86W LED Filing Cabinet

[ReikoX]

I have mentioned this once or twice, but haven't had the time to start up a thread. Now I present to you the 86W LED Filing Cabinet. This project has been inspired by many great members such as Blynx's use of these LEDs, Anti's exhaust layout, and VerdantGreen's modular ScrOG screens. There are many, many more and my thanks goes out to anyone kind enough to share on this site.

I keep a diary on my phone using Evernote, so I will be back posting the build. Here is a quick overview of the cabinet.

Cabinet Dimensions: 15"W x 17"D x 40"H
Lighting: 4x 21.5W (86W) Recesses LED bulbs
Ventilation: 120mm 61.4 CFM 2.3mm SP exhaust on a thermostat, 4x 3" 90* pvc passive intakes
Odor Control: 2" "pancake" style carbon filter
Features: Webcam

 

[ReikoX]

2015.10.30

2015.10.30

So my current grow is going well, but I can still have one more plant flowering and be within my limit. I also wanted to try some auto flowering strains, so I picked up some Heavyweight Fast and Vast with my last order.

I decided to build another cabinet. I require a fair bit of stealth and really liked the way my metal storage cabinet turned out. I started thinking and decided that a metal filing cabinet would be great, and would blend in perfectly. I went down to the surplus store and they had plenty for around $35. I just need to borrow a truck to pick it up.


I saw Blynx using these recessed LED flood lights in his new cabinet. It seemed like they were working comparable to CFLs for him (Blynx can do amazing things with 1 square foot and CFLs). He mentioned he found them at his local club store, so I went to take a look. Found these at my local club store. They are 21.5 watts each. Each two pack was $16.99 after an instant rebate. I removed the lens and cut off the trim.


Here is a test of one light. They are pretty bright! I need to sit down and work out my design in more detail. I've already began ordering parts. My goal for this project is to build a cabinet and grow and grow 1 oz for less than $200.00.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.11.01

2015.11.01

Went out today looking for a two drawer filing cabinet. I saw one at surplus for $35. When I went to borrow my dad's truck to get it, he said I could have this one for free! Of course I borrowed some tools while I was there


The filing cabinet is 15"x18"x40". It's a little bigger than what I had originally planed, but I think it will work out better in the end.


Here is the basic layout for the lights. They will be mounted in a box at the top. The fan will have a "pancake" style carbon scrubber on it. I ordered a nice fan with good static pressure numbers. It's a PWM fan, so I got the controller for it as well. This will allow it to keep the static pressure, but still run slower when the temperature is low. I also ordered a thermostat for it.


The next step was to take out the top two drawers and cut the faces off. I then cut some side bars using the old shelves for my storage cabinet. I drilled the sides and used pop rivets to hold it together.


Next I removed the rails for the top two drawers and laid out my intake. These fit perfectly under the drawer. Just need to cut a false bottom and the holes for the 3" PVC.


Finally, I cleaned up my mess then laid out the top and bottom. Tomorrow I'll cut these out and rivet them into place.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.11.02

2015.11.02

I've updated the drawings to incorporate the three drawer filing cabinet.


This is the old design.


This is my new design.

There is not too much that changes. I was going to make a light trap, but the 3" PVC was way easier, so I went with that.

Got the top and bottom prices cut out. Lesson learned, when cutting 16 Guage steel, use gloves. I got a couple of metal splinters. I was using safety glasses at least, one of those in the eye would suck!


The bottom was cut out and then trimmed up to fit. The PVC will fit through those holes and be sealed with silicone.
The top was also cut out to fit. My buddy was going to get his plasma cutter, but the jig saw took care of it before he got back.


The biggest issue I've had is trying to figure out how I'm going to access the inside. I planned on having the carbon scrubber in there. I thought about putting a hinge on the front, but thought it would be too hard. Then it hit me, an access panel in the back where I planned the exhaust. It won't need to be air and light tight, it won't be seen, and it will make it easier to cut the exhaust!


I wired up the lights and fired them up. These are very bright, I cannot look directly at them without seeing spots.


I spent some time laying out the electronics section. I'm still waiting on the fan, PWM controller, and thermostat. I have a 12V power supply, power plug, power switch, timer and lights already.

I'm going to update my drawings with everything in the back and the access panel. Still have sealing, painting, electrical, and ventilation to work on.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.11.03

2015.11.03


Here is the updated drawing. I'm not sure if I'll be able to squeeze the electronics in or if I'll just have to make a small box for them. Here they are outside the other box, but I had to guess on some of the sizes.


Picked up the floor registers to use as vents. Cut them out. The floor piece needs a bit of trimming on the bottom.


PVC got painted and installed. The floor is riveted in. Still need to seal that with caulk and paint it flat black underneath.


I got my fan and PWM controller. I don't think I got the right controller. It works, but basically gives me high and low. I can get the same thing by grounding the third wire. I can use the thermostat in heat mode to accomplish this. The fan is very quiet and pulls a decent amount of air though. Hopefully the static pressure is there.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.11.04

2015.11.04

Got some extra time to work on the filing cabinet today. My goal is to be finished by this weekend.


Started working on the intake/carbon filter. First I banged out these sides.


Next I inserted the fan and some hardware cloth. Had to use a hammer to get the fan in.


Finally I made a shroud. I still need to silicone the real fan in. I did get the shroud silicone in place. I also want to paint the top black. I also made the back compartment for the electronics.


