One of my most interesting projects this summer was building my rolling kegerator (pics here).  I love tackling new home brew projects and this one was quite enjoyable.  It was inspired by a magazine article in Brew Your Own.  In the November 2008 issue, Kevin Mattie talks about how he built his rolling kegerator.

Well this seemed like something right up my alley.  So I decided to take it on.  First I gathered all of the parts.  Then I measured (twice), cut and/or drill all of the parts, then assembled this bad boy.

After carefully measuring, marking and then drilling pilot holes, I got the first tap in.  That is when I decided to take my first “union break” and have a beer.

 I then assembled the last two taps and attached the drip tray.  The trip tray is attached with strong magnets so that I can quickly pull it off to dump the waste.  Since stainless steel is not magnetic, and the tray is stainless, I had to weld two one inch galvanized washers to the bottom.  That worked like a champ.

On the second day, I assembled the inside of this kegerator.  I cut the Styrofoam sheets, taped the edges with duct tape then wrapped everything with construction grade trash bags.  I then assembled the CO2 and beer lines, tested for leaks and installed them inside.

I used a portable CO2 portable pneumatic system from a local big box hardware store per Kevin’s recommendation.  That works remarkably well.  I am very impressed.  And, believe it or not, I got this finished just four hours before a huge party.  I was very nervous cutting it that close.  I did not have the chance to play with CO2 levels and anything could have failed.  As it turned out, the CO2 level was perfect, everyone enjoyed the beer and we went through three kegs with no incident.

Here are some happy customers.  You should pick up this issue of BYO and build this.  It is fairly simple and very rewarding.  You’ll definitely be the hit of the party.