM

Dude, those are SWEET.

F'g A sweet!

[ChasDen]

Today I decided I did not like the way the finish was setting on the trays so I wet sanded them with a 600 grit wet sandpaper and sprayed another coat of clear. Much better

The finish is now baby butt smooth and makes me feel much better.
It was hard to see in the pictures, but there were some slight ridges in the wood and it was driving me nuts.

1 more coat of clear and the outsides will be one.

Chas

[Av8tor152d]

Very nice looking.

[troutbreath]

That looks really nice.

[shilala]

I like the black.
There's a bunch of brushed chrome handles at Lowe's that'd look wai swank, bro.
Sweet deal!!!

[brigey]

Chas, they look great, but have you noticed any transfer of odor from the stain/sealer? I like what I have seen. ()

[ChasDen]

Originally Posted by shilala

I like the black.
There's a bunch of brushed chrome handles at Lowe's that'd look wai swank, bro.
Sweet deal!!!

I think I have the ones your talking about. I have 4 that I picked up Friday. 2 from Lowe's, 2 from home depot. I will mount all 4 and see what looks the best. This all started for the sons vino but has escalated into something much bigger.

Originally Posted by brigey

Chas, they look great, but have you noticed any transfer of odor from the stain/sealer? I like what I have seen. ()

I have been playing with this idea for 2 months or more and played around with stains and finishes for weeks. I have it nailed down to what I feel is the best combination. Since the black covers the most surface area it is a water based stain that has little to no odor. the fronts are the only thing that is an oil based stain. It is applied in 2 coats and sits for 7 days before its top coated. Then I sealed the whole thing with 2 coats of lacquer sanding sealer. The clear top coat finish is applied in 5 thin coats (may go 6) and is a Clear Wood Finish Lacquer. It dries fast and is virtually odor free after 48 hours. I have tested it on small pieces of wood and tested it for smell by taking the piece and placing it in a sealed plastic bag at different intervals. The magic number appears to be 7 days. After it dries as long as its in open air for at least 7 days I have not smelled anything after the bag test. I will test one of the complete boxes once I am done with one to make sure but I feel as long as they are given enough time to dry there is no problem. No different than any of the fancy cigar boxes you see in all stores.

Chas

[Only Fuentes]

That's awesome Chas!! I have stained/sealed more Bdft than I care to remember and I totally agree with the 7 day magic number. Ventilation and patience is the key to odor problems.

[Bax]

Looks awesome, I kinda like the multi color look in the vino. It's like a cigar rainbow.

[ChasDen]

Originally Posted by Bax

Looks awesome, I kinda like the multi color look in the vino. It's like a cigar rainbow.

I did 7 different ones to see how they would look stained.

I am making some for my son and some for me.
Once he decides what color he likes I will make his.

I think I am leaning towards the natural for mine.

This week I'm working on a double (high)

Chas

[brigey]

Originally Posted by ChasDen

I have been playing with this idea for 2 months or more and played around with stains and finishes for weeks. I have it nailed down to what I feel is the best combination. Since the black covers the most surface area it is a water based stain that has little to no odor. the fronts are the only thing that is an oil based stain. It is applied in 2 coats and sits for 7 days before its top coated. Then I sealed the whole thing with 2 coats of lacquer sanding sealer. The clear top coat finish is applied in 5 thin coats (may go 6) and is a Clear Wood Finish Lacquer. It dries fast and is virtually odor free after 48 hours. I have tested it on small pieces of wood and tested it for smell by taking the piece and placing it in a sealed plastic bag at different intervals. The magic number appears to be 7 days. After it dries as long as its in open air for at least 7 days I have not smelled anything after the bag test. I will test one of the complete boxes once I am done with one to make sure but I feel as long as they are given enough time to dry there is no problem. No different than any of the fancy cigar boxes you see in all stores.

Chas

Chas, Thank you for the update. I figured you had tested them before placing them in your vinotemp. The transfer of fumes would be a disaster to you cigars. I like the medium to natural tone stains. You have done a superior job and I applaud your effort.

Regards