I covered the cabinet in prep for painting. Next I used black silicone caulk to seal off the bottom. After it dries I'll check for any remaining light leaks, then put a coat of flat black over it.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.11.06

2015.11.06


Got the top painted flat black. This should help avoid any light leaks.


The bottom also got a coat of flat black. Again to cut down on light leaks.


Painted the inside of the top portion as well as the inside of the access panel.


Did a bit of testing. The fan is rated for 2 mmh2o static pressure. It seemed to take the carbon layer on there pretty well. I'm confident this will eliminate oder, and hopeful it's enough to keep temperatures in check.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.11.07

2015.11.07


My goal was to finish this by tomorrow. I still have a lot of work to do, but I'll be close.
I wanted the bottom to be a little more free flowing, so I drilled a 6x6 grid of 1/2 inch holes.


I realized I would need a way to move the plant up and down because my lights are fixed. I cut two more supports and drilled 1/4 inch holes every 2 inches. I got these at the hardware store, they are used in book shelves to adjust height.


Finally I had a wire shelf I wasn't using. I cut it to size and it is very sturdy. I can now adjust the shelf in two inch increments.


I layed out the electronics on the access panel and soldered some connections. I'll cut it out tomorrow. I'm still waiting on the thermostat, but I can run everything else without it.


Finally I taped everything off and sealed with silicone caulk. It's all ready to be painted.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.11.08

2015.11.08


Painted the interior flat white. There are a couple of spots that need some touch up. I unwrapped it now that it's painted.


I decided to give the container a couple of coats of white while I was at it. The access panel and wire shelf also got sprayed.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.11.10

2015.11.10


Cut out the holes for the power on the top left, the power switch under it, the timer in the center, and the hole for the thermostat on the right.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.11.13

2015.11.13

I broke my timer while working on the access panel. Accidentally cut the ribbon cable when I dropped it. I had to go buy a new one and redo all that work (crack open the plastic, de-solder the plug, re-solder the power, and solder the output to the lights).


As you can see I still need to light proof the door. I also need to mount the lights proper as well. I've been running some temperature tests and the box is running about 80* F. This is around 10* above ambient. It will work for the winter, but may need to upgrade the fan by the summer. Also this is without properly sealing the door, the lights, or adding the carbon.


I didn't add drainage holes to this container. I'm going to try lining the bottom with expanded clay pellets.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.11.14

2015.11.14


This is a view of the back looking in the access panel. Got some cable tie downs to hold the light wiring in place. Then I filled up the carbon a good 1.5 - 2 inches thick.
Smile, you're on camera! The other wire is the thermostat probe (not connected yet) Finally, I caulked and riveted the lights in place.


I still have some touch up with caulk and plug a few leaks, connect the thermostat probe, hook up the fan to the thermostat, and seal the door. After that a good whipe down with bleach.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.11.15

2015.11.15

Edit: This didn't work and is included for completeness


Started working on the light seal. First I covered the drawers with vasoline, then put a bead of black silicone.


Then I close the doors and wait a few days to let it cure.


This is a shot in the dark. A few areas need work, not bad.


Finally the back of the cabinet with the access panel in place.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.11.17

2015.11.17

Edit: This didn't work and is included for completeness


The drawers were removed, the silicone was cleaned up. I'll do this one more time to get a nice seal.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.12.03

2015.12.03

I got side tracked on this project for a while. The light proofing is all that's left. The silicone just didn't work as I expected, so I bought some weather strip.


I used contact cement to secure the weather strip to the metal. Still have a few minor pin holes to fix.


This is the temperature probe for the thermostat. When it gets above 25*C the fan kicks on.


Big brother is watching you! This is my favorite part of the cab. The web cam is connected to the netbook on top. I had a hard time getting the camera to stay. I tried glue and tape nothing worked.


I used the end of one of these epoxied to a rare earth magnet.

Now I can move it, rotate it, and it will stay put! It's kinda like a tripod.


This is my solution to keeping the top tight enough to compress the weather strip. More rare earth magnets. I used liquid nails to secure the wood and epoxy on the magnets.


This is the same modular ScrOG from my first grow. The thing fits like it was made to go in here!

This is the only female THC Bomb I've gotten to date. This one has been trained and topped. It's been neglected and root bound. Its making a comeback and I decided it would be my test.


I promise this is only temporary, but I does keep out the light.



I'll leave you with a shot from inside the cab.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.12.08

2015.12.08


She got fed 1/4 Teaspoon Jacks 20-20-20 and 1/4 Teaspoon Superthrive per gallon of waterl Tucked a few tops, and put her back. I'm not going to be able to move it once it gets into full flower, so I need to bet a drip tray under it.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.12.13

2015.12.13


Just watered and fed before going out of town for work.

 

[ReikoX]

2015.12.23

2015.12.23

Stretch is over, I'm switching to the Jack's Houseplant Special 15-30-15 at 1/4 tsp and 1/4 tsp Superthrive per gallon.

 

[BlackTrichomE]

Hey reikox, very nice build cabinet. I stick to your new thread.
How many plants you want to put in?
And what strain you want to put in?
when is your cab ready to grow?
I hope you and your family had good xmas dayś.

Wish you a very fat sticky icky grow.

Take care

greetings BT

 

[blynx]

Tight cab! Love the info/pics/posts of the build!

What's the makeup of the THC Bomb?

When are you running the autos you picked up?