Chest Freezer Kiln/Flue Chamber

[Krausen89]

So over winter i bought a new chest freezer because the old one just stopped working. I saved the old one to make a kiln but see some on here mention you can make one to Flue cure with a dry crock pot, so that is what i am going to do. (I think) i am more interested in the Flue curing chamber than a kiln but would love if i could do both. I also have an old fridge i was going to get rid of so it might make sense if i have more room to hang the primed VA hands i might use that instead..or perhaps both? one kiln one flue? LOL maybe getting a little ahead of myself.

My plan is to place and old crock pot on the side step that i believe the compressor is under and frame out the chamber with some rods or stakes to hang the hands of leaves, wondering if i can get a thermometer in there and and yellow on low and heat it up on high without needing a controller but i am probably not that lucky. Also, from what i have read i am going to need to vent to get rid of access moisture as it curing

Is there anything else that i am missing? i will post plans as i draw them up and pictures as i am working on it (when i get some down time) along with temps i am experimenting with. i am pretty excited about this build and i haven't seen many if any chest freezer Flue Chambers

 

[Yultanman]

I think get the controller for >$20
You will have to contemplate venting to control humility for flue curing and a way to close them for kilning

 

[Krausen89]

I am looking at the inkbird itc-306T. Also saw someone used a water heater thermostat which i think are like $7-8 at home depot, have to look but i would think i would also need some sort of probe unless its built in, and im not sure how high they go. i think 165 would be pretty hot for tap water lol

 

[Krausen89]

Just around $16

 

[deluxestogie]

I have used a water heater thermostat (residential versions will not go high enough, so only a commercial one will do) in two different arrangements. In a wooden box kiln, I cut a rectangular hole through the wall, with the thermodisc back exposed to the kiln interior. I mounted one on the exterior of my Cozy Can kiln, whereby the entire metal can served to transmit the heat. In either case, the control was pretty sloppy.

I would strongly recommend a digital controller.

Bob

 

[Krausen89]

I have used a water heater thermostat (residential versions will not go high enough, so only a commercial one will do) in two different arrangements. In a wooden box kiln, I cut a rectangular hole through the wall, with the thermodisc back exposed to the kiln interior. I mounted one on the exterior of my Cozy Can kiln, whereby the entire metal can served to transmit the heat. In either case, the control was pretty sloppy.

I would strongly recommend a digital controller.

Bob

okay then, digital controller it is! will be easier to put the probe in an ideal spot anyway.

 

[Krausen89]

Just a kiln right now, going to add holes higher up to move the rack and hang hands to flue cure just hope their is enough room.

 

[deluxestogie]

For flue-curing, you might be able to just prop the lid a smidgen for venting, rather than drilling vents.

Bob

 

[Krausen89]

For flue-curing, you might be able to just prop the lid a smidgen for venting, rather than drilling vents.

Bob

I was thinking the same exact thing. My new freezers came with little clips to keep them slightly open. I prob threw them out though lol

 

[Krausen89]

If i dont have enough room to hang hands i am going to move the crock to the side shelf and hang them on the other side where it is deeper. Placed some of last years burley in there to play with. They are all pretty beat up but they have been smoking okay

 

[Krausen89]

So burley has been in there for almost 2 weeks now. i have been randomizing/mixing it up 1-3 times daily and now i have little white spots that look like mold all over the leaves....are these trash now? Not sure of the RH but im kilning at 120F....

 

[Alpine]

120 F is a bit on the low side for kilning. Mold spores cannot grow above 123 IIRC but I usually kiln my leaves at 52 C (125 and dimes F) just to be on the safe side.
Wipe the leaves with a cloth dampened in white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, and keep the kiln at no less than 125F for the next 2 or 3 weeks. Maybe you’ll loose some leaves, but I believe most of your baccy will turn out smokable.

pier

Edit: they’re not trash! Well, yet...

 

[Krausen89]

120 F is a bit on the low side for kilning. Mold spores cannot grow above 123 IIRC but I usually kiln my leaves at 52 C (125 and dimes F) just to be on the safe side.
Wipe the leaves with a cloth dampened in white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, and keep the kiln at no less than 125F for the next 2 or 3 weeks. Maybe you’ll loose some leaves, but I believe most of your baccy will turn out smokable.

pier

Edit: they’re not trash! Well, yet...

Thanks! when i get home i will do that. they are the lowest quality leaves that i am experimenting with so wouldn't be a complete loss but i would still hate to get rid of them.

 

[deluxestogie]

The lowest quality leaves are often the most troublesome to properly process. Keep on keeping on.

Bob