Thermostatically Controlled Paint Glue Cabinet?

[leehljp]

I lose more glue and paint to freezing in the winter than heat in the summer. And I don't keep lots of it on hand. I have been thinking of MAKING a 2x3 foot 3' high cabinet on rollers with a door. Not sealed perfectly but reasonably tight. I want to put a 15 watt incandescent bulb in the bottom (maybe a 7.5 watt bulb) and having some kind of thermostat that would come on automatically when the temp dropped down to 40° F.

1. What kind of thermostat do I search for that will turn 120V on and off, unlike AC and Heat thermostats that uses 12V?

2. What is the best kind of bulb.

3. I am going to make a paint/glue cabinet for organization purposes this spring or summer anyway, but I need something that will keep the glue and paint from reaching down to 35° or 32°.

Anyone experienced with this? I remember bulbs being used in similar instances in the past, and while growing up - just to keep things from freezing, but in todays technology, there might be something better. But I need to keep cost down. My idea will be a bulb in the bottom, wall and top about 4 inches away, 1/2 inch holes in top and on sides to diffuse the heat. Low wattage bulb; thermostat such as is used in electrical cord used to heat outdoor pipes to keep from freezing.

Am I crazy?

[cwsmith]

Not a crazy idea at all.

I've been thinking about the same thing, with a somewhat larger cabinet to keep stain, varnish, glue etc. in, once I move the shop out to the new shed. That's a ways off yet, but the need will be there and I'm always thinking ahead as I slowly progress.

We have one of those ceramic tower heaters that has a low 40° setting, but that is too large for a cabinet like this. When we were cleaning out the in-laws old house I found a small ceramic "cube" heater, but although it appears that it was never used, it only has analog controls with a "low" setting. One thing noticeable with that, is the "sensor" is built into the cord, which would seem to me that it cuts the power on an off.

I like the idea of using a bulb to heat with, as it seems a lot safer. I just did a quick "Google" search for "110 Volt thermostat" and found several links. Here's the one on Amazon, which shows some fairly inexpensive items. https://www.amazon.com/110~120V-Digi.../dp/B00C4TMSWI

I hope these are for what we are discussing.

CWS

[Pappy]

No thoughts on the heat source or thermostat control but a suggestion for the cabinet. Watch C/L for a free refrigerator. Already sealed and well insulated.

Mine is a side-by-side type. I stripped out the compressor then cut a hole in the divider wall and one on the outside wall of the freezer section to take a vent pipe for fumes.

[capncarl]

I use a thermo cube for freeze protection on my well. It turns on a low wattage cfl bulb and works well.( unless the bulb burns out and you don't know it)
i purchased mine at Lowes some years ago for about $15.

[tfischer]

I guess I like KISS (keep it simple, stupid)... I keep my glue and my most frequently used finishes in the entryway closet, just inside the house from my garage/shop. My lesser used finishes are kept underneath the stairs with all our other leftover paints from the house, and still pretty accessible.

[leehljp]

Not a crazy idea at all.

I like the idea of using a bulb to heat with, as it seems a lot safer. I just did a quick "Google" search for "110 Volt thermostat" and found several links. Here's the one on Amazon, which shows some fairly inexpensive items. https://www.amazon.com/110~120V-Digi.../dp/B00C4TMSWI

I hope these are for what we are discussing.

CWS

Thanks. That is what I need. And everyone's suggestions are appreciated. I thought about a small refrigerator but then also thought that I would be better off with my own design. This is out in my unheated shop. I do have an electric heater in it but I don't like leaving it on overnight for general principles.

Capn - That is simple enough, but CWS's looks like a winner with settings according to my wishes. I will probably buy one of those Easy Heat-Freeze Free plugs to have on hand. IT sure looks handy.

Thanks!

[JoeyGee]

John Heisz on YouTube did exactly that. He's one of my favorite channels.

https://youtu.be/G40pGmpBy8Q

Article, if you prefer to read it:

http://www.ibuildit.ca/Workshop%20Projects/heated-cabinet-1.html

YouTube always has the answer, lol. Who needs college, any more? LOL

[leehljp]

Thanks Joe, that was a couple of good videos. Helpful